Motivation is the driving force behind why we do what we do. It is the internal or external process that energises, directs, and sustains our behaviour toward a particular goal or outcome.
The more people I speak to, the more I realise that motivation is a precious resource, and it can come and go in waves. For example, I used to do early morning networking, I was motivated to get up and drink strong coffee and talk to people to win business and grow my company. My motivation for that has definitely reduced as life has got busier.
I realise now that motivation can be influenced by a variety of factors, including our values, beliefs, goals, needs, and emotions. It can come from within, such as a desire for personal growth or a sense of purpose, or from external factors, such as rewards, recognition, or pressure from others.
Motivation plays a crucial role in many areas of life, including work, education, sports, and personal relationships. It can impact our performance, engagement, and well-being, and can determine whether we achieve our goals or fall short.
Examples of extreme motivation are everywhere but none more so than the mission to land humans on the moon. This was a huge undertaking that required years of planning, research, and innovation. The team of scientists, engineers, and astronauts involved in the mission were highly motivated by a shared goal: to achieve the seemingly impossible and land humans on the moon.
Why is it that humans can achieve so many lofty pursuits, but I don’t have the motivation to mingle at an early morning networking event?!
Why we lose motivation
Losing motivation can happen to anyone at any time, but there are some common causes.
- Lack of clarity: If you’re not sure what your goals are or how to achieve them, it can be hard to feel motivated. Take some time to clarify your goals and create a plan for achieving them. Goal setting is a great way to stay focused and motivated.
- Feeling overwhelmed by a large workload or complex tasks can be demotivating. Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks, and prioritise what needs to be done first. As the saying goes, how do you eat an elephant? One piece at a time.
- Fear of failure can prevent you from taking risks or trying new things, which can limit your motivation. Try to reframe failure as an opportunity for learning and growth, and focus on the progress you’ve made rather than perfection.
- Lack of passion: If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, it can be hard to stay motivated. Consider whether your work aligns with your values and interests, and explore ways to incorporate more of what you love into your work.
- Burnout: Overworking or neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, which can zap your motivation and energy. Take breaks, practice self-care, and make sure you’re getting enough rest and relaxation. You are a business owner not a robot – take some time for you.
- Sometimes external factors, like a toxic work environment or personal issues, can impact your motivation. Identify any external factors that may be affecting you and try to address them or seek support where needed.
As leader it is essential to stay motivated
It is essential for business leaders to stay motivated because their level of motivation can impact the motivation and productivity of their team members, and the success of the business as a whole.
Leaders who are highly motivated can inspire and energise their team members, creating a positive work environment, where everyone is working towards a common goal. In contrast, leaders who are unmotivated or disengaged can demotivate their team members, leading to a decrease in productivity and morale.
Furthermore, staying motivated can help business leaders overcome challenges and setbacks that are inevitable in the business world. It can help them stay focused on their goals and maintain a positive outlook, even when faced with difficult situations.
Motivated leaders are also more likely to be innovative and creative, as they are more open to new ideas and willing to take risks. This can be a key factor in staying ahead of the competition and driving growth and success for the business.
How we can help
They say its good to talk and we are here to help you, not only with the day-to-day accountancy stuff, but to help you as a business owner to become successful and happy. So stay in touch, lets talk about your business! Come in for a coffee and a chat, we are here to help you.
