whew… the last few days have been a blur.

As you have probably noticed there hasn’t been a post for a few days. I actually have several posts started but creative block set in and I couldn’t finish any of them. I’m sure I will over the next little while so stayed tuned as we talk about money and fear.

Today I want to look a little deeper into the area of motivation. Have you ever noticed that as you try to develop a productive, disciplined life, you have some days that it just seems easy to get things done while other days it’s a struggle to accomplish even one item on the list? What makes the difference and is there a way to regulate it?

Motivation can be broken down into two main types: Internal and External.

External motivation is when you find it easier to do things because of circumstances. If the circumstances are favourable then you get more done. If things are working against you then nothing gets done. When you depend on external motivation it is easy to adopt a victim mentality. That is you blame everyone and everything else for your lack of productivity and motivation. You might blame your boss for not giving you the tools you think you need. You might blame the weather. You might even blame your dog. No matter whom you blame, it’s not you.

The flip side is when you find it easy to do things, you don’t quickly recognize that you are depending on external motivation. One thing you can do is track your motivation level for several weeks. As well take note of external circumstances such as weather, diet, other people around you, your financial stress and even your sex life. See if your motivation level increases when your circumstances are more favorable. You might also notice a real drop in motivation when the external circumstances are unfavorable. (in your opinion)

Internal motivation relies entirely on your willpower and the methods you have put into place to get things done. It’s all under your control. If you feel like it or make a decision you get it done. If you don’t feel like it you don’t. Internal motivation is a major factor if you are a mood driven person. Even though your mood may affect your motivation, your internal resolve can override it.

When you have developed a strong self-discipline and willpower, you will be motivated internally over externally. Even when the circumstances of life are working against you, you are able to accomplish whatever it is you set your mind to.

Why is it important to understand your motivations?

If you allow external motivations to be your primary kick-in the seat, then you will be very limited in what you accomplish in life. You will be limited by everything that you see around you. If you strengthen your inner motivation, your limit in life will only be what you believe.

Dig deep within yourself and find a superior reason to do what you need to. Find a cause that is greater than your own limitations. These are the types of things that help you build internal motivation.

What is your motivation? Let me know in the comments.