Self-Motivation
Self-motivation, in its simplest form, is the force that drives you to do things. It is what drove me to become a life coach, write a book, and establish UNLAD. It is also central to the question a lot of us are asking now: What can I do?
So much is in flux, brought about by COVID-19 and George Floyd’s murder. Caveat: I am not naively suggesting that if we all woke up tomorrow feeling self-motivated, the world will suddenly become better and everyone will embrace each other as an equal. I’m simply suggesting that for those of us who are actively wondering if there is anything – anything at all we can do, my answer is yes, and the “what” is within us.
Dynamics of Self-Motivation
An article published by skillsyouneed.com, describes self-motivation, the force that drives us to do things, as influenced by three factors: one’s own drive to achieve, commitment to one’s goals, initiative, and resilience. Inherent in these factors are one’s willingness to take risks in pursuit of one’s goals; the courage to fail – and learn; and the ability to “bounce back” with positivity, not hesitating to seek help in the process. This motivation can come from wanting to do something, having to do something, or from a clear sense of obligation to do something. We want to go to work because we enjoy the company of our co-workers; we have to go to work to make a living; and we are obligated to do our best at work because it is the right thing to do. Obligation-based motivation comes from our personal ethics and sense of duty, discerning right from wrong, judgment from our moral compass.
While motivation from wanting or having to do something is straightforward, our ability to be motivated by a sense of duty to do the “right thing” can be compromised. Psychologist Merete Weddell- Weddellsberg identified three dynamics that lead to a breach of one’s moral compass. First, there’s omnipotence: when someone feels so aggrandized and entitled that they believe the rules of decent behavior don’t apply to them. Second, we have cultural numbness: when others play along and gradually begin to accept and embody deviant norms. Finally, we see justified neglect: when people don’t speak up about ethical breaches because they are thinking of more immediate rewards such as staying on a good footing with the powerful.
Far be it for me to judge where you are in these dynamics of self-motivation. But - if you’re still reading this, one thing’s for sure: you are being moved by our present state of affairs to ask – albeit with frustration and helplessness, “what can I do?” You want to do something. You feel you must do something. And you feel a sense of duty to do what is right.
Small acts matter
We founded UNLAD on the belief that “small acts matter”. Like the proverbial ripple created by a tiny stone dropped into the ocean, any small act that each of us undertakes can geometrically compound. Any small act we take now will affect someone else, who will affect someone else, and that small act that we started will matter in the long run. We’ve read and heard of small, individual acts of courage and kindness that changed the world forever.
While feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of these huge systemic problems, we cannot minimize and dismiss the power of any small act. We cannot wait for someone to tell us what, how and when to do something. Act, we must, on our own volition, driven by this force that makes us do something - self motivation.
Small acts matter: What can I do?
Educate ourselves: Many of us continue to remain ignorant about the health plague that is COVID-19 and the societal plague that is Racism. Do your own research, wrestle with your doubts, question your beliefs, and pro-actively live your values.
Put our money where our mouth is: There are many organizations taking the lead towards positive and sustainable change. It does not matter if we support these organizations with a dollar or a million dollars. If each of us could give the cost of a monthly subscription to Netflix to a couple of these organizations, I know that this can add up to millions needed to fuel sustainable systemic change.
Get involved: In President Obama’s recent essay, he said: “We have to mobilize to raise awareness, and we have to organize and cast our ballots to make sure that we elect candidates who will act on reform.” There are many ways to get involved, activities one can do even in the safety of one’s home: sign up for phonatons, reach out to community organizations, volunteer our time. The opportunities are as rich as one’s imagination.
We cannot give up. We cannot wait for someone to tell us what to do. Let’s activate and mobilize that force within each of us to act – to do something no matter how small. The opportunities are only as rich, or as limited, as one’s imagination.
