After reading Motivation - A Kick in the A--, I wondered about the topic of motivation and college students. I also find this to be an issue for me as a university counselors where students come in frustrated that they are lacking motivation. I also thought I'd get more from the text in regards to motivating my students! I wanted to find a practical, yet truly applicable, resource that I myself might post up in my office, or provide as a handout. I was looking for a good conversation piece.
My search for a resource proved to be fruitful - I found 12 Strategies for Motivation That Work! on the Allegheny College website. It incorporates many components of the semester: behaviorism, cognitivism, embodied and spiritual learning, to name a few. I really like how this incorporates self-care and mental health. There is also a strategy that encourages one to talk with others about what blocks might come up. It seems like a grounded, and holistic, approach to wellness and success. See for yourself and tell me what you think!
12 Strategies for Motivation That Work!
- Set goals. Be sure they are realistic and achievable. Make them small to start.
- Establish rewards for progress toward your goals.
- Expect set-backs and when they happen, re-direct and renew your energy toward your goals. Don’t give up.
- Use the power of positive thinking and believe in yourself. Overcome discouragement.
- Tell others what you are trying to accomplish and seek support from loved ones.
- Learn to say no to options and distractions that deter you from your goal. Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
- Establish routine and regular exercise; meditation, prayer or yoga, even if it is only 15 minutes a day to start. This will help you to cultivate discipline.
- Use positive imagery to help you achieve your goals. Imagine yourself as you will be and feel when your goal is achieved.
- Spend time reflecting or talking to others about what has stopped you from achieving your goals in the past.
- Post reminders and inspirational quotes in prominent places about what you want to achieve.
- Get professional help and support to overcome physical or mental roadblocks (depression and anxiety are just two examples) and to bolster your efforts, no matter how small they may seem.
- Practice extreme self care. Good health is essential to positive thinking and feeling, which will take you a long way toward achieving your goals.
http://sites.allegheny.edu/deanofstudents/wellness-education/todays-topic/12-strategies-for-motivation-that-work/
Thank you so much for the 12 Strategies for Motivation That Work! I really needed to see that and I will be making a copy to put over my desk. I am good at setting goals,rewarding myself, using positive imagery, reflecting and using inspirational quotes. My downfall is encountering a set-back. I allow myself to become negative and think why didn't I do a better job, etc. It is hard for me to stay positive when I hit that road bump! Even though at work I have surrounded myself with inspirational quotes. I need to work on staying positive and reflecting on why I encountered the set-back in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you got something out of this Susan! There are some really good points, that perhaps we all know. Yet, they are all consolidated and serve as a great reminder. I hear you about the "setback." I have just encountered my own, and it is really hard to allow it to be without getting negative. I am using some mindfulness to work with the discomfort of the thoughts and feelings that are coming up. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteThank you for sharing your post with us as well as the useful information that you discovered! These 12 Strategies for Motivation That Work! are definitely tools that I use daily within my own life as I continue to push the envelope of what my capabilities are as an adult learner and student of the world around me. As an observer and continual self-reflector, each strategy spoken of in your post has been a clear revelation that the things I am doing to remain consistent toward meeting my goals have not only been correct but also extremely fruitful. I definitely agree with these strategies and I only hope that I can continue through my life and even following obtaining my desired degrees with these awesome strategies that have proven to be great in my own life.
ReplyDeleteDeondra, it is pretty inspiring to hear how these strategies are part of your "toolbag." This list is like a roadmap to success. Now, there are different interpretations, but I really like the way this particular one is laid out. I am glad it was affirming!
Delete