How to get motivated

 Self-motivation is difficult. In fact, I often compare you to some of the exploits of the legendary German hero Baron Munchausen: Trying to save your drive by doing a job, a project,

or a particular job can sometimes feel like pulling yourself out of the manure with your hair. We seem to have a natural hatred for a persistent effort that no amount of caffeine or stimulant posters can fix.

But effective self-motivation is one of the most important factors that distinguish the most successful professionals from all other people. So how can you keep moving for

ward, even if you don't like it?

To some extent, motivation is personal. What keeps you going may not help me at all. And some people seem to have more adherence than others. However, after 20 years of motivational research, my team and I have identified a number of strategies

that seem to work for most people - whether they are trying to lose weight, save for retirement, or run a long, hard work program. If you have failed to reach a goal that could be achieved due to procrastination or a lack of commitment - and who of us has not?

—I encourage you to continue. These four sets of strategies can help you move forward.

Create Goals, Not Homework

Many studies have documented the importance of setting goals. Research has shown, for example, that when marketers have goals, they close more deals, and that when people make daily

exercise commitments, they are more likely to increase their level of fitness. Invisible ambitions - such as "doing your best" - often work slower than something concrete, such as bringing in 10 new customers a month or going up 10,000 steps a day. As a general first rule, therefore, any goals you set for yourself or agree to should be clarified.

Objectives should also, where possible, result in internal, not excessive, motivation. Work is internally encouraged when it is seen as the end of it; it is extremely motivating when it is seen as working for a different purpose, after earning a reward or allowing you to avoid punishment. My research shows that internal goals predict success and achievement better than external ones.