How to Coach Yourself and Others Popular Models for Coaching | Page 80

1.5.8 SELF MOTIVATION AND GOAL
ACHIEVEMENT
Without self motivation you will not achieve your goals. As the
saying goes, "if it's to be it's down to me".
First, our motivation can only come from inside ourselves. Why?
Because motivation is an internal force that drives individuals to
act in order to achieve a specific goal. Two people might read
the same book, or listen to the same inspirational speaker but
respond differently. One person might feel motivated to act, the
other might not.
Second, you must have a big enough 'reason why' in order to
feel motivated. Your reason why must provide a 'meaningful
motive'. It can be useful to look for a reason that's bigger than
yourself. For example, you may want to earn enough money to
take care of your family - not just yourself. So David McNally's
advice is to dig deep into the truth of what you want. This is why
it's so important to choose goals to which you feel 100%
committed.
Third, you need to believe that your goal is attainable. Either
that or your fear must be so great that you will try anyway.
Without this fear or belief self motivation is difficult to maintain.
Given that you probably don't want to live with feelings of
dread, let's take a look at belief. You can start by looking for
evidence within yourself that you can achieve your goal. You can
then back this up by seeking support, mentors and role-models,
either directly or indirectly through books and audios.
Fourth, your environment is an influence on motivation. That's a
key reason why you need to choose your friends and colleagues
carefully. This doesn't have to mean saying goodbye to the
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