A step by step tool for top achievers

CHAPTER 3
MOTIVATION
Motivating yourself & others every day

---

Page 65 of 175
I believe in two premises: (i) most people are good people, but can do better; and (ii)
most people already know what to do, so why aren't they doing it?
What is missing is the spark--motivation. Some self help books adopt the approach of
teaching what to do; we take a different approach. We ask, "Why don't you do it?" If you
ask people on the street what should be done, they will give you all the correct answers.
But ask them whether they are doing it and the answer will be no. What is lacking is
motivation. The greatest motivation comes from a person's belief system. That means he
needs to believe in what he does and accept responsibility. That is where motivation
becomes important. When people accept responsibility for their behavior and actions,
their attitude toward life becomes positive. They become more productive, personally and
professionally. Their relationships improve both at home and at work. Life becomes more
meaningful and fulfilled.
After a person's basic physical needs are met, emotional needs become a bigger
motivator. Every behavior comes out of the "pain or gain" principle. If the gain is greater
than the pain, that is the motivator. If the pain is greater than the gain, then that is a
deterrent.
Gains can be tangible, such as: monetary rewards, vacations, and gifts. They can be
intangible, such as: recognition, appreciation, sense of achievement, promotion, growth,
responsibility, sense of fulfillment, self worth, accomplishment, and belief.