Meenakshi tells us how motivation is the key to success. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Motivation is an extremely important ingredient of professional and personal success.
“I’m simply a plain ordinary man highly motivated”, said legendary Theodore Roosevelt, who went on to become the President of the USA at only 43. Looking at the heights he achieved the importance of motivation becomes noticeably clear. All of us, in whatever career we pursue must possess a story motivational component. This is important if one wishes to strive and thrive in one’s professional pursuits. The term ‘motivation’ comes from the Latin word ‘movere’, which means to move. It can be defined as “getting people to do willingly and well, those things which have to be done.”
In modern management parlance it is often the employers who are required to provide the right set of ingredients to ensure the motivation of the employees. The ingredients have varied from good working conditions to ensuring personal satisfaction, monetary rewards, and so on. However, given the changing professional dynamics and significant influences of technology and competition, it is extremely important for individuals to be self-motivated also. For instance, teachers have to be self-motivated so they can also motivate the children.
It is an age where competition is brutal and reckless. If we want to survive, we must possess a big punch. Motivation is certainly one. To be in a motivated state, we must have a goal in life, keep moving, suffering if any, in between, should not perturb us. Whether one is motivated or not gets reflected well in his/her performance at the workplace. Employees who lack motivation often display the following apathy and indifference to work; a poor record of timekeeping and high absenteeism; exaggeration of the problems, disputes, and grievance, and unjustified resistance to see change.
It is important to tap into these problems early on. The best way is to identify and resolve the professional problems as early as possible. This will not only keep the motivation intact but also ensure that one does not acquire the tag of a troublesome employee. We can also add an element of fun to our work. Modern organisations encourage innovation. Let’s think of different ways of doing work. Take breaks during work hours. A cup of coffee or tea could be quite refreshing or even a quick chat with a colleague. A good understanding of one’s self helps establish a positive self-image. This is important for maintaining a good level of motivation.
However, still there are certain external barriers that act as barriers to motivation. Modern professionals should take good note of these barriers, as they help negotiate you through work-related problems better. First, there are environmental barriers. An individual who is not able to exercise any control over his/her work and environment feels dissatisfied and alienated which results in a lower need for achievement. Then there is a socio-economic condition, like bad financials or huge debts that might dent our motivation levels. Negative self-image, which might emanate from the above two are other factors that can also lead to demotivation.
The bottom line is clear for us: all of us need to be motivated to succeed personally and professionally. The trick lies in identification problems that hamper our motivation and overcoming them, sooner than later. Then, of course, the sky will be the limit for all of us.
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