Self Motivation - Tips and Plan

What is motivation? Why do you need a self motivation plan?

Self Motivation Tips

Motivation is probably one of the most obvious but also most misunderstood terms. In order to become a successful money maker it is important to understand your true motivators and design a self motivation plan. Without understanding motivation and having a plan you run a real risk of running out of steam.

Before we continue, let's first clear up the biggest misconception regarding motivation, namely that money motivates people.

A true money maker is not motivated by money

This probably sounds crazy to you and contrary to everything you have previously heard and believe in. Don't worry, your reaction is normal. Just continue reading and it will soon become clear.

Motivation is normally discussed in the context of employees. What motivates employees? What can a business do to motivate employees? In this context, motivation is normally not within the control of the employee but within the control of the business or owner or senior management.

However, if you start a business from home with the intention of becoming a money maker you need your own self motivation plan as nobody else is going to think of ways to motivate you.

Motivation Theories

Many authors have tried to define motivation and several books are articles have been written about the theory of motivation and what motivates people. The most commonly known theory is the motivational theory of Abraham Maslow.

According to Maslow's theory of motivation, there are five levels of motivation.

You can picture the five levels as a pyramid with level one being at the base of the pyramid and level five at the top of the pyramid. The five levels are:

Physiological - At this basic level we are motivated to do things that will take care of our basic needs such as hunger and thirst. Once we have accomplished the current level we can move on to the next level.
Safety - The need for security. We want to feel safe.
Love and Belongingness - This is where we fall in love and need a sense of belonging.
Esteem - How we feel about ourselves. This includes self-respect as well as respect for others.
Self-actualization - At the top level we focus on ways of fulfilling our potential.

Looking at the above five levels gives us a deeper understanding of what motivation is all about. Imagine you are marooned on a deserted island...

What is the first thing you think about? Yes, finding food and water. What is the second thing you think about? Yes, shelter. You want to feel safe. Only after the first two levels have been satisfied are you ready to start looking at the next level(s).

What can we learn from Maslow?

Not all people can be motivated in the same manner as we come from different backgrounds, have different needs, goals and dreams. Drawing up a self motivation plan can help us understand what we need.

Maslow gives us a good basic understanding of what motivation is all about. A sort of foundation in a manner of speaking.

When it comes to real substance I have never come across a better motivation theory than that of Frederick Herzberg.

Herzberg identifies hygiene factors and true motivators. According to him people often make the mistake of confusing a hygiene factor with a true motivator. Can you guess what Herzberg says about money? It is a hygiene factor. What does this mean? We need money to survive. However, money is not a true motivator although the absence of money can be de-motivating.

A couple of years ago (when I was still stuck in the corporate rat race) I had a good secretary. I normally gave her a salary increase every year in January. She worked hard but always complained about the company we worked for and I can't remember her ever working longer hours than she had to. Anyway, she was very good at her job and I gave her a very good salary increase. She was very pleased and told me that she felt very motivated and was ready to work harder than ever before. I never saw any difference...

Herzberg would point out that giving my secretary a very good salary increase was not a true motivator but only a hygiene factor. However, if I did not reward her it probably would have demotivated her.

Think of yourself. It is great to get a salary increase but does it really motivate you? Maybe in the first week or even the first month but it does not last very long.

What are the true motivators according to Herzberg? They are achievement, recognition, work itself, responsibility and advancement. Take these motivators into consideration when you consider your own self motivation plan.

Many people make the mistake of chasing money all the time. They want to start a business because they are sure it will bring them a lot of money. They look for another job that pays better...

Money is important and having more money can certainly make life easier. No doubt about it. However, we very quickly get used to a salary increase or an increase in our standard of living and before long we are back in the rat race working hard to earn more money as our expenses seem to increase every month.

In order to be a true money maker you need a self motivation plan

Nobody else cares about what motivates you. It is great if you want more money as long as money is not the only thing that motivates you. If it is you will not remain happy or feel fulfilled, even with a lot of money.

Achieving your goals or fulfilling your dreams, being recognized by your peers, and enjoying what you do are true motivators. Don't only focus on the money. It will come.

Before starting a business think what really motivates you. If you already have a business but find it difficult to get out of bed in the mornings because you do not feel motivated then take a long and hard look yourself.

It is never too late to change your attitude and perspective. Establish your own self motivation plan and people will not be able to ignore your new high energy level and commitment. Trust you have found something you can use in this article on self motivation tips that will assist you in finding the right ways to make money online.

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