The word ‘Motivate’ is explained as follows in The Positive
Dictionary:Motivate: Motivate people to give their best.
* Motivation is the driving force behind results.
Albert Einstein, in his wisdom, made a very interesting statement. He stated that nothing happens until something moves. This simple statement has so much meaning for all of us on the personal level. Movement on the personal level is always caused by some form of action. Action, on the other hand, is always caused and maintained by motivation.
The word ‘motivate’ originated from Latin and means move to action. Other synonyms for the word motivate are words such as actuate, cause, impel, induce, prompt and inspire. Every action we perform, whether it is mundane or complex, is set in motion and is kept in motion by motivation. Motivation is the driving force, the self-starter for action.
Motivation originates in the mind, either consciously or unconsciously. We can motivate ourselves to act wholeheartedly or halfheartedly. Positive results are, however, determined by the extent to which we are motivated to do something. We therefore have the ability to determine the degree of our motivation to act.
We can motivate ourselves by the way we think and through the words we use. We usually ask people the question ‘how are you doing?’ or ‘how are you?’ It is amazing how many people respond with the words, ‘not too bad.’ Even if the person has good reason to feel good the answer is still ‘not too bad’. Why not use words like ‘good’,’excellent’ or even ‘incredible?’ When we use the word ‘bad’ we feel bad. When we use a word like ‘good’ we feel good and we feel motivated and act enthusiastically.
When we wake up in the morning we normally have certain things to do that day. In our thinking we tend to use the word ‘must. ‘Today I must do this and I must do that’ and so on. The word ‘must’ implies deadlines, rush, tension and stress. It must be done today. By simply replacing the word ‘must’ by the word ‘want’ everythingchanges. There are no deadlines, no rush, no tension and no stress. We become eager to start the day because we want to do these things. We have become motivated to act.
Motivation is also contagious. The enthusiasm produced by our motivation can excite motivation in other people and spur them into action for a mutual purpose. A motivated coach can spur his or her sports team to great achievements. A teacher can motivate children to learn, a manager can motivate his or her staff to provide excellent customer service or to produce high quality products. A team leader in an organization or in a company can motivate the members of the team from various departments to form a cohesive whole to accomplish their task.
Motivation is closely linked to desire. We desire to get something, to see something, to experience something, to accomplish something, to become something. The stronger the desire the stronger will be the motivation to satisfy the desire. The desire triggers the motivation to go into action. The reality, however, is that it requires willpower to attain that which we desire, despite problems, setbacks, resistance, hard work and even pain on the way.
Motivated people are people on the go. They are people who do not wait for other people to set goals for them. They set their own goals and they act to achieve them. They act to solve problems and to get rid of obstacles on the way. Motivated people are focused. They work hard and they are resilient. Motivated people have a positive outlook on life. They see opportunities and solutions instead of just problems. Motivated people have a positive attitude towards life. They are friendly, helpful, active and serving. Motivated people are happy people.
Motivation is indeed the driving force behind results.
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