I seem to be immune to the traditional means of self-motivation, so I continue to look for a solution. I have a degree in psychology, and am familiar with the "scholarly" viewpoints on motivation. I can't help but remember that my professor for "Psychology of Motivation" was so uninteresting that I can't conjure up his name or face 20 years later ( I can remember others, so it isn't just my fading memory.) I want a good answer, because I face this problem all the time, not just as an individual but also as a teacher. Often I have wanted to pursue a project, but couldn't keep myself going until the end. In the same way, I often have students who can't get going on work, even on projects that they are interested in. Where is the disconnect?
Obviously, other people see the problem. The number of motivational speakers, sites, books, articles, etc. seems limitless. It seems equally obvious that none of these people have the answer, or there would be no need for so many voices. If these self-styled experts could get us going, we wouldn't need so many. They remind me of weight-loss experts, cashing in on individuals' inability to successfully drop pounds.
Maybe that's where the answer lies. The secret to weight loss is no secret (for most people). Eat less, exercise more. The hard part is doing that and there is no money in it for experts. Unfortunately, if the key to self-motivation is just doing it, then the problem defeats its own solution.
So far the only thing that seems to work for me (and my students) is to complete one small task at a time. Turning big projects into lots of little projects helps to counter the urge to procrastinate.
And suddenly I remember that I have a painting that I have to finish . . .
Hi Robert,
ReplyDeleteFinding the motivation to complete tasks is difficult. Sometimes I find myself waiting until the last minute, because I just don't know where to start or I find it the hardest to just begin the task. Your mention of breaking tasks down into smaller ones is a great idea. I find that works a lot with my students and myself. For example, each day I have a set of goals that I would like to reach, if I make them too broad, why start because I know I won't finish. Keeping them reachable and attainable helps to keep me on task and produce quality work that I am proud of.
~Chrissie: )
My secret is to pace around the room and talk to myself about how much I don't want to do this. I'm only half joking. It usually clears out the house because it freaks out my family, then I get some peace and quite.
ReplyDeleteI've also had some success treating myself like my 9 year-old. "You can play one hour of video games after you clean and vacuum your room." I put little restrictions like that on myself. "Wrap up this paper and you can have a beer." That often gets things going.