How Are You Motivated?

I’ve noticed something interesting about motivation.

First of all, of course, it can be a bit fleeting. That’s actually not a problem, as long as you realize that it’s OK to embrace your needs. It’s OK to need new motivation every day. We all do.

Secondly, and even more interesting to me, is that everyone is motivated differently. Unfortunately, we often fail to realize this and try to motivate ourselves (or our colleagues, relatives, or friends) in ways that simply don’t work.

So today let’s dive in a bit – how are you motivated?

Motivation By Tough Love

Are you someone who gets fired up when someone says you can’t do something? Do you get fierce and decide you’re going to prove them wrong no matter what?

If so, you’re motivated by tough love. You’re most inspired to do something when someone doubts you, so it’s important for you to set difficult challenges for yourself.

Find someone who can fire you up and hold you accountable. Don’t be shy. If you’re motivated by a drill-sergeant type approach, find that kind of friend. Embrace that about yourself and go get it!

Motivation By Competition

Some people love the feeling of winning. It’s the best motivation for them, and if they are in a competition there is nothing that can stop them.

If you recognize yourself in this, then the best way for you to be motivated is to find ways to compete. Do you have a colleague who is motivated the same way? See which of you can get the most sales in a quarter, prospect calls in a week, or some other achievement.

One of the keys to this approach is to be sure to celebrate your wins. If nothing is on the line, you won’t feel like you’ve truly accomplished something. Be sure that there’s a real prize on the line, and don’t cheat and give it to yourself unless you win.

Motivation By Encouragement

I have a good friend who is most motivated by encouragement. She has a gentle disposition and tends to simply wilt if someone tries the tough-love approach. In fact, she shared a story with me once about when she was working at an insurance company.

A coach training her noticed that she was a bit competitive, but misread that and started to tell her that he didn’t think she could meet her goals. He was trying to fire her up, but instead, she cried at her desk.

Oops.

This story shows how important it is to know exactly what you need. Today my friend is extremely successful, and she surrounds herself with encouragement and positive quotes. To some, these would seem cheesy, but to her, they’re deeply meaningful.

If you need encouragement, be sure you seek it out. Let coaches or trainers know if they start to take the wrong approach. Surround yourself with the things that feed your soul and make you feel great.

Know Yourself to Succeed

Sometimes people are aware of only one or two types of motivation and try to use a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you do this to yourself or others, it’s a sure path to failure.

If you want to succeed in real estate, you need a lot of elements. You need great marketing, a strong online presence, and a lot of confidence.

You also need motivation. Don’t be ashamed of what works for you. Take ahold of it and become your very best!

What motivates you? Did I miss anything? Share in the comments!

This post originally shared on PrinterBees' Real Estate Marketing Magazine.