How do you remain inspired to do your best work? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What makes you feel like you’re impacting the world and the people in your life? What does it take for you to sustain this kind of motivation? Is it the intrinsic reward of the satisfaction of a job well done? Is it that bonus you were promised by hitting a goal? Or is it the recognition you get from your boss and colleagues that makes you feel warm and fuzzy? Many times, it’s a mix of all of the above.

It takes discipline to stay motivated. On any given day, one’s enthusiasm may wane. Maybe you’re not feeling well, you’ve had a disagreement with a co-worker, or you just need a break from work. Some days it requires an entrenched resistance to failure to keep moving forward.

Some food for thought:

1.      Have you asked yourself what motivates you? Have you shared this with your team and/or your supervisor?

2.      Do you find mentoring another rewarding? Have you seen a need at work and asked for the opportunity to help someone else?

3.      Is recognition important to you? How do you like to be recognized for your efforts and accomplishments? Publicly or privately? Does a handwritten card of appreciation from your boss mean something to you? Or is it a company-wide email recognizing you that makes you feel special?

4.      How do you feel about feedback? Do you want to hear constructive feedback that might help you grow? Do you value another’s perspective? Do you see areas in your life that could be improved and believe someone could help you do that?

5.      Do you thrive on challenges? What resources do you need to be successful? Does the company offer them? Have you asked?

6.      Does money drive you? Have you done the work to deserve a raise? What impact have you made that might translate into an increase? Are there bonus or commission opportunities?

7.      Do opportunities for growth inspire you? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? How could your skill set best serve the company and others in your life?

8.      Do you like to learn new things? What training is available? Can you take the time to complete it? What value could you add to the company by learning something new?

9.      Does meaningful work inspire you to do your best? Is knowing that what you do makes a difference to someone motivation enough? Is helping others what fills your cup?

 10.  Are you a problem solver? Have you noticed problems in the company or your department that you might have a solution for? Have you shared them with someone who could help effect change?

11.  Do you feel a pull to lead others? Do you have what it takes to guide others in the company? Are you willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team?

12.  Do you like to flex your imagination and creative muscles? How could your ideas help the company, the staff, and the culture?

13.  Does your work culture add or take away from your motivation? What can you bring to the table to improve company culture? Are you adding to the problem or creating solutions?

As I see it, motivation is not static. Sometimes I have to dig deep for the want to. Building discipline into my life has helped me to look beyond how I may feel about something to instead take the right action. There are just some days I’d rather hang out with my cats. But I’ve found that when I take action regardless of my feelings, I always end up better for it. I’ve never been able to think myself out of negative thoughts. I’ve always had to act my way out of a slump.

Motivations are fascinating and a natural part of what drives all of us. Take a moment to answer the above questions honestly. You might be surprised at what you learn about yourself. What could you add to your motivational toolbox that might enhance your life? It’s worth asking. After all, we have a lifetime ahead to motivate us.

 “Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” – Wayne Dyer

“Either you run the day or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn

dark+linkedin Emily Hammer - Director of Human Resources, PDC Rx