3 Secret Habits of Highly Motivated Persons

The best way to get motivated is to learn from the example of highly motivated persons. Most of us are aware that motivation helps us get more done and lead a more productive life. But for some people, getting motivated seems like an uphill struggle.

If you are one of those persons, what can you learn from motivated individuals? How can you avoid the trap of procrastinating or not acting in time when opportunities arise? Are you missing out on opportunities because you are lacking motivation?

It is important to realise that motivation isn’t due to an inborn trait. Also, being constantly motivated isn’t something you either have or haven’t. The majority of highly motivated persons have learned habits that help them stay motivated. What are the habits that you can learn from them?

The best way to get motivated is to learn from the example of highly motivated persons. Most of us are aware that motivation helps us get more done and lead a more productive life. But for some people, getting motivated seems like an uphill struggle.

If you are one of those persons, what can you learn from motivated individuals? How can you avoid the trap of procrastinating or not acting in time when opportunities arise? Are you missing out on opportunities because you are lacking motivation?

It is important to realise that motivation isn’t due to an inborn trait. Also, being constantly motivated isn’t something you either have or haven’t. The majority of highly motivated persons have learned habits that help them stay motivated. What are the habits that you can learn from them?

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In this article, you will learn 3 secret habits for staying motivated.

What is motivation?

Learning what motivation is can help to see how to develop this important trait. The dictionary defines motivation as “reasons for behaving or acting in a certain way”. So, motivation comes from your ‘motive’ to do something.

It stands to reason then that the stronger your motive, the more motivation you will have. Most of us will go through periods when we feel more motivated than at other times. In order to be more productive and successful, it’s important to sustain that motivation. You need to be motivated at times when there is no obvious stimulus.

In order to do this, you need to learn the habits of highly motivated persons.

The habits of highly motivated persons

Here are 3 secrets that you can learn from persons who seem to be motivated all of the time.

1. Get into the habit of making goals

Most highly motivated persons set goals to give them focus and drive them forward. In fact, achieving a specific goal can be a strong motivating factor.

There are many methods and ways of setting goals. However, for goals to be effective they need to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-related. These types of goals form the acronym – S.M.A.R.T. goals. So, make sure that you break large goals into smaller, achievable ones that you can reach in a short time.

2. Focus on WHY to stay motivated

Highly motivated people know what they are doing and why they are doing it. This is what gives them a motive to continually act in a positive way. For example, when analysing your goals, you could ask yourself two questions:

• Why is it essential I accomplish this goal?
• What are the consequences of failing to achieve this goal?

Connecting everything you do at your work with ‘why’ can help motivate you. For instance, wanting to improve your quality of life or provide for your family can help focus on why you do what you do.

If you are in a position of responsibility, then helping employees focus on ‘why’ can also be a strong motivating factor.

3. Devise a reward system

One way to stay motivated and drive your own success involves a reward system. You can connect your reward system to your SMART goals to boost your productivity.

There is actually scientific backing for using a reward system as a motivating factor. The journal Frontiers in Psychology reported that a reward-driven approach can generate motivation. Scientists found that working for a reward stimulates the brain. This positively affects a person’s behaviour, improves mental performance, makes it easier to achieve goals.

So, attach a specific reward to each goal to help stay motivated. Also, make sure that some of your rewards are health-related to help lower stress levels and prevent burnout.