The 7 Keys to Motivation David Kingsbury January 27, 2021

Posted on December 22, 2022 by David Kingsbury, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.

Editor’s Note: Originally Posted on the website DKKinged.com, where you can find many more articles and sign up for our free e-newsletter.

Ever felt like that Bruno Mars ditty, “The Lazy Song?” If you’re not familiar with it, the lyrics go like this:

“Today I don’t feel like doing anything
I just wanna lay in my bed
Don’t feel like picking up my phone, so leave a message at the tone
‘Cause today I swear I’m not doing anything…
No, I ain’t gonna comb my hair
‘Cause I ain’t going anywhere”

I’ve certainly felt like this. There’s been times that I just froze, paralyzed with feelings of being overwhelmed or simply being too tired or unconcerned to take the next step. And, of course, the times I just plain didn’t give a crap. Of course, this attitude is extraordinarily destructive to both personal goals and future success.

Why, then, is this so common a phenomena? How is it that something so bad is so easily related to by so many driven professionals?

The answers are varied but clear. Burnout is one reason: the quenched flames of something about which you once were passionate but now can barely tolerate. Or perhaps the culprit is complacency, where you’ve done well enough that you’re content to cease all improvement or growth.

Another is becoming overwhelmed, wherein you focus on so many things you’re suddenly unable to focus on any of them. And then there’s lack of vision, losing the fire of reaching your objectives to the impulse of giving up on your dream.

We’ve all been there. But there is not where we should stay.

Drive is the opposite of IJDGAC (I just don’t give a crap) Syndrome. It is pushing forward in spite of feelings to the contrary. It is the “driving force” of achieving your goals. And…now here comes the good news…drive is a skill, which means it can be developed and strengthened.
So, without further delay or lollygagging, here’s seven “D-words” that show you how to rev up your drive and conquer your world.

1. Dissatisfaction:

It is heartache or dissatisfaction that motivates change. When you become unhappy enough with your current circumstances, when the pain becomes intense, when simply being “okay” is no longer acceptable, then motivation blossoms. Complacency kills potential. It was when I detected another D-word: “Dunlap Disease” that I sprang into action. One day I looked down and saw my belly had “dun-lapped-over-my belt.” As unsettling as this was for me, a hearty diet and exercise plan ensued. Pain is powerful if harnessed. So go ahead. Get dissatisfied. Never settle.

2. Deliberate:

This word has two meanings, one being “intentional” and the other being to “think over something” or to “meditate upon.” Both apply to motivation and drive. First, be intentional. Develop a clear goal and outline specific steps to reach it. You’ll never hit a target that doesn’t exist. Then, think over the possible outcomes and what really needs to happen to achieve your goal. Lastly, put it on paper and tell someone so they can hold you accountable.

3. Delay (gratification):

I know, I know, its human nature to want what we want when we want it but try sacrificing a small pleasure or reward today in order to achieve a larger one later. Instead of shopping from the discount rack (unless that’s your thing, no judgment here, just making a point) go without new clothes for a while, save up your cash, and buy something top quality. You’ll be glad you did. Impulse buys, like impulse decisions, are often regretted. If you can’t delay a desire then you’re doomed to fail. As I mention in my video on this topic: you can have a cheeseburger or a steak. One is quick and easy, the other takes longer and is more expensive. The choice is yours.

4. Develop:

Exactly what should you develop to enhance your drive? I’m glad you asked: Your skills, your resources, your abilities, your inspiration, and your reward. Each of these is a critical part of boosting your motivation. Skills, such as drive, depend upon practice. Resources, such as capital or time, expand your actionable options. Abilities, such as your gift of juggling flaming bowling pins, open doors when properly applied. Inspiration, such as watching your baby take its first steps, accelerate initiative. Rewards, such as rocking the beach body after months in the gym, well…they just feel so rewarding. In each of these areas, identify what is weak or what needs improvement and then attack it. Naturally, this requires being consistent, which leads us to:

5. Discipline and Determination:

These two words are similar but not the same. Discipline is exercising restraint. It is not reacting to every thought or feeling. The externally controlled person punches his boss in the face when talked down to…and loses his job then goes to jail. The internally controlled person shows restraint and knee-caps him in the parking lot later that night..I mean…shows restraint and laughs all the way to the bank after finding a better job. Discipline is meekness: strength under control. Determination is the opposite of controlling your impulses and simply not reacting. It is intentionally reacting in a positive way even when, internally, you don’t want to do it or it is hard and painful. For example, the normal human impulse is generally to resist something uncomfortable or distressing. And yet, pushing yourself to write that term paper, attend that interview, or ask that sexy someone out can be oh so worth it.

6. Demonstrate:

Note that fueling up your motivation is not just adhering to theoretical principles mentally. In reality, you must actually take concrete actions. You must actually do the stuff you set out to do and keep doing them even if you don’t see results immediately. There’s also an aspect of this that is public. To sharpen your drive, you need to demonstrate the decisions you’ve made and the actions you are taking before others. This means intentionally surrounding yourself with like-minded people that have similar goals. Synergy and inspiration occur when you demonstrate your actions together.

7. Data:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Nothing is improved if it isn’t measured. Set up systems that are objective and identify specific data points. Regularly look back at this data and use it to tweak your approach and improve your results. Some time ago, I didn’t balance my checkbook until, during an incident in my 20’s, I overdrew and faced significant fines and penalties, destroying my savings account. Now, I measure my income and diligently monitor my account activity. You probably should too. For that matter, you should probably measure and regularly check the stats on everything important in your life.

Okay, I couldn’t resist. Here’s a bonus D-word.

Devotion:

Your purpose has to be bigger than yourself and you must be committed to it for the sake of others. How are you ever going to make a global impact, or even make a difference in your own neighborhood, if all you’re focused on is yourself? If that’s the case, then the odds aren’t in your favor my friend. Being truly devoted to your goals, and the PEOPLE those accomplished goals will benefit, amplifies your drive. Test it and see.

So, there you have it: 7 keys for igniting your drive to succeed and keeping the fires burning! Or remember this acronym D,D,D,D,D,D,D. Or you could just remember “Duh,” because, after all, maintaining your drive is really a no-brainer.

Until next time, don’t just be transformed: be Kinged!