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In our daily lives, we often see people who do the bare minimum, arrive at work late, and leave early. On the other hand, some fully commit to their tasks. What makes the difference? The answer is simple: self-motivation.
Self-motivation is what drives people to stay focused and excited about their work. They don’t need constant monitoring or rewards. It’s an inner drive that helps them face challenges, complete their tasks, and grow in their careers.
This skill is key at work. It’s also vital for personal growth and self-esteem. It helps you take control of your life and go after your goals without needing others to push you. It’s especially important at work because it helps people do their jobs well. When motivated, employees stay focused, finish tasks on time, and meet goals without constant help, making work more productive and efficient.
Everyone needs motivation in life to handle the challenges they face. Some people are motivated by external factors, known as extrinsic motivation. Others are driven from within or by intrinsic motivation.
Self-motivated people take action, solve problems independently, and look for ways to improve. Their positive attitude can inspire others and improve the workplace. It helps employees stay positive during tough times, keep working hard, and focus on their goals. It’s important for personal success, job satisfaction, and company success.
Why self-motivation is especially important for leaders
Self-motivation is important for leaders because it helps them focus and work towards their goals. A self-motivated leader stays positive and works hard, even in tough times.
A study by Gallup shows that $8.9 trillion was lost in global GDP due to low engagement, and surprisingly, 62% of employees are not engaged. Moreover, another report shows that 70% of American employees are not working at their best, which is slowing down business growth.
Motivated leaders make better decisions, take action, and guide their teams through challenges. Without self-motivation, it’s hard for leaders to keep the team engaged and achieve success. Hence, self-confidence is considered one of the major leadership skills.
How do you know if you lack self-motivation?
If you lack self-motivation, you might feel very tired or drained, disconnected from others, and like you’re not getting anything done. This can make it hard to start or finish tasks and cause you to lose interest in things that used to matter. It’s similar to how burnout feels.
Signs that you might lack motivation at the workplace
The most common signs of feeling demotivated:
1. Lack of energy
Feeling tired or drained most of the time makes it hard to stay active or motivated.
2. Behavioural changes
Noticeable changes in attitude or mood, such as becoming more irritable or withdrawn.
3. Increased absenteeism
Frequently missing work, meetings, or important tasks without a clear reason.
4. Lacking focus
Struggling to concentrate on tasks or getting distracted makes it hard to complete work.
5. Limited participation and effort in meetings
Not contributing ideas or showing little interest during meetings or group discussions.
6. Lack of punctuality
Arriving late to appointments, meetings, or tasks shows a lack of commitment.
7. Lack of interest in taking on more responsibilities
Avoiding additional tasks or roles that could offer growth or challenges.
Steps you can take to improve your self-motivation
A Gallup survey found that 60% of employees feel emotionally detached from their jobs, and 50% feel stressed every day. While quitting might seem like a quick fix, it may not be the best long-term solution. According to VoiceNation, 37% of workers have trouble with their daily tasks.
There are some steps you can take to improve self-motivation at your workplace.
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1. Set clear goals
Setting clear, easy-to-measure goals helps you focus and track your progress. Breaking big tasks into smaller steps makes them seem less overwhelming and gives you a clear direction.
2. Create a routine
Creating a schedule helps you stay focused and organise your day. Following a routine makes it easier to stay consistent and finish tasks.
3. Find your purpose
Link your tasks to things that matter to you. This could be personal growth, helping others, or reaching long-term goals. When your work feels important, it becomes easier to stay motivated. Understanding why you are doing something helps keep you focused.
4. Celebrate small wins
Noticing small progress keeps you going. Celebrating little wins helps you stay motivated and reminds you that you’re getting closer to your bigger goal.
5. Stay positive
A positive mindset can make a big difference. Focus on what you’re good at. Remember your past successes. This boosts your confidence. Turn negative thoughts into chances to learn.
6. Remove distractions
A messy or loud environment makes it hard to concentrate. Keep your workspace clean and quiet, put your phone away, and organise your desk. This will help you focus and get more done.
7. Take care of yourself
Self-care is important for staying motivated. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating healthy gives you the energy and focus to stay sharp and active all day.
8. Surround yourself with support
Being around motivating people, like friends and coworkers, can help. They can support and inspire you and keep you on track. Positive connections with others can keep you focused and make things more enjoyable.
9. Stay flexible
Life doesn’t always go as expected, so flexibility is important. If things don’t work out, don’t get upset. Change your plans and keep moving forward. Being flexible helps you deal with problems and stay motivated.
How can self-motivation help you succeed at work
Self-motivation is important for both personal and work success. It helps you stay focused and work toward your goals. It also helps you handle challenges without needing someone to tell you what to do.
Motivated leaders inspire their teams. They make better decisions and help their team stay on track.
When motivation is low, you can notice it and take action. Set goals, stay positive, and take care of yourself. These steps will help you feel more energised and productive.
Self-motivation doesn’t just help you finish tasks. It also helps you grow and succeed in your career.
About the authors
Darja is a Behavioural Scientist and Customer Success Manager. She holds a Master’s in Social Sciences from the University of Helsinki, specialising in business anthropology and organisational psychology. She is also working on service and product development.
Pooja specialises in developing content that enhances leadership skills and promotes effective team management. With a strong focus on personal growth and organisational success, she’s passionate about exploring strategies that empower leaders to inspire, motivate, and guide their teams toward achieving common goals.
