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What does that word motivation mean?

Guest post by: Merydith Willoughby

Article Overview: Merydith Willoughby hears the word motivation bandied far too often. It concerns her on many fronts because people get the wrong idea about what it is. It is clear to her after having worked with many people that being motivated is a small component of success. This article details what else is required.

What does that word motivation mean?

The word motivation seems to be over used and misunderstood. Having worked in the leadership arena for many years the word is something that I do not believe is worth the paper it is written on unless many other things are coupled with it. I have been regularly referred to as a ‘motivator' and I gently but firmly reply that I am not in the motivation business, never have and have no intention of entering it. Motivating someone is a waste of time because it is short lived. When I help someone to identify what it is they want to change and then give them the skills and abilities to achieve those outcomes, then we are talking about someone who takes responsibility for their actions and will do whatever is required to achieve those outcomes. You may think that this is only a play on words - I don't think so because being willing to work hard to achieve one's goals and not stop until you have achieved them requires much more than being motivated - you need determination, stamina, belief in yourself and an attitude that says - I will not give up until I have done it!

• Tips to help you in your quest to be successful:

• Be clear as to what you want to achieve and why.

• Make contact with people who will be able to assist you to achieve your goals.

• Utilize the services of an executive coach - they will assist you to develop a clear plan, to focus, gain clarity, monitor your progress and manage your career. You will save significant time wondering about what you should do.

• Learn to think like an Olympic Athlete. In a sense you are in a better position than them. There can only be one winner in their event.

• Be realistic in your timeframe.

• Break your goals down into manageable bits.

• Become a Think, Do, Done it type of person.

• Don't just focus on what you haven't achieved - identify what has worked well, what you need to do. When you focus on mini successes it can build your confidence and self esteem. When you only focus on what hasn't worked it can make you feel like a failure and it is much easier to give up.

• Acknowledge yourself for your hard work and regularly celebrate.

• Don't ever give up.

• Beware of burn out and take precautions against it.

• Give up the blame game; take full personal responsibility for every single you do and achieve - the good bits and the not so good!

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Article Tags: emotional intelligence, goals, leadership, merydith, motivation, organization, planning, quality planning, willoughby, wrong idea
Referred by: http://www.imentor-pro.com



Related Forum Posts
I developed a personal tool - I developed a personal tool to give me focus and enhance my understanding of things. I attach a word to a general topic that describes and keep me in line with my belief. For instance, on the subject of merchandising, I attach the word, limitation. On the subject of strategy as it pertains to my own philosophy, I attach the word simplicity. If one word could be used to peg the right direction in Internet marketing today, what would that word be? I'm not looking for fluffy words like perseverance or motivational jargon. Any help on this?
Re: Free Word-Count Tool - When I am at home I use word, if not I use Google Documents, it has a word counter too, the amazing thing is that it always gives a different number than the word document. Carol I agree with you on FireFox, they have the greatest add-ons, I also use the spell checker, I can't do without it, I am crossing letters.
Re: Set goals that motivate you! - Sounds simple enough when you take it at face value, but what are goals? Are these short term or long term Goals, Are theses goal realistic, achievable? How to make them motivating Goals, What is motivation? Is motivation the same for all of us Hmm so many questions, so few answers. must a an article in this somewhere Btw (by the way) GT, nice Blog
"One word" for Internet Marketing - I have a question for those who are students and experts on Internet marketing. Let me put forward the question. I developed a tool to give me focus and my understanding of things. What I do is attach one word to a general topic that would describe and keep me in line with my belief. For instance, on the subject of merchandising, I attach the word, limitation. On the subject of strategy as it pertains to my own philosophy, I attach the word simplicity. If one word could be used to peg the right direction in Internet marketing today, what would that word be? I'm not looking for fluffy words like perseverance or motivational jargon. Any help on this?
Re: What to avoid when cold calling? - Excellent point! Many sales people use word "try" to often and I am always surprised to hear it. Either you will do it or not, but please don't try...it sounds really weak. How about the word "just"? I "just" call you to follow up with you... Your clients are not feeling special when you use word just. Simply avoid it next time when you call someone.


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