What's this got to do with motivation you say?
Well I realised that, while I have a fairly strong internal drive to get most things done, I also have a fairly short window in which to do them before motivation wanes. This blog is an example, I very nearly didn't take the time to write it. Firstly because I hadn't even sketched out the usual Sunday night draft as Mike and I were over at friends of ours for dinner. Secondly, due to being out with said friends, there is a little more alcohol in my Monday morning bloodstream this morning, than usual. Lastly as I knew it would take some time and I was already playing catch up.
Well you're reading the evidence of the motivational strategy that was applied and it's what I like to call "The Expectation Principle". It's very simple, I knew that someone was expecting to see this blog this morning, I also knew that they were expecting to see it at 9.30. I hold this particular person in high esteem which also led me to be motivated meet their expectations.
When we don't have the internal motivation, having someone else hold your feet to the fire to achieve certain tasks can be very useful. There is a difference, however, between The Expectation Principle and the kind of stick motivation that you get when someone nags you to get something done. The Expectation Principle is a positive feeling, a pull towards meeting high expectations, a desire to please if you like, with a little something extra.
So if you know you have things to accomplish today or this week, that might slip off the radar, engage someone to help you with your motivation.
There are a number of ways to set in motion The Expectation Principle, here's one process:
- Find someone you respect or admire who's opinion of you matters, but perhaps you don't know too well yet.
- Have a chat with them, explain why you're aiming to achieve your particular task, get excited about the benefits of doing that.
- Allow them to be curious and genuinely interested in your desired outcome, take on board their suggestions, thoughts and comments.
- Be specific about the day and time that you will achieve this task by.
- When the time comes to do your task, remind yourself of their expectation. I have an image of this person in my head and can hear their words of encouragement, but whatever way you remind yourself will work just as well.
- If the time passes without you having achieved your task, allow them to remind you about the benefits of your outcome (you might need to ask them to do this for you in advance).
If you need a buddy to help you get fired up about that task that's been bugging you then drop me a line, I'll be delighted to help.
Wishing you a thoroughly motivated Monday!
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