There’s a downfall from having motivation? Motivation in it of itself isn’t enough. Hearing people say that they are very motivated, I reflect on my past. In many areas of my life, I too said I was motivated. Motivated for what? Well, let’s take a step back and look at what motivated means by definition. This, of course, means different things to different people, but here’s one of the dictionary versions.
Motivation: the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.
Ok, now that we have the general definition, what do you think? It tells me that there is potentially a state of preparation. The problem with motivation by itself is that it has no substance and no action with it. Perhaps there should be a cool saying of “Motivation & Execution!” Hey, I believe I just made a cool saying. Just go with it and give me credit! I feel a T-shirt coming on.
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
– Bruce Lee
I hear you say you’re motivated
The downfall of motivation is saying you are motivated, but that will never give you the thought that you will in fact accomplish it. It’s a statement of something that hasn’t actually happened as of yet. So, you must always visualize and verbalize the action with it. The downfall of motivation is that most don’t have steps in place to achieve what they want. No plan of action, no blueprint.
To remedy this you must look at the big picture and understand it. What are you motivated for? Are you motivated to get that big promotion? Well, get your pen and pad out and start the process of drafting out what it would take you to get that big promotion. Start at the very beginning by clearly defining where you are in your corporation. Show what you are responsible for and what is your role. List all the areas that you excel in.
What needs improving
Immediately following you should list the areas that need improvement. Stop lying to yourself, you know there are some things that could use improvement. It’s ok, I do it too. Next, define what the promotion is. List out what the role and responsibilities are for that position. After that, you should make note of all of your current abilities that match that next role and rank how well you are at each. It is important for you to understand what the next role entails so that you can get to work on achieving those skills. You have to change your mindset.
Once you have the two roles clearly defined and listed, prepare a list for action. In order to accomplish that next promotion or whatever your “motivated” statement is you have to lay down the groundwork for it to be a success.
There is more to motivation
This is the part where most fall short. Why? Because many just feel that because they are good and hardworking people, that it should be enough to get the higher-ups to recognize them. This is rarely the case especially if it’s in a larger corporation. If you are in a five-person company then you best be standing out by now. If not then please let me know, because you have just given us new content.
Your job now is to kick your current role into high gear. Immediately work on the areas that need improvement. Seriously, get to it and then amp up what you are already good at. The important part of doing this is that you will become stronger at your current role thus giving you ammunition for that next promotion. You have to give them reasons to want you in that next role. (Do understand that when I say, “ammunition” this doesn’t mean go into your workplace and create a demanding the position type thing. We have enough chaos. Get it the right way!)
Time to amp it up
Upon successfully accomplishing the tasks of amping up your current position then you need to add some extra percent. What does this mean? It’s time to give your role 110%. Refrain from having the mentality that you will just do your job responsibilities and that’s it. And don’t ever say to anyone in your company that you only do your job responsibilities, because that is a no-no and a big red flag for your company. At that rate, you will most likely stay on the bench indefinitely. If you have said this in the past and got passed up for that big promotion then I suspect that is the reason why.
Go the extra mile in your current role and seek out tasks that pertain to the role that you want. Show your company that you are eager to learn about that next role. Being able to maximize your current role along with showing the desire for the next position will certainly add credibility to your cause. This is how motivation will no longer have to be a downfall. You will have demonstrated that you took the action with the motivation.
Motivation and Execution!
Conclusion
What I hopefully have done by this point is demonstrated the necessary “action” with the motivation. Stop saying you are motivated and just demonstrate said action item. Now they will know that you were most defiantly motivated to get that big position!
Good luck young Jedi!
So, what’s cookin Doc? What actions are you taking with your motivation? Tell us what cool tips and tricks you may already have!
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