Motivation and Emotion

Those who don't, well, they don't usually do as well.

Self Motivation and Emotion

There are plenty of motivation techniques, but one of the most powerful ways to get yourself to take action is to use your emotions as a motivational tool. You can stir emotion up internally (by using imagery or memory), by experiencing an event, by changing your physical state (it's harder to feel depressed if you're smiling), or by taking some sort of action (giving to charity).

Below are some tips on self motivation and emotion.

• Find a cause. A charity, a person in need, or a cause bigger than yourself can help to motivate you.

• Get a pet. Caring for a pet is an incredibly positive emotional experience. People with pets are generally happier and may even be healthier and live longer. Don't do this, however, without carefully considering the consequences and committing to the care of the animal.

• Make new friends. New friends can stimulate new ideas and ways of looking at the world.

• Get rid of the people who bring you down. Make a list of all the people you know and deal with on a regular basis. Keep writing non-stop until your list is done.

  Then, go back over the list and notice how you feel as you read each name. Ask yourself... is it good for me to associate with this person? Yes, great! Write down what you get out of that association.

  No? Why not? Write down what you get out of that association as well. Then, try to figure out a more positive way to get what you need.

• Visit a place you love. Is there a particular place in the world that you like to visit? Is there a place you've never been but think you'd like to visit? Changing your location, even for a short time, can change your perspective.

• Ask emotion provoking questions. Ask yourself questions that stimulate your emotions.

  Think of 5 questions that bring back a positive emotional response. Write them down and ask yourself these questions every day.

  To give you an idea, you can ask things like... what would I do with one million dollars tax free?

  Even if money is not a strong desire for you, imagining you have it is very freeing, and very motivating. What would you do with your day if you didn't have to go to work? How much could you give to charity (both of your time and money) if all your bills were paid?

  I'm sure you can think up your own, but here are some more questions to ask yourself... If money and time were no object, and I could live anywhere I wanted, where would it be? Of all the people I know, who needs my help the most? How would I describe my ideal day?

• Buy something new. Getting a new item can evoke positive emotions. Buy new clothes, new furniture, or a new gadget for yourself.

• Smile. When you feel down, your body reflects that. When you're up, your body reflects that too. It's much harder to feel bad when you're smiling.

• Spend time outdoors. Being in nature can bring out positive emotions and help you to feel more of a connection to nature.

• Keep a journal. You can journal motivation levels daily, along with your other emotional states during the day. You can journal your activities, successes, setbacks, and roadblocks, and strive to improve.

If you can learn to control your emotions, including managing your reactions to the emotional responses of others, you'll likely be much more successful.

Topics Related to Motivation and Emotion

More motivation information and resources

Self Motivation tips

Using motivational posters as a tool

Motivational quotes to get you going

Definition of Motivation

New! Comments