Dissatisfaction Vs. Inspiration As Source of Motivation

There are many sources of motivation which can either be positive or negative. Unfortunately, many people are motivated by negative factors. Case in point is sick person who may be forced to see a doctor when symptoms are already present. Few healthy individuals regularly consult a physician for executive checkup. Many serious diseases are curable if only they are detected earlier and most are preventable if only regular medical checkups are done.

Reactive approach

More often than not, people are mainly motivated to act if they are dissatisfied with their situation. Dissatisfaction is a negative motivational factor that is reactive rather than proactive. Consequently, this type of motivation is not sustainable. For example, an overweight individual might be dissatisfied of the inconveniences that are associated with obesity. He or she may initially be motivated to lose weight but it would be difficult to maintain on a long-term basis.

Motivation that is derived from positive sources or inspirations has greater likelihood of being sustainable. Inspiration as source of inspiration is proactive rather than reactive. This means that a person can anticipate and effectively implement plans based on long-term goals rather than merely reacting to the current situation.

Proactive approach

Being proactive is future-oriented and it a more effective in sustaining motivation. For proactive people, the goals themselves become the source of motivation. The motivation becomes the means to achieve the goals. Looking forward is the best way to avoid distractions and overcome difficulties along the way. Long-term and worthwhile goals become the inspiration to be optimistic and have a direction.

Fortunately, motivations that are based on being reactive and dissatisfied can be converted into proactive and inspired motivation. It is a matter of changing attitude and thereby shifting the focus on a more long-term direction. Using the previous example of losing weight, an individual who might be motivated to lose weight can focus on the long-term health benefits of being physically fit.

Changing attitude and shifting focus toward more positive motivational sources may seem difficult at first but not impossible. It may vary from person to person but there are three basic strategies that can help gain inspiration and keep going on the right track.

Three strategies

Initial dissatisfaction may become a source of inspiration. However, it will take effort, commitment and external support to be motivated. The first strategy is to act rather than feel helpless about the situation. It is a matter of getting the ball rolling, so to speak. Acting is far more productive than being idle.

Another strategy to gain and sustain inspiration is to start small but think big. As the saying goes, Rome was not built within a day. Achieving initial baby steps will inspire to do more and greater strides. Accomplishing goals will also be less overwhelming and more satisfying in this manner. The small steps, however, should lead to bigger steps.

Finally, working with others is another effective strategy to gain and sustain inspiration. Social or group support is almost always helpful when one is trying to accomplish difficult goals such as quitting addicting habits or losing weight. A group of like-minded people will provide not only the necessary morale support but might also help in terms of effort and logistics.

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