Motivation: One Little Cue at a Time

Sparkplugging is starting a new tradition called ‘Spark an Idea Thursday’. Each week we’ll be sharing some great ideas for a topic of interest to our readers. We invite you to grab our image and carry the tradition through to your own blog! If you do, please link back to this post so we know where you were inspired! The theme of this week’s Spark an Idea Thursday is Motivating Others.
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This week we are talking about “motivating others”.  To be honest, I’m not all that sure I know how to motivate others to go, do or be whatever.  I think we can be part of it, but it has to build.  Let me explain…

I think people motivate themselves.

When we are ready, we get up and get moving.  Whether it’s pants that are too tight or organizing a home office.  There is a switch that has to flip, an internal snap and you finally say, “That’s IT.  It’s time.”

Action sparks motivation.

I also believe that sometimes I just don’t feel motivated.  I don’t.  However, when I get up and do something, it’s pretty common for me to feel motivated.  If I relied on feeling motivated, frankly, I’d never get anything done.  Know what I mean?

What if you really care about someone or something, and you want to help nudge them in the right direction?

I think when you see someone needs help, and you can clearly see the solution, you can definitely be part of the solution.  How?  By being honest, in a way they understand.  If it’s a client that expects you to be firm and straightforward, by all means say something with your good intentions firmly in your mind.  If it’s someone you are close to and you know they are sensitive, things get a little trickier.  So, use your best judgment.

Motivation to change happens one moment at a time.

A friend once said, we are motivated a little at a time.  When there is something deep inside saying it’s time to change, you know it.  You see visual cues, hear little things and notice instances around you that point to it.  No one person or thing makes it happen, it accumlates until you reach the point that it’s time to make it happen.

So, how do you motivate others?  Be part of the little cues along the way.  When it’s time, they may just remember what you did or said.  Then, be there to support them when they make the decision.

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