Self- Motivation: A Need of the Hour!!

A decade ago, life was simpler and easy to deal with! Those were the days when one could rely on their close friend/ relative for any kind of immediate support. Let’s not forget the concept of joint family which acted as a boon in disguise, for any kind of mental support/ motivation too. So, if one had to deal with any of emotional outburst or any kind of distress, choices were many!

On the other hand, for a student, wasn’t it easy to ask help with regard to her being absent in the school due to personal reasons? Or be it, there was constant support from the peer group too. That was where motivation was instant and issues were sorted on time leading to quick relief from any kind of anxiety or stress. So, motivational pills were easily available!

Now, let’s see the present scenario. Is it really the same? I am sure you would have an answer to think, as a big NO! Why so? Truly said, about the competitive world and it’s obvious, all are in the race to be on the top. So what really happens? When one needs motivation does, he/she really get when desired or on time?

I am sure you will agree, motivation is a source that helps us going, grow, and works as a boosting factor to achieve the best, in all aspects of our life. Considering this, one definitely needs to think how to keep up their motivation alive and lead a positive life.

Keeping your worries aside, think about SELF-MOTIVATION! Yes you rightly read, today concept of self-motivation is the need of the hour! The ability to motivate yourself:self-motivation, is an important skill. This means you don’t really need to wait to get motivated from the external environment. No more dependency on others for motivational doses!!

Dear readers, let’s begin the journey of discovering how we can self-motivate ourselves:

• Start your day with clarity. Know the plan for the day. Here, the concept of time management acts a great self-motivating technique.

• Have a routine during the day. Time for the entire day needs to be defined- Wake up time, sleep time, reading time, exercise time, screen time and so forth. This makes you feel motivated once you accomplish these activities on time.

• Try to figure out some activity that you are good at. For instance,writing,cooking, gardening or any such hobby that you can think off. Do spend some time doing it. This helps you to enjoy the activity and simultaneously works as a self-motivating technique.

• Remembering your achievements in the recent past also helps you to feel self-motivated during the present tough times. Peep inside you, analyse the hurdles and think of working on it. Simple rule, when I could do it then, why not now?

• Acknowledge any work you do, by a pat on your back. So, this way you don’t wait for any external triggers and this works as a great self-motivating technique too.

• Set realistic goals. Take one goal at a time.Once you achieve it, move ahead towards another goal. Creating goals has a big effect and acts as a great self-motivator.

• Start slow. You don’t need to jump and finish all tasks in full speed. This way your mind will be relaxed and the message goes clear that you don’t have to do a task fast, fast, fast.Actually getting started, even if it’s at a slow pace, is a whole lot better than not getting started at all.

• Don’t compare yourself with others.The fact remains no one is perfect. But definitely you can be better. So, enjoy being yourself, by tracking your progress.

• Any negative thoughts? Spot the negative thinking by writing a daily journal and delete it on the spot.

• Lastly, live in the present. Focus on today. See what best you can do for the day…. And the rest will follow.

So, believe in yourself, and journey of self-motivation begins!!

Arti Desai
Counseling Psychologist
1st August 2021