We could all use a little extra motivation in our lives. Finding that spark, however, might seem difficult, though. We live hectic lives and don't have a great deal of time to spend searching out arcane meditative methods by which we can unlock our inner selves. We don't have the time to spend motoring from motivational lecture to motivational lecture. We don't want to listen to inspirational audio recordings or to read yet another book offering some new recipe for "chicken soup" designed to make us happier and more excited about living.
What we all want is a quick means of giving our life a boost. We want simple motivation exercises that produce real results and that don't require too much from us.
Although those small motivation exercises may not be enough to propel us from couch potato status to master of the universe, they can help get us going when we are dragging a bit and the "to do" list is lengthening. Let's look at a few simple exercises that will provide some additional inspiration and energy to your life. None of these exercises is likely to change your life completely, but when used as part of a larger self-improvement plan, they can be quite powerful.
Hold a reward hostage. This is a tried and true means of motivation. The next time you TiVo a favorite television show, rent a hot new release, buy a new CD, pick up a candy bar at the grocery store, or buy a new book for which you have been waiting, hold the item hostage as a reward. Make its use or consumption contingent upon completing a task or accomplishing a goal.
It may seem artificial to tell yourself that you don't get to enjoy the new episode of your favorite television show until you do the dishes and write in your journal, but it can really work. Yes, you can break the rule. More of than not, though, you want. You will get things done so that you can enjoy that item without feeling a single pang of guilt. The hostage scenario is a good example of how motivation exercises can tap into the power of extrinsic motivation.
Intrinsic motivation exercises can also make a difference. Train yourself to ask a "filtering question" when confronting situations that directly impact your goals. For instance, if you are involved with a weight loss program, you will want to approach food situations by asking yourself a question like, "Will this food make me healthier or happier?" By forcing yourself to directly confront the important issues involved with your decision to live a healthier life, you will often find yourself making wiser choices or avoiding risky situations altogether. This method focuses upon the internal motivations you have for your goals and, by reminding you of them, helps you to reach your goals.
Work together. We often think of motivation as being intensely personal. In many cases, the factors underlying our decisions to create a better life are that personal. However, the effectuation of our plans to reach those inspired goals doesn't have to be a private matter. It's okay to find a buddy who also wants to go to the gym every day, for instance. His or her reasons may differ from yours, but you both want to get that workout and by doing it together, you can increase the chances for your success.
That's because sharing a goal creates a certain accountability that adds to your motivation. It also makes many tasks more enjoyable. Sharing the company of another is pleasant and can make "necessary but ugly" tasks much more attractive. Working together is one of many very powerful, yet very simple, motivation exercises to consider.
Finding motivation doesn't require a retreat to faraway lands and a consultation with a mountaintop guru. It just requires making an effort to get the ball rolling as you seek to gain greater control over your life and strive to reach your individual goals. Simple motivation exercises can help you reach your objectives without demanding a great deal of research, time, or additional effort. Consider the "hostage" plan, the "filter question" and working together the next time you could use some additional motivation.
