When we think of motivation, we usually think of providing what interests, excites, attracts, or might please others or ourselves. And when we try to keep supplying these external things, we can quickly run out of ideas. What then can be the next source of motivation?
Understanding the Source of Motivation
Providing external “things” that motivate creates a dependency on those things and builds the expectation that these external things will solve the problem. As a result, we develop unhealthy beliefs that strip us of the foundation for true motivation: self-motivation.
We must understand our humans design and the role our beliefs play in motivation. Belief is the great self-motivator of our behavior.
Beliefs Are Thoughts that We Accept and Act On
To believe anything, we must first desire it (a feeling) or be convinced of it (reason). We must be convinced of what is right and true.
Once we are convinced, we develop a strong belief that self-motivates. Personal experience reinforces our beliefs.
What We Believe Is Our Source of Motivation
We never act differently from our beliefs. When we think we do, what actually happens is we change our belief at the last moment. We often regret such changes.
Even though we cannot see the belief itself, we can observe actions which reveal whether our beliefs are helpful or damaging.
Each temperament has different struggles with belief and finds some things harder to believe than others.
SP — Optimistic beliefs come easy and optimism drives their actions.
SJ — Belief in proven realities is easier.
NT — Belief in what is adequately evidenced seems and feels logical.
NF — Belief in what is hopeful and intelligently emotional is most appealing.
The Bottom Line
By nature, we act according to our beliefs; and self-motivation arises out of healthy beliefs. We form healthy beliefs when we understand and function according to our inner design and we maintain those beliefs by choosing to focus on them and reinforce them through our actions.
How Do We Identify and Change Undesirable Beliefs?
The pattern to discovering unhealthy beliefs starts with observing unhealthy actions and their effects. If it is an action that damages others or ourselves, there is an undesirable belief present. At this point, understand your goal: CHANGE. We must change our thinking and our beliefs to the extent that our actions then change.
The right kind of change results when we become students of our own unique inner designs and learn to deal with the quality of our thinking. What we focus on we magnify. If our goal is healthy beliefs that result in desirable actions, we must focus on thoughts that are healthy and aligned with our inner design. Specifically, we must focus on the development of our inner strengths. These strengths, or inner powers represent powerful thoughts that propel us toward our purpose and the kind of change that brings real fulfillment.
With a little guidance, you can propel ahead!
You can get a “jumpstart” making the right kind of change to your story by discovering who YOU are — the “Real You.” Our team at InnerKinetics is ready to provide that help. Schedule an Initial Consultation. If you’d like some assistance, you can request a consultation and an InnerKinetics consultant will call you to answer questions and schedule your meeting. If you are more independent and want to cut to the chase, you need not wait for a call back because you can get answers to your questions and schedule your session HERE.
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