Motivation is important. Most successful people have the drive necessary to continue their journey of self-growth. However, even the most achievement-oriented people come to a point when their motivation levels are depleted.
In order to sustain high levels of motivation for long periods of time, one first has to understand the nature of motivation.
The Nature of Motivation
The best source of motivation is intrinsic, meaning that it comes from within oneself. If you're constantly looking for your employer to threaten your job security as a way to create motivation, you're putting your wellbeing at risk.
However, if you're driven by your own desire to provide for yourself and others, your fate is less determined by the social structures and organizations that hold power.
When you master your level of motivation, you hold the key that unlocks the door to peak performance, maximum productivity, and success.
While intrinsic motivation is the ultimate source passion, it tends to wax and wane over time. So if you want maximum productivity, peak performance, and a sense of wellbeing, you need to create a system that supports intrinsic motivation.
Here are three simple ways to create an environment that increases and sustains motivation:
- Prioritize physical health.
Physical health and safety is the foundation to wellbeing.
In the US, many people live in their minds and are disconnected from their bodies. We tend to overindulge ourselves with tasty foods and drinks as a way to fill emotional needs, which often deplete our energy levels and fail to address our feelings.
Set a sleep and wake schedule. Go to bed and wake up around the same times each day to synchronize your circadian rhythms. Once your body gets used to this pattern, these biorhythms will naturally increase energy levels throughout the day. When you have high energy, you can direct it where you please.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can create headaches and muscle cramping, and often leads to overeating. The more you can support your body with a steady stream of water, the better you'll feel, and the more productive you'll become.
Eat nutritious meals. Cut down on the number of meals you eat at restaurants and start taking the time to bring healthy, home cooked meals with you to work. When start eating more protein and vegetables and less sugar-filled carbohydrates, your body will feel lighter and healthier.
Exercise. This may sound counterintuitive, but even after a long day at work, exercising for as little as 30 minutes will actually increase your energy levels. Your body will adapt to higher energy output and then create a surplus of motivation for you to continue exploring your passions and enjoying life outside of the office
Stimulate and expand your cognitive abilities:
The majority of people become lazy and complacent. It's much easier to get home from work and stare at your iPhone during TV commercials than it is to turn of the television, put your phone in your pocket, and read a challenging book.
However, if you want to make improvements in your life, exercising your mind is a necessity.
Read on a consistent basis. There's no shortcut--the most well-rounded and intelligent people read books. Pick a subject of interest and then take the literary plunge! Reading will improve your vocabulary and your ability to think--both of which will enhance all areas of your life, including your motivation and work performance.
Take advantage of the internet. I know cat videos are cute, but they're not doing anything for your cognitive stimulation. There's so much quality information online that you can teach yourself just about anything.
Pick an interest, set a goal, then continue watching videos and reading articles on that subject. Engaging in critical thinking and expanding your knowledge base will give you an edge up on the competition and keep your mind sharp.