Struggling to Keep Your Motivation Alive? Here’s the Surprising Truth: It’s Not About Setting Bigger Goals
Have you ever chased a big goal, only to feel your motivation fizzle out halfway through? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You’re not alone. The truth is, the secret to lasting motivation doesn’t lie in chasing after promotions, new cars, or more money. It lies in something much deeper, something that most people overlook. And in this newsletter, I’m going to show you exactly how to tap into that inner drive that doesn’t just fade away when things feel sticky.
I know this struggle all too well. This spring, I enthusiastically returned to writing, eager to share my thoughts, philosophies, and coaching insights with high performers like you (have you been following along?!). Initially, my motivation was strong - I maintained a consistent writing schedule and felt compelled to share. But as summer approached and life got fuller, I found my drive starting waning.
Sound familiar?
As I took a step back to reset and refocus, I realized that I had been relying too much on external motivators and that, while important, weren’t enough to motivate me to write every week. That’s when I revisited the fundamentals I teach my clients - the powerful impact of intrinsic motivation.
The Misconception About Motivation
Many people believe that the key to boosting motivation is setting bigger goals or achieving more external benchmarks - like landing that big promotion or buying a new car. But here’s the problem - this focus on extrinsic motivation, while powerful in the short term, often lacks the depth needed for sustained drive.
Extrinsic motivation is fuelled by external rewards - money, job titles, or material items. And while it can be effective for achieving specific goals, once those needs are met, the motivation often fades, leaving us feeling unfulfilled and searching for that next “hit".
True, lasting motivation comes from within. Cue intrinsic motivation, driven by internal factors - personal interests, curiosities, and the sheer enjoyment of the activity itself. When we cultivate intrinsic motivation, we’re not just achieving more - we’re becoming more connected with what we’re doing, leading to not just sustained motivation but greater fulfillment.
Unlocking Your Intrinsic Drive: The 5 Core Drivers
So, how do you tap into this deeper, more sustaining form of motivation? It starts with understanding the five core drivers of intrinsic motivation:
Autonomy: The sense of control and independence you have over your actions and choices. When you make decisions aligned with your values and preferences, it enhances your intrinsic motivation
Mastery: The pursuit of continuous improvement and the desire to become increasingly skilled. The challenge and satisfaction of overcoming obstacles contribute to sustained motivation
Curiosity: The innate desire to explore, learn, and understand new things. Curiosity creates a sense of wonder and fascination, which enhances the enjoyment of the learning process
Passion: A strong enthusiasm or love for a particular activity or pursuit. Passion fuels intrinsic motivation by providing a deep emotional connection to the activity
Purpose: A sense of meaning and significance in your actions, usually contributing to a larger, more meaningful goal. Having a clear sense of purpose aligns your actions with a greater cause, making the pursuit of your goals more intrinsically rewarding
How to Tap into These Drivers: 5 Questions to Ignite Your Motivation
To harness these drivers and fuel your intrinsic motivation, ask yourself these five key questions:
Autonomy: How much control and independence do you have over your actions and decisions?
Mastery: How possible is it to continuously improve what you’re doing? Do you feel challenged in a healthy way?
Curiosity: How curious are you about what you do day to day? Are you eager to learn more?
Passion: How passionate are you about your work and activities?
Purpose: How much do your actions align with a larger, meaningful goal or purpose?
When reflecting on these questions, take a moment to assess your current reality versus your desired reality. On a scale from 0 to 10, where do you currently stand? Consider, what it would take to get you closer to a 10. Where is there a gap and what steps can you take to bridge it?
The Path to Consistent Motivation and Flow
By understanding and nurturing these intrinsic drivers, you’re not just tapping into consistent motivation - you’re also creating the conditions for achieving a state of flow. That elusive state of being fully immersed and energized by the task or activity at hand is more easily attained when your actions align with your intrinsic motivators.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic and discovering how to harness your unique intrinsic drivers, let’s connect. Message me to book a complimentary 30 minute strategy session, where we’ll craft a personalized plan to not only maintain your drive but also elevate your performance!