This Story Would Have Never Happened
As you start writing down your ideas on Medium, the first thing you see on your screen is “Tell your story…”. You start typing, but then… as you look at the blinking text cursor on your screen something stops you. I wonder how many stories are left untold just because the writer is holding back. How many experiences are left unshared because we don’t think they matter to others?How many stories have never happened because the person is too afraid to take a risk?
Self-motivation is a core force
Nothing in an adult life would happen without self-motivation. Even the simplest task like cooking food for the family or getting up in the morning to go to work is based on self-motivation. Some people stick to their basic habits of just living and getting by and some people decide to push themselves forward and really enjoy living their lives to the fullest. According to skillsyouneed.com self-motivation drives people to keep going even in case of set-backs. New opportunities present themselves every single day, it’s up to us whether take them or ignore them.
Usually, humans are very comfortable beings. Once they’ve achieved a level they think is acceptable or okay for their personal goal, they stop trying. This doesn’t apply to the whole humankind. Of course there are these successful go-getters who push forward no matter what. Others, like myself, are less motivated to achieve greatness, but we still dream about having it all. The easiest advice ever is “just get off your butt and do something about it”, but if my self-motivation is low I just don’t feel like doing anything.
One step at a time
This approach seems acceptable. If I take one small step at a time towards my life goals, then some day I’ll get there. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. I might get restless or depressed during the process, but at least I know I’m moving forward. No newbie ever was successful right off the bat.
Success takes time and hard work, and only in a few cases pure luck. The easiest thing to do is give up and squish yourself back into your comfort zone. But will you achieve anything? No. So it’s time to take the bull by its horns and do something greater with our lives. Whether it’s writing (yep, that’s my dream), programming, learning to speak a new language or learning a whole new profession — just go for it.
Positivepsychology.com explains that people are usually more excited and driven towards achieving their goal when the task is something they get to do rather than have to do. It’s because doing something for your own sake and purposes is likely to be more fulfilling and enjoyable. That’s when self-motivation is the highest and the goal probably more pleasurable. So why not take your very first step towards something you really-really like to do. Because now you know that your self-motivation will help you achieve your dream.
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” — Albert Einstein
What are you still waiting for?
I know this phrase is long dead, but I’ll say it anyway. YOLO. What do you have to lose? If something doesn’t work out the way you planned then learn from your experience, analyse yourself and your actions, and move on. Psychologist Scott Geller explains that you can ask yourself three questions to determine whether you’re self-motivated or not. Think about your goal.
- Can you do it?
- Will it work?
- Is it worth it?
If all of your answers were “yes”, then you are probably self-motivated and ready to take the next important step in your life.
Self-motivation isn’t something you can buy. It’s something you have to work on. I’m not saying it’s easy, but it’s doable. If you make up your mind about doing something differently, then go for it! Don’t listen to others who are too afraid or not motivated enough to do something about their own lives. You are you. You are unique, capable and you can do anything. Just do it!
“If someone tells you “you can’t” they’re showing you their limits, not yours.” — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson