Education & Career Trends: June 1, 2024
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
- Excerpts are taken from an article by Ayelet Fishbach, published on hbr.org.
Motivation is the fuel that propels us forward in our careers, yet it often feels as elusive as trying to pull oneself out of a swamp. Navigating through tasks, projects, and career aspirations can sometimes seem like an insurmountable feat.
Yet, mastering the art of self-motivation is a defining trait of high-achieving professionals. In a world where caffeine boosts and motivational posters only scratch the surface, it’s essential to delve into effective strategies that can propel you forward, even when motivation wanes.
In this blog, we explore practical techniques curated by experts in human motivation research. From designing goals that resonate with your intrinsic desires to harnessing the influence of positive social connections, we’ll uncover actionable insights to help you navigate the ebbs and flows of motivation in your career.
1. Design Goals, Not Chores
- Set specific, concrete goals rather than abstract ambitions.
- Seek intrinsic motivations whenever possible; find enjoyment in the task itself.
- Choose enjoyable goals, as they are more likely to be sustained.
2. Find Effective Rewards
- While intrinsic motivation is key, sometimes external rewards can help in the short term.
- However, be cautious not to create incentives that undermine the quality of your work or lead to counterproductive behaviours.
3. Sustain Progress
- Break goals into smaller subgoals to avoid mid-project slumps.
- Shift perspective to focus on progress made and remaining tasks.
- Employ these tactics for both quantitative and qualitative objectives.
4. Harness the Influence of Others
- Avoid passive observation of high-performing peers; instead, engage in conversations about their goals and motivations.
- Giving advice can boost confidence and spur action.
- Draw motivation from shared big-picture goals with close friends, family, or mentors.
In the journey toward career success, mastering self-motivation is not just a skill—it’s a mindset. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can transform moments of doubt and inertia into opportunities for growth and progress.
Remember, self-motivation is not about constantly feeling inspired; it’s about cultivating resilience, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose that propels you forward, even when the path ahead seems challenging.
So, embrace the power of intrinsic motivation, leverage the support of your social network, and break down your goals into manageable steps. With dedication and perseverance, you can navigate through any swamp and emerge victorious in your career pursuits.
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?
Are you Contemplating a Career Change? Here is What you Need to Know
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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