Motivation: an inward odyssey

Understanding motivation

There have been times when I’ve found myself stuck, dreading a task that needs to be done and trying to muster the motivation for the task. I recall the words of the author Stephen King, “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” I couldn’t agree more. Over time, I’ve discovered that motivation isn’t always a lightning bolt of inspiration; sometimes, it’s a flickering flame that needs nurturing. Here’s how I keep that flame burning bright, even in the face of unwelcome tasks.

Finding purpose in the mundane

Every task, no matter how tedious, has a purpose. I remind myself of the impact completing this task will have, no matter how small. I remember writing a research paper on a topic that didn’t exactly thrill me. After having stared at a blank page for hours, overwhelmed and uninspired. I asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I don’t get this done?” The answer was simple: I would fail, and that was not an option. So, I took a deep breath, grabbed a cup of coffee, and began to write. I didn’t wait for inspiration to strike; I created my own momentum.

Turning discomfort into growth

Instead of shying away from discomfort, I embrace it as a catalyst for personal growth. Stepping out of my comfort zone makes me more resilient. To motivate oneself, one must first acknowledge that our brains are wired to resist tasks that don’t bring us joy. However, by recognizing this resistance, we can overcome it. One strategy I’ve found effective is to identify the reason behind the reluctance. Is it fear of failure? Perfectionism? Lack of interest? Once I pinpoint the root cause, I can address it head-on. For instance, if I’m afraid of failure, I remind myself that failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.

 

Harnessing the power of reflection

I’ve adopted the habit of reflecting on past achievements, no matter how minor. This serves as a reminder of my capabilities and fuels my confidence to tackle new challenges. Reflecting on how far I’ve come motivates me to push through the obstacles ahead. Additionally, it helps to create a sense of accountability. This can be as simple as sharing my goals with a friend or family member and asking them to hold me accountable. The thought that someone expects me to deliver can be a powerful motivator. Moreover, I’ve learned to be kind to myself when I make mistakes. It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned, but by practicing self- compassion, I can bounce back and keep moving forward.

Amidst the uncertainties of life, there was a time when my motivation wavered, doubt and fatigue had taken hold, casting a veil over my aspirations. Amidst the gloom, a gentle reminder sparked a flicker of hope within me. It was a simple mantra passed down through generations of resilience and perseverance: “This too shall pass.” Those words, whispered in moments of despair, became my beacon in the darkness, stepping stones towards growth and self-discovery. The words of Ralph Waldo Emerson ring in my mind, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

About the author

The article has been contributed by Srishti Limbu, a student from St. Joseph’s High School, Matigara, Darjeeling.