Not everyone can remain “up,” optimistic, and energetic all the time. We all wax and wane in our moods, outlook, and energy levels. That’s normal. People who are “up” most of the time have many methods to their madness. Adopt some of them to keep your motivation high.
1. Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow. Hopefully you love what you do — the interaction with people, the challenges, the rewards, and the growth potential. Make time for what you love.
2. Take Pride in What You Do and It Will Have Meaning. Even if you are starting at the bottom of the corporate ladder, do your job with pride and professionalism. Excellence is its own reward and will be recognized. Taking pride in doing the best job you can — no matter what the task — increases your self-esteem, competence, and sense of control over your life and work. Not to mention your promotability.
3. Challenge Yourself with Continuous Self-Improvement. Set realistic goals that are attainable in short periods of time. Break larger goals into smaller increments to give yourself frequent opportunities to experience a sense of accomplishment. Success feeds on success.
4. Reward Yourself for Successes and Failures. Devise ways to reward yourself for your efforts, even when you are not successful. Giving yourself an “E for Effort” will keep you going so that sooner or later you’ll be rewarding yourself for a success.
5. Think in Terms of a Career Path, Not Just a Job. Commit yourself to doing the best job you can with your present company, but remember that few jobs last forever. Always keep your future destinations in mind while your eye is on the road immediately before you.
6. Take Absolute Responsibility for Your Life and Career. Realize that you and only you can shape your future. Again, small, positive steps lead to bigger and bigger payoffs.
What tricks have you used to keep yourself motivated? Share your tips in the comments section below.
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Dr. Tony Alessandra is a behavioral and communication expert, and author of 17 books including The Platinum Rule, Collaborative Selling and The Art of Managing People. Today he is a leading business motivational speaker on communication, customer loyalty and sales.
