10 Secrets of Highly-Motivated Leaders

Productivity is a byproduct of motivation. When you’re motivated to do your work, you get it done. And when you’re not motivated, work takes forever.

It’s a futile effort to attempt to keep yourself focused on the task. It won’t be long before something more interesting comes along and grabs your attention.

A better approach is to evaluate your motivation. Ask, Why I’m doing this project? And let the answer compel you to work with more energy.

When people struggle to accomplish goals, often the problem is not a lack of focus. It’s because we lack motivation.

So here are 10 practices to keep you motivated toward your goals:

1. Announce it

No one wants to let others down. Once your goal is out there, it’ll motivate you more with the fear of failing in the sight of others.

2. Have people depend on you

Much like the last one, this secret differs because it adds the pressure of delivering a product or service to people. If they depend on you for some service, you’ll be motivated to deliver.

3. Challenge false perceptions

The truth is, there is enough time in the day. You have enough energy. There’s enough money in the bank. Look closer at the perceptions – the fears – that are holding you back. If you do, you will find that there isn’t too much truth to them.

4. Celebrate victories

Little victories will feel more satisfying if you choose to celebrate them. Reward yourself occasionally and your productivity will skyrocket.

5. Start small

If you have an impossibly huge task in front of you, it’ll be much harder to stay motivated to tackle it. Instead, start with small, manageable goals that help you make progress toward the huge goal. Michael has written a great article that will help you with this – The #1 Way to Get Better Results.

6. Tell stories

When I’m struggling to make progress, I am often inspired by the stories of others. Because I can learn from their successes – and from their mistakes. So tell more stories – your stories. You’ll be encouraged and you’ll inspire others.

7. Share progress

Few things are more motivating than a kind word of affirmation. There are several people in my life who encourage me greatly. And I’ll admit – I often share my progress with them because I know they’ll inspire me to take the next step. Who is speaking encouragement into your life?

8. Process failures

Some people repeat the same mistakes over and over – like a broken record. And as a result, they are frustrated with tasks and projects before they even get started. Identify causes for failures, make adjustments. Then move on. Don’t keep reliving failures.

9. Think forward

Every setback or hurdle propels you closer toward your dream. Think of each step — no matter how bad it may make you feel — as a forward step.

10. Plan early

Plan small, manageable goals the night before. When you do, you’ll wake up with passion and purpose. You’ll know exactly what needs to be done. When you don’t plan ahead, you’re more likely to feel overwhelmed.

It’s true – if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your work, the problem may simply be your motivation.