Simply put, motivation is the force that drives us to get things done. While that may sound straightforward, many people find motivation to be elusive and unpredictable. Some days they may feel ready to take on the world, while on others they may struggle to even get off the couch. However, in modern life, a lack of motivation can come at a high cost, both personally and professionally. By finding ways to boost motivation, you can not only increase productivity, but also improve your confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.
How Does Motivation Work?
When we think about boosting motivation, it’s important to understand where it comes from and how it works. There are two main types of motivation:
Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation comes from external sources. This is sometimes referred to as “carrot and stick” motivation. Extrinsic motivators can be positive incentives such as money or prestige (carrots), or negative consequences such as losing your job (sticks).
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation comes from within. Intrinsic motivation occurs when tasks are inherently enjoyable, interesting, or satisfying to complete, or when they are tied to internal rewards such as learning a new skill.
Additionally, research shows that motivation depends on three factors:
Activation
Activation is the decision to take the first step toward your goal. For example, writing a proposal for a project idea you’d like to pitch at work.
Persistence
Persistence is the act of pushing forward toward your goal, even in the face of obstacles. For example, taking feedback and refining your proposal despite feeling discouraged or rejected.
Intensity
Intensity is maintaining the focus and energy level needed to achieve your goal. For example, enthusiastically repitching your proposal or seeking out other opportunities to bring your ideas to fruition.
Tips for Staying Motivated at Work
Even if you understand how motivation works, it can still be hard to avoid slumps altogether. People can experience a lack of motivation for a wide range of reasons, including self-doubt, lack of passion, and being overwhelmed. In the workplace, demotivation can also stem from micromanagement, lack of opportunity, or feeling disconnected from the company’s larger purpose.
While some things at work may be out of your control, there are many ways to help improve your motivation, such as:
Breaking down your goals
Big projects or goals can be much easier to tackle if you break them up into smaller, more manageable steps. This not only allows you to focus on one thing at a time, but helps you build momentum as you check things off your to-do list.
Taking pride in your work
Even tasks that feel mundane can be integral to reaching an overarching goal. Recognize the value of your work and take pride in the contributions you’re making to the company.
Being kind to yourself
Self-doubt and negative self-talk can both significantly hinder motivation. Focus on your strengths and achievements and remember that everybody makes mistakes.
Using the right tools
The technology you use for work can easily make or break your momentum. Find products that you’ll look forward to using, like Acer’s Swift Go 14 and Aspire Vero Green laptops.
Finding role models
Look for people whose lives and achievements inspire you and learn more about how they got to where they are today. These can be people you know personally or public figures who resonate with your values and goals.
Quotes to Boost Motivation at Work
With role models in mind, here are some inspirational quotes from people who have achieved great success:
“He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.”—Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrick Nietzsche (b. 1844–d. 1900) was a German scholar and philosopher best known for his writings on religion and morality, particularly the concept of good and evil.
“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”—Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey (b. 1954) is an American host, television producer, and philanthropist best known for her eponymous talk show, which ran from 1986 to 2011.
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” —Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh (b. 1853– d. 1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter who created more than 2,000 works of art, including around 860 oil paintings.
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”—Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison (b. 1837–d. 1931) was an American inventor best known for his contributions to modern technology, including the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”—H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
H. Jackson Brown, Jr. (b. 1940–d. 2021) was an American writer famed for his inspirational best-selling work, Life’s Little Instruction Book.
“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”—Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie (b. 1888–d. 1955) was an American writer and lecturer best known for creating corporate training programs and courses on self-improvement, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
“We can do anything we want if we stick to it long enough.”—Helen Keller
Helen Keller (b. 1880–d. 1968) was an American author, educator, and political activist best known for overcoming blindness and deafness to become a leading disability rights advocate and co-founder of the ACLU.
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”—Vince Lombardi
Vince Lombardi (b. 1913–d. 1970) was an American football coach and National Football League executive widely recognized as one of the greatest coaches of all time.
“Success is not final; failure is not final: It is the courage to continue that counts.”—Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill (b. 1874–d. 1965) was a British politician and writer best known for being the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II.
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”—Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein (b. 1879–d. 1955) was a German theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate best known for developing the theory of relativity, which revolutionized the way we understand space and time.
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About Lisa Shettle: Lisa is a writer, editor, and content product manager with over 15 years of experience. She has a special interest in travel and tech writing, marketing, and AI. She is based in the United States.
