27 February 2020

Self-motivation: what is it and how to develop it?

man with telescope on red upward arrow, surrounded by clouds and in front of a skyline of blue buildings

There are many ways in which companies seek to motivate their employees in order to make them more efficient and productive. In fact, beyond the motivation that comes from external sources, In addition, we must not lose sight of the motivation that originates in the person him/herself, as it can be even more powerful than external motivations and, furthermore, a key element in achieving the proposed objectives, whether in the work or in the personal sphere. This type of motivation is called self-motivation, and it is increasingly present in all areas of business and training. 

Table of contents

What is self-motivation

Self-motivation is the ability and practice of A person motivates themselves to achieve the goals they have set.. The main characteristic of motivation is that the sender and receiver of the motivation are the same person, which presents certain peculiarities that make it important to learn to work with it correctly to achieve all its benefits and advantages. 

Benefits of self-motivation

The benefits of self-motivation are similar to those that can be obtained from any exercise or Motivation training However, in the case of self-motivation, two additional benefits can be highlighted on top of the general ones of any motivation workshop:

  • Completely personalised motivationSince self-motivation is carried out by the same person who needs such motivation, the adaptation of this type of motivation is complete, as it is the same person who selects the forms and content they will use in the motivation they wish to undertake. This also implies a greater effect, given that the person who self-motivates ends up selecting those methods that yield the best results for them. 
  • 24/7 MotivationThe other advantage that self-motivation offers over traditional motivation is that it is constant, meaning its techniques and benefits can be harnessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is achieved by not having to depend on an external source of motivation, such as workshops given by a coach. 

Keys to developing self-motivation

However, doing a good job of self-motivation is more complicated than it may seem at first glance. It must be taken into account that, lacking a professional coach, This also presents a number of disadvantages compared to traditional motivation, which is why it is important for anyone aspiring to apply self-motivation in their daily routine to have a series of tools to help them apply it successfully. 

  • The importance of organisationWhen practising self-motivation, organisation is a key factor. Organisation helps to better manage any element, including motivation. In this regard, it is advisable to set aside a specific time for this activity, so that the person practising self-motivation is aware that it is an active attitude and not merely a statement of intent. 
  • Use appropriate materialAnother important aspect when practising self-motivation is having the right material. In this regard, there are books and techniques that help with the practice of self-motivation and help to internalise it as a habit, which ultimately facilitates its implementation in the present and ensures that this practice remains constant over time. 
  • Controlling influencesFinally, another of the fundamental elements as far as self-motivation is concerned is influences. These can be of many types, although the people around us tend to be the main influences. Surrounding yourself with unmotivated people presents an obstacle when it comes to achieving self-motivation goals, so it's important to distance yourself from them and seek the company of those who will enhance your self-motivation capabilities. 

Motivation at work: key to production

La employee motivation is essential for them to be productive. An unmotivated employee is much more less efficient to work with, and so it will negatively affect the company. 

In this respect, it is essential to take into account the working conditions of employees, since, in many cases, they are one of the main elements that determine the motivation or lack thereof that workers show in their jobs. In this regard, having a good salary, as well as conditions that allow reconciling work and family life, as well as with a social benefit package advantageous, are some ways in which companies can improve the motivation of their workers without needing to make large and costly investments.

Edenred Spain