10 Practical Guidelines to Motivate Yourself

Irfan Amir Dr

Description

Practical tips and unique insights on self motivation. The ten-factor listing is based entirely on author's own thoughts. The guidelines will help increase level of motivation enabling one to be more productive. The content also has the potential for making readers reassess their worldview. Another key benefit could be achieving higher levels of motivation while at the same time gaining peace of mind and solace which, in turn, could increase one's ability to achieve yet greater levels of motivation, serving as a valuable self-reinforcing mechanism. Each of the ten factors is dealt with in a three-step process. First, the factor is defined. Second, its link with motivation is explained. Third, detailed practical tips are given to help reader adopt the required skill.

Sujets

• Assertiveness

Informations

• Publié par: Andrews UK
• Date de parution: 11 juin 2014
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781783332410
• Langue: English

Extrait

Title Page
10 PRACTICAL GUIDELINES TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF

by
Dr Irfan Amir



Publisher Information
10 Practical Guidelines to Motivate Yourself
Published in 2013 by
Andrews UK Limited
www.andrewsuk.com
The right of Dr Irfan Amir to be identified as the Author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1998
Copyright © 2013 Dr Irfan Amir
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. Any person who does so may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.



Dedication
This book is dedicated to my wife, Dr Shahnaz Choudhry, and to my beloved sister, (late) Ms Asma Shaheen Butt.



Preface
This book provides tips and insights on self motivation by listing ten factors. The listing is based entirely on author’s own thoughts. Except for a few quotes, all materials are a 100 per cent original. It is believed the factors mentioned in this book and the level of detail provided for each of the factors is unique.
The target audience for this book is the literate adult. The work will help those who seek higher levels of motivation. The content also has the potential for making readers reassess their worldview. Another key benefit could be achieving higher levels of motivation while at the same time gaining peace of mind and solace which, in turn, could increase one’s ability to achieve yet greater levels of motivation, serving as a valuable self-reinforcing mechanism.
Each of the ten factors is dealt with in a three-step process. First, the factor is defined. Second, its link with motivation is explained. Third, detailed practical tips are given to help reader adopt the required skill. The third, ‘how to’ step will help readers quickly improve their motivation level through practice.
The book is organised in eleven chapters. Chapter 1 highlights the importance of motivation. Chapters 2 through 11 deal with each of the ten factors of motivation.
IA
Lahore, Pakistan
August, 2013



Introduction
“Motivation energises a person from mediocrity to limelight.’’ (Author of the Book)
If inspiration is the starting point for any endeavour, motivation is the fuel to travel the distance. It is a powerful, intangible force that keeps you going regardless of difficulties and resistance in achieving a goal. Motivation is the bridge between ambition and accomplishment. In fact, it is the difference between success and failure. One could have the best of plans, financial, intellectual and other resources for achieving a particular objective, but success is likely to come if the zeal and motivation are also present. It is not possible to successfully accomplish anything without motivation. Achievement of higher goals requires a large quantum of motivation.
Let us look at three objectives, one each at the personal, group, and national level and the role of motivation in successfully achieving these objectives. Reading for a degree is a personal goal many would relish to achieve. Yet we see a number of examples of people losing their motivation and not being able to cope with the rigor, discipline, time and other constraints inherent in the successful completion of a degree programme. Tasks or goals that require a group effort generally require higher levels of motivation compared to individual goals. Here group dynamics play a critical role. Specifically, if the group gels the goal achievement becomes easier through team spirit, where both self- and group-motivation are high. There is the added benefit of urging each other to put in their best. Moreover, task allocation is made based on each member’s strengths, which helps not only in individual motivation but also in achieving a given task with increased efficiency and efficacy.
The role of motivation to successfully achieve projects or goals at a national level is even more critical than compared to individual- and group-level goals. Consider, for example, a city’s bid to host Olympic Games. Such a goal needs the support and involvement of the entire nation. Several government and private stakeholders have to work in close collaboration and with a high level of zeal and motivation to make a strong bid. And, imagine the extent of involvement and motivation needed at the national level to successfully execute the Olympic Games after winning the bid.
The role of motivation is also paramount in two other major areas, namely, change management and leadership. The change agent needs a deep reservoir of resolve and motivation to bring about a desired change. He needs patience, persuasion, perseverance, and persistence to wade through inertia and resistance to change to be successful in implementing his change agenda. The stated characteristics for successful change management can only be expected from a person with unwavering commitment and motivation to accomplish the given task.
By definition leaders are change agents. Hence, they are also motivators. Through the power of motivation and persuasion, national leaders motivate people to follow their agenda to take the nation to ever higher levels of economic, political, social, and moral growth. There are notable examples in history where leaders have lifted their nation from humble levels of economic, social and other indicators to levels comparable to the leading nations of the world in a relatively short period of time.
Before we discuss the ten factors or drivers for engendering motivation, it is important to make a necessary distinction between motivation and over ambition. The ten factors of motivation discussed here are based on the view that motivation should result in developing a personality characterised by patience, depth, calm, magnanimity, and foresight. Unbridled motivation may lead to over ambition, which is deemed to be a negative trait. Thus, motivation can be a two-edged sword. Bridled motivation is a virtue. The unbridled motivation (over ambition) is counterproductive.



Look Back
“Contrary to conventional wisdom, do look back. This might sensitise you to redouble your efforts to make up for the lost ground.’’ (Author of the Book)
Introduction
This is essentially reflecting on the past. What progress have you made on different aspects of your personal and professional development? The progress made should be benchmarked with your own standards as well as with your peer group. The purpose is to take stock. It will give you a fair idea of both the level and direction of progress made. Take heart if you are comfortable with respect to both personal and peer group benchmarks. If you are not comfortable with one or both benchmarks, this should give you an assessment of the amount of work you have to put in to achieve your future goals. You will also get a feel of the speed with which you have to move towards your desired goals. Whatever the assessment of your progress in the past, it is important to view the future with optimism and the realisation that there is always room for improvement.
Linkage with Motivation
Surely, if the perspective is to grow an individual will work with motivation. Persons with high achievements in the past are likely to continue on the ‘winning streak’. Those who believe they have significantly underachieved could either work with increased motivation or could give up. The danger for those considering giving up is they might never find time or opportunity to achieve anything worthwhile. The challenge is to shun despair and gear up to improving one’s future without further delay.
Tips on Looking Back
Here is a list of questions to ask yourself:
1. What my three most important achievements to-date are?
2. How do these achievements compare with achievements of members in my peer group?
3. How do the achievements compare with my own standards and expectations?
4. How recent is my last three most important achievements?
5. Am I comfortable with the progress in my professional life to-date?
6. Am I comfortable with the progress in my personal life to-date?
7. What are the three most important lessons have I drawn from my professional career to-date?
8. What are the three most important lessons have I drawn from my personal life to-date?
9. What are three major weaknesses I need to work on?
10. What are three major strengths I need to build on?
11. What are the three things I would do differently if had to re-live my past?
12. Have I become less self-centred over the years?
13. Have I become more tolerant over the years?
14. Have I become more focused over the years?
15. How much am I at peace with myself?
16. How far am I professionally ethical?
17. How far am I free of jealousy?
18. How far am I ‘what you see is what you get’ type of person?
19. Do I have a strong character?
20. Am I an egotist?
21. Do I own up to my mistakes?
22. Do I concede when I am convinced my point or argument is not sustainable?
23. Am I a perfectionist?
24. Do I get offended too easily?
25. Do I take criticism well?
26. Am I too hard on myself?
27. Is it easy for me to apologise when I have done something wrong?
28. Am I an arrogant person?
29. Do I find it difficult to deal with people?
30. Am I an aggressive person?
31. Do I learn from my mistakes?
32. Do I help others wherever I can?
33. Do I backbite?
34. Do I h