How to Motivate Myself and Others

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How to Motivate Myself and Others

Leadership training is always partly to do with motivation.

All leaders need to develop the skill of motivation.

Motivation is a specific emotion. All emotions are a product of thought, because whatever you think about causes an emotion.

Emotions are NOT CAUSED by external facts. It is internal thoughts that is the cause of an emotion. Facts don't cause feelings.

The true cause of feelings are your thoughts:

• If your thoughts are positive, then your emotions will be positive.
• If your thoughts are negative, then your emotions will be negative.
• You feel whatever you think about.

If you want other people to feel positive, then you need to influence their mind to think about something positive.

And as a leader, you need to know how you can make the other person think about things that will make them feel positive.

To make the other person think about things that will make them feel positive, ask them questions that will focus their mind onto the following four things:

1. Their goals. What they want for themselves and their family for the future.
2. Their plans on how to achieve their goals.
3. The action that they can do next.
4. How great it will be when they achieve their goal.

Learn the above list of question types. Memorise them well and then use this list as a guide to your conversations with others.

1. What do you want to achieve in the next (few months)?
2. What do you need to do to achieve your goal(s)?
3. What can you do today to take you one step closer to your goals?
4. How will you feel when you achieve your goal?

Keep repeating these questions; but use different words and phrases. These thoughts will trigger emotions of:

• Motivation.
• Desire.
• Excitement.
• Ambition.
• Enthusiasm.
• Confidence.
• Energy.
• Faith and hope.

At the same time, do not ask people questions about the following:

1. Don't ask them about all the bad things could happen in the future.
2. Don't ask them about the bad things that have already happened in the past.
3. Don't ask them about any negative gossip or office politics.

Too many conversations are about these three things.

1. The first induces fear or worry.
2. The second induces anger or upset.
3. The third induces nosiness and negativity.

Keep your conversation under control and focus the content of your conversations onto:

1. Goals for the future.
2. Plans on how to achieve the goals.
3. Actions that can be taken today.
4. How it will feel when we win.

Quiz: Are You a Positive Influence on Others?

Try our Positive Influence Quiz to discover if you have a positive influence on others.

Communication Skills Training

Communication Skills Training

Do you ever think to yourself, "I know what I mean, but I can't explain it"? You need to be able communicate facts, feelings, information and ideas, in a clear, professional and confident manner. If you want to learn more about our communication skills training, please click here.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Motivation

• How to Succeed and How Not to Fail
  There is a reason for everything, including success and failure. Don't be a loser. By following these four steps you can be successful.
  Read Article >
• How to Overcome the Fear of Failure
  We all experience fear at some time in our lives. Some fears are necessary for our survival, but fear of failure can hold us back from achieving our full potential. Learning how to overcome this fear is key to your success.
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• How to Motivate Someone to Change
  Many people dislike change and will do anything to avoid it. Motivating someone to change can be difficult, but the Pleasure/Plain Questioning Technique is a brilliant way to help motivate people to change. It's all about asking the right questions!
  Read Article >
• How to Stay Motivated During Lockdown
  Fed-up being on lockdown? It won't last forever, but in the meantime, here are some ways to stay motivated and make the most of this unique situation.
  Read Article >
• How to Handle Uncertainty About the Future
  Uncertainty slows progress. But even in uncertain times we must learn to adapt and move forward, or risk being left behind. Learn how to handle uncertainty and you will continue to make progress.
  Read Article >

Looking for Leadership and Management Training?

If you're looking to develop your Motivation Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:

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