Motivation
Motivational Speaker Needed? ~ Choose Wisely
John Bell asked:
1. Why Choosing a Professional Motivational Speaker is so Necessary
Find a professional, motivational speaker with a proven ability to motivate and you can be assured your meeting will have the success all of your hard work will rightly deserve.
A professional motivational speaker can turn ‘average’ event evaluation scores into superlatives such as, ‘brilliant, fantastic and superb’.
Correctly motivate your delegates and you will receive credit for helping to instil in them an internal energy that determines all aspects of their future behaviour. This is why hiring a professional, motivational speaker is so important.
2. Watch out for the ‘Pretend’ Motivational Speaker
It is essential you understand that any Tom, **** or Harry can legally call himself or herself a motivational speaker. So simply finding someone listed as such on a website, or in a business directory, is no guarantee as to his or her ability to motivate an audience.
Would-be motivational speakers are inventing themselves on a daily basis. They see the perceived success, and other associated privileges that a top international, professional, motivational speaker appears to have, and think along the lines ‘I could do that – easy money, travel to exotic places, fast cars, top hotels etc’. Ask a top motivational speaker if that is fair reflection of their lifestyle and he or she is likely to reply ‘If only’. So what do you need to look out for in your search for a motivational speaker?
3. Sourcing a Top Motivational Speaker
Type motivational speaker into a search engine and you can expect many million hits. This, of course, only partially helps you in your quest for the perfect motivational speaker for your event! How many days have you set aside for this task? If you are thinking in hours, rather than weeks, then you are advised to read on:
Choosing a short list of potential motivational speaker candidates from the first two or three pages of a search engine listing seems, and is to some extent, a logical way to proceed. However, there are further issues that are worthy of your consideration:
4. Do I Directly Contact a Motivational Speaker or go via an Agent or Bureau?
Motivational speaker agents and bureaus represent the majority of the best, professional motivational speakers.
Agents are only interested in someone who is already established as a top motivational speaker. They proactively promote the motivational speaker, putting a speaker’s name forward to conference organisers and the like. They charge a fee to the motivational speaker for this service, usually based on a percentage of the motivational speaker’s fee for the occasion. For effective ‘numbers’ management reasons, the choice of motivational speaker found through an agent, can be limiting.
Bureaus tend to be dedicated to providing conference organisers, corporations, associations, and educational institutions with a large selection of professional motivational speakers from which to choose. Too much choice can be their biggest disadvantage.
A so-called Motivational Speaker, good or bad, experienced or amateur, will also often represent their own interests, and so it may be useful if I now provide a few tips on how to identify an established, professional motivational speaker of quality from a large pool of the Johnny-come-lately brigade.
5. With a Quality Motivational Speaker Talent Will Shine Through
Top position for a motivational speaker on search engines usually fluctuates from one day to the next, so compose a short-list from the first two or three pages, and you are ready to begin.
It is worth of bearing in mind that sponsored links for a motivational speaker are there because someone is prepared to pay, sometimes-large amounts, to jump to the front of the queue of motivational speakers. Whereas this is an admirable indication that they are prepared to invest in advertising, it does not necessarily follow that you will receive the best value for your money. Here is an easy way to narrow down your short list:
6. Establish the Experience of the Motivational Speaker
Retype that which you originally searched for, into the search engine, and add one of the names you have recorded in your short list e.g. Motivational Speaker + His or Her Name.
Now you can better determine whether that particular motivational speaker has the expertise you require. You will also have an indication as whether or not an agent or bureau represents them as a motivational speaker.
7. Carefully Research the Motivational Speaker Testimonials
Any motivational speaker, worthy of consideration, will have a selection of testimonials from previous clients available for you to view on his or her website. Ensure companies and individuals are named. Descriptions such as ‘A senior manager at a large well-known company said….’, are of little to no value, and should start alarm bells ringing. Look for named sources from quality companies. Such individuals are usually very selective about which motivational speaker they are prepared to recommend as their own reputation could be on the line.
8. Can the Motivational Speaker Motivate?
It may sound obvious, but the most important trait required by a motivational speaker is an ability to motivate. Tragically, some meetings organisers have previously discovered, to their considerable cost, that it does not necessarily follow that a professional motivational speaker can motivate.
Nor can it be assumed that someone described as a ‘celebrity motivational speaker’ can be expected to somehow inspire your audience by simply turning up on the day. Talks provided by a top motivational speaker are carefully structured and based upon a science that is studied by few and practised by even fewer.
Ensure your choice of motivational speaker has proven credentials, and don’t assume that members of a related, professional body, are somehow qualified and suitable. Minimal experience as a motivational speaker and the price of a membership fee are all that is required, in qualification, to becoming a member of some such organisations.
Being published on motivational techniques, through a reputable source, is a good indication of the expertise needed to work as a top motivational speaker. Use the method described in Tip 6 above to obtain a quick and easy result.
Ideally, watch videos of the motivational speaker performing, and listen to the audience reaction to determine whether he or she has a rapport with the audience. Rapport and humour are essential ingredients in the motivational speaker cake. If, when watching video clips provided by the ‘motivational’ speaker, you are not laughing, then your audience are not likely to laugh either! Laughter is an essential part of motivation.
9. Cost Issues Regarding a Motivational Speaker
Ideally you should have some idea of a ‘speaker fee’ budget before commencing your search for a motivational speaker. The costs in hiring a motivational speaker can vary dramatically and are dependent on the location of venue, numbers of delegates attending, the duration of the required motivational speech and the quality and popularity of the motivational speaker. My advice is this – if your meeting is worth holding it is worth investing in an experienced and proven, motivational speaker. Paying the little bit more often produces an immensely worthwhile investment.
Whether you deal with the motivational speaker direct, or through an agent or bureau, should purely be a matter of choice. In theory the fees of the motivational speaker, quoted from an agent, bureau or motivational speaker, should be the same.
If you are interested in a celebrity motivational speaker you are unlikely to find direct contact details for that person, and your only line of enquiry will need to be through an agent or bureau specialising in celebrity motivational speakers.
Agents that actively promote a motivational speaker have a good idea of the fee normally required to secure a motivational speaker’s services and will share that figure with you when you make your initial enquiry. It is wise to obtain an all-in-fee from an agent.
A bureau’s commission is normally obtained from the motivational speaker. This commission can vary but normally falls between 15% and 30% of the fee for the appearance of the motivational speaker. If they do not have a particular motivational speaker on their books they are usually happy to trace them and make any arrangements on your behalf.
Few professional motivational speakers work with only one agent or bureau. If there is no mention of exclusivity on promotional material you can assume there is not. This, in effect means, that if you come across a motivational speaker of your choice, and he or she supplies contact details, this is an implied permission for you to contact him or her direct and independently negotiate a motivational speaker fee. Your aim should be to obtain value for money.
10. Information Normally Required by a Motivational Speaker.
If you are contacting a motivational speaker direct, and you have researched him or her as advised, you will be confident in knowing you are speaking with the right person for the job.
Should you decide on taking the agent or bureau route, the first thing you need to make perfectly clear, for the reasons described in Tip 8 above, is that you are seeking a motivational speaker.
Next supply the date of the event. A top motivational speaker is usually very popular and you can save yourself a lot of time, and disappointment, by establishing their availability early in the proceedings. It is perfectly acceptable to ask if you can provisionally hold a particular motivational speaker for a few days until a final decision is made.
Good meetings organisers will usually provide a description of the objectives and purpose of a conference, venue, size and type of audience and the duration of the talk required by the motivational speaker. You also need to clearly state what you expect from the motivational speaker.
By way of example you might say ‘at the end of your motivational talk I want the delegates to be laughing and enjoying the meeting. They need to have been entertained, educated, motivated and inspired to eventually return to their place of work and put into action some of the great tips we will be providing at other times during the conference’.
The best motivational speakers provide tried and tested presentations that are skilfully adapted to fit in with the theme of your meeting and will usually meet your requirements fully. For your own peace-of-mind obtain a written agreement of the terms agreed and, where possible, a guarantee of total satisfaction from the motivational speaker.
To Summarise – What’s Needed to Source a Top Motivational Speaker
a) Use a search engine to source a motivational speaker.
b) Produce a short-list of potential motivational speakers.
c) Establish the credibility of the motivational speaker by including their name and area of expertise in a further search of the web.
d) Where possible watch videos of the motivational speaker in action to determine whether they establish a rapport with the audience and their overall style of delivery is as required. Laughing is an essential part of successful motivation.
e) Check the motivational speaker for quality by researching named testimonials provided by his or her previous clients.
f) Contact the motivational speaker, agent or bureau and establish availability, cost etc.
g) Supply the necessary information needed by the motivational speaker.
h) Obtain some form of contract with the motivational speaker that includes a guarantee of satisfaction were possible.
So there you have it: my tips on sourcing a motivational speaker. I wish you every success in your search for a motivational speaker and the meeting you plan to hold.
1. Why Choosing a Professional Motivational Speaker is so Necessary
Find a professional, motivational speaker with a proven ability to motivate and you can be assured your meeting will have the success all of your hard work will rightly deserve.
A professional motivational speaker can turn ‘average’ event evaluation scores into superlatives such as, ‘brilliant, fantastic and superb’.
Correctly motivate your delegates and you will receive credit for helping to instil in them an internal energy that determines all aspects of their future behaviour. This is why hiring a professional, motivational speaker is so important.
2. Watch out for the ‘Pretend’ Motivational Speaker
It is essential you understand that any Tom, **** or Harry can legally call himself or herself a motivational speaker. So simply finding someone listed as such on a website, or in a business directory, is no guarantee as to his or her ability to motivate an audience.
Would-be motivational speakers are inventing themselves on a daily basis. They see the perceived success, and other associated privileges that a top international, professional, motivational speaker appears to have, and think along the lines ‘I could do that – easy money, travel to exotic places, fast cars, top hotels etc’. Ask a top motivational speaker if that is fair reflection of their lifestyle and he or she is likely to reply ‘If only’. So what do you need to look out for in your search for a motivational speaker?
3. Sourcing a Top Motivational Speaker
Type motivational speaker into a search engine and you can expect many million hits. This, of course, only partially helps you in your quest for the perfect motivational speaker for your event! How many days have you set aside for this task? If you are thinking in hours, rather than weeks, then you are advised to read on:
Choosing a short list of potential motivational speaker candidates from the first two or three pages of a search engine listing seems, and is to some extent, a logical way to proceed. However, there are further issues that are worthy of your consideration:
4. Do I Directly Contact a Motivational Speaker or go via an Agent or Bureau?
Motivational speaker agents and bureaus represent the majority of the best, professional motivational speakers.
Agents are only interested in someone who is already established as a top motivational speaker. They proactively promote the motivational speaker, putting a speaker’s name forward to conference organisers and the like. They charge a fee to the motivational speaker for this service, usually based on a percentage of the motivational speaker’s fee for the occasion. For effective ‘numbers’ management reasons, the choice of motivational speaker found through an agent, can be limiting.
Bureaus tend to be dedicated to providing conference organisers, corporations, associations, and educational institutions with a large selection of professional motivational speakers from which to choose. Too much choice can be their biggest disadvantage.
A so-called Motivational Speaker, good or bad, experienced or amateur, will also often represent their own interests, and so it may be useful if I now provide a few tips on how to identify an established, professional motivational speaker of quality from a large pool of the Johnny-come-lately brigade.
5. With a Quality Motivational Speaker Talent Will Shine Through
Top position for a motivational speaker on search engines usually fluctuates from one day to the next, so compose a short-list from the first two or three pages, and you are ready to begin.
It is worth of bearing in mind that sponsored links for a motivational speaker are there because someone is prepared to pay, sometimes-large amounts, to jump to the front of the queue of motivational speakers. Whereas this is an admirable indication that they are prepared to invest in advertising, it does not necessarily follow that you will receive the best value for your money. Here is an easy way to narrow down your short list:
6. Establish the Experience of the Motivational Speaker
Retype that which you originally searched for, into the search engine, and add one of the names you have recorded in your short list e.g. Motivational Speaker + His or Her Name.
Now you can better determine whether that particular motivational speaker has the expertise you require. You will also have an indication as whether or not an agent or bureau represents them as a motivational speaker.
7. Carefully Research the Motivational Speaker Testimonials
Any motivational speaker, worthy of consideration, will have a selection of testimonials from previous clients available for you to view on his or her website. Ensure companies and individuals are named. Descriptions such as ‘A senior manager at a large well-known company said….’, are of little to no value, and should start alarm bells ringing. Look for named sources from quality companies. Such individuals are usually very selective about which motivational speaker they are prepared to recommend as their own reputation could be on the line.
8. Can the Motivational Speaker Motivate?
It may sound obvious, but the most important trait required by a motivational speaker is an ability to motivate. Tragically, some meetings organisers have previously discovered, to their considerable cost, that it does not necessarily follow that a professional motivational speaker can motivate.
Nor can it be assumed that someone described as a ‘celebrity motivational speaker’ can be expected to somehow inspire your audience by simply turning up on the day. Talks provided by a top motivational speaker are carefully structured and based upon a science that is studied by few and practised by even fewer.
Ensure your choice of motivational speaker has proven credentials, and don’t assume that members of a related, professional body, are somehow qualified and suitable. Minimal experience as a motivational speaker and the price of a membership fee are all that is required, in qualification, to becoming a member of some such organisations.
Being published on motivational techniques, through a reputable source, is a good indication of the expertise needed to work as a top motivational speaker. Use the method described in Tip 6 above to obtain a quick and easy result.
Ideally, watch videos of the motivational speaker performing, and listen to the audience reaction to determine whether he or she has a rapport with the audience. Rapport and humour are essential ingredients in the motivational speaker cake. If, when watching video clips provided by the ‘motivational’ speaker, you are not laughing, then your audience are not likely to laugh either! Laughter is an essential part of motivation.
9. Cost Issues Regarding a Motivational Speaker
Ideally you should have some idea of a ‘speaker fee’ budget before commencing your search for a motivational speaker. The costs in hiring a motivational speaker can vary dramatically and are dependent on the location of venue, numbers of delegates attending, the duration of the required motivational speech and the quality and popularity of the motivational speaker. My advice is this – if your meeting is worth holding it is worth investing in an experienced and proven, motivational speaker. Paying the little bit more often produces an immensely worthwhile investment.
Whether you deal with the motivational speaker direct, or through an agent or bureau, should purely be a matter of choice. In theory the fees of the motivational speaker, quoted from an agent, bureau or motivational speaker, should be the same.
If you are interested in a celebrity motivational speaker you are unlikely to find direct contact details for that person, and your only line of enquiry will need to be through an agent or bureau specialising in celebrity motivational speakers.
Agents that actively promote a motivational speaker have a good idea of the fee normally required to secure a motivational speaker’s services and will share that figure with you when you make your initial enquiry. It is wise to obtain an all-in-fee from an agent.
A bureau’s commission is normally obtained from the motivational speaker. This commission can vary but normally falls between 15% and 30% of the fee for the appearance of the motivational speaker. If they do not have a particular motivational speaker on their books they are usually happy to trace them and make any arrangements on your behalf.
Few professional motivational speakers work with only one agent or bureau. If there is no mention of exclusivity on promotional material you can assume there is not. This, in effect means, that if you come across a motivational speaker of your choice, and he or she supplies contact details, this is an implied permission for you to contact him or her direct and independently negotiate a motivational speaker fee. Your aim should be to obtain value for money.
10. Information Normally Required by a Motivational Speaker.
If you are contacting a motivational speaker direct, and you have researched him or her as advised, you will be confident in knowing you are speaking with the right person for the job.
Should you decide on taking the agent or bureau route, the first thing you need to make perfectly clear, for the reasons described in Tip 8 above, is that you are seeking a motivational speaker.
Next supply the date of the event. A top motivational speaker is usually very popular and you can save yourself a lot of time, and disappointment, by establishing their availability early in the proceedings. It is perfectly acceptable to ask if you can provisionally hold a particular motivational speaker for a few days until a final decision is made.
Good meetings organisers will usually provide a description of the objectives and purpose of a conference, venue, size and type of audience and the duration of the talk required by the motivational speaker. You also need to clearly state what you expect from the motivational speaker.
By way of example you might say ‘at the end of your motivational talk I want the delegates to be laughing and enjoying the meeting. They need to have been entertained, educated, motivated and inspired to eventually return to their place of work and put into action some of the great tips we will be providing at other times during the conference’.
The best motivational speakers provide tried and tested presentations that are skilfully adapted to fit in with the theme of your meeting and will usually meet your requirements fully. For your own peace-of-mind obtain a written agreement of the terms agreed and, where possible, a guarantee of total satisfaction from the motivational speaker.
To Summarise – What’s Needed to Source a Top Motivational Speaker
a) Use a search engine to source a motivational speaker.
b) Produce a short-list of potential motivational speakers.
c) Establish the credibility of the motivational speaker by including their name and area of expertise in a further search of the web.
d) Where possible watch videos of the motivational speaker in action to determine whether they establish a rapport with the audience and their overall style of delivery is as required. Laughing is an essential part of successful motivation.
e) Check the motivational speaker for quality by researching named testimonials provided by his or her previous clients.
f) Contact the motivational speaker, agent or bureau and establish availability, cost etc.
g) Supply the necessary information needed by the motivational speaker.
h) Obtain some form of contract with the motivational speaker that includes a guarantee of satisfaction were possible.
So there you have it: my tips on sourcing a motivational speaker. I wish you every success in your search for a motivational speaker and the meeting you plan to hold.
What is Motivation
Glen Peebles asked:
Motivation is of particular interest to Educational psychologists because of the crucial role it plays in student learning. Motivation in education can have several effects on how students learn and their behaviour towards subject matter (Ormrod, 2003). Motivation has been found to be a pivotal area in treating Autism Spectrum Disorders, as in Pivotal Response Therapy. Motivation is also an Read more
How to Get Moving, Stay Fit and Motivated
Eze ThankGod ik asked:
When it comes to staying or getting into good shape, motivation may be hard to come by. As the seasons change so do our motivation to stay in shape. Holiday schedules, cold winter days, and all those convient gadgets that keep us from drudging up the motivation to get in shape or maintain a daily routine of exercise are definite culprits. But we should be totally aware of the effects that inactivity has on the body.
Heart disease, stroke or diabetes is just some of the unhealthy affects of inactivity in the body. The good news is that studies show without discrepancy that these affects can be prevented or reversed; meaning that switching from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one can be extremely beneficial over time. Exercise alone, without change in diet, can greatly reduce the risks for these diseases even in small amounts. Doing what ever you can to increase your motivation to exercise is the first step to overcoming the lack of motivation to actually do it. Any of the arrays of methods to motivate you will be of great importance. Listening to music while running, simply finding out the exercises that you truly enjoy, setting particular times when exercise is the main focus of the day, all help you to stay motivated to stay in motion. Developing a habit or pattern for exercising is the best way to stay motivated; your body will become accustomed to working out heavy at a certain time each and every time. Your mind posses the ability to create positive ideas that leads to positive actions allowing you to live a strong and healthy life. Positive self talk can do wonders for motivation as well as just viewing the results of previous attempts (i.e. thinner waistline, six pack, etc). Self encouragement is the ultimate motivation. You’ll have no one to thank but yourself.
Fitness motivation is the essential part of changing your body, so creating a fitness motivation plan maybe the answer for you. For men, setting goals and providing adequate challenges work best. Changing scenery from indoors to outdoors may be the answer. If you just don’t feel like exercising or giving up on an established routine, constantly reminding yourself that the pay off is great will help. Psychological benefits like increased confidence, self-esteem, and relief from anxiety, stress and depression and better sexual performance can be all the motivation that’s needed. Remaining realistic about your goals will also aid in the fight to stay motivated to exercise. Setting a goal that is extremely difficult to obtain is depleting and counterproductive. Achieving a challenging appropriate goal boosts pride, satisfaction and will create more motivation.
Making the exercise routine fun by adding variety in routines, exercises, or persons that you exercise with is a likely way to stick to any exercise routine.
If you are not particularly knowledgeable when it comes to fitness issues, you should consider hiring a professional trainer to help you out with your routine. This can take a lot of the mystery out of getting fit, as your trainer will custom tailor exercises and routines for your bodily needs, so as to maximize the results that you see. This is a slightly costly thing to do, so you should be sure about your commitment to exercising before you spend money to hire a personal trainer. You can also use the amazing technology of the internet to tap the brains of professionals. There are many different blogs that are updated daily with exercise routines that anyone can do.
When it comes to staying or getting into good shape, motivation may be hard to come by. As the seasons change so do our motivation to stay in shape. Holiday schedules, cold winter days, and all those convient gadgets that keep us from drudging up the motivation to get in shape or maintain a daily routine of exercise are definite culprits. But we should be totally aware of the effects that inactivity has on the body.
Heart disease, stroke or diabetes is just some of the unhealthy affects of inactivity in the body. The good news is that studies show without discrepancy that these affects can be prevented or reversed; meaning that switching from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one can be extremely beneficial over time. Exercise alone, without change in diet, can greatly reduce the risks for these diseases even in small amounts. Doing what ever you can to increase your motivation to exercise is the first step to overcoming the lack of motivation to actually do it. Any of the arrays of methods to motivate you will be of great importance. Listening to music while running, simply finding out the exercises that you truly enjoy, setting particular times when exercise is the main focus of the day, all help you to stay motivated to stay in motion. Developing a habit or pattern for exercising is the best way to stay motivated; your body will become accustomed to working out heavy at a certain time each and every time. Your mind posses the ability to create positive ideas that leads to positive actions allowing you to live a strong and healthy life. Positive self talk can do wonders for motivation as well as just viewing the results of previous attempts (i.e. thinner waistline, six pack, etc). Self encouragement is the ultimate motivation. You’ll have no one to thank but yourself.
Fitness motivation is the essential part of changing your body, so creating a fitness motivation plan maybe the answer for you. For men, setting goals and providing adequate challenges work best. Changing scenery from indoors to outdoors may be the answer. If you just don’t feel like exercising or giving up on an established routine, constantly reminding yourself that the pay off is great will help. Psychological benefits like increased confidence, self-esteem, and relief from anxiety, stress and depression and better sexual performance can be all the motivation that’s needed. Remaining realistic about your goals will also aid in the fight to stay motivated to exercise. Setting a goal that is extremely difficult to obtain is depleting and counterproductive. Achieving a challenging appropriate goal boosts pride, satisfaction and will create more motivation.
Making the exercise routine fun by adding variety in routines, exercises, or persons that you exercise with is a likely way to stick to any exercise routine.
If you are not particularly knowledgeable when it comes to fitness issues, you should consider hiring a professional trainer to help you out with your routine. This can take a lot of the mystery out of getting fit, as your trainer will custom tailor exercises and routines for your bodily needs, so as to maximize the results that you see. This is a slightly costly thing to do, so you should be sure about your commitment to exercising before you spend money to hire a personal trainer. You can also use the amazing technology of the internet to tap the brains of professionals. There are many different blogs that are updated daily with exercise routines that anyone can do.
So setting attainable goals, adding things to increase enjoyment of the exercise routine, challenges, and the addition of a buddy to assist are all great ways to stay motivated, stay fit, and most importantly stay moving. You will benefit in the short term, and in the long run as well with physical and mental benefits in almost every way.
When it comes to staying or getting into good shape, motivation may be hard to come by. As the seasons change so do our motivation to stay in shape. Holiday schedules, cold winter days, and all those convient gadgets that keep us from drudging up the motivation to get in shape or maintain a daily routine of exercise are definite culprits. But we should be totally aware of the effects that inactivity has on the body.
Heart disease, stroke or diabetes is just some of the unhealthy affects of inactivity in the body. The good news is that studies show without discrepancy that these affects can be prevented or reversed; meaning that switching from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one can be extremely beneficial over time. Exercise alone, without change in diet, can greatly reduce the risks for these diseases even in small amounts. Doing what ever you can to increase your motivation to exercise is the first step to overcoming the lack of motivation to actually do it. Any of the arrays of methods to motivate you will be of great importance. Listening to music while running, simply finding out the exercises that you truly enjoy, setting particular times when exercise is the main focus of the day, all help you to stay motivated to stay in motion. Developing a habit or pattern for exercising is the best way to stay motivated; your body will become accustomed to working out heavy at a certain time each and every time. Your mind posses the ability to create positive ideas that leads to positive actions allowing you to live a strong and healthy life. Positive self talk can do wonders for motivation as well as just viewing the results of previous attempts (i.e. thinner waistline, six pack, etc). Self encouragement is the ultimate motivation. You’ll have no one to thank but yourself.
Fitness motivation is the essential part of changing your body, so creating a fitness motivation plan maybe the answer for you. For men, setting goals and providing adequate challenges work best. Changing scenery from indoors to outdoors may be the answer. If you just don’t feel like exercising or giving up on an established routine, constantly reminding yourself that the pay off is great will help. Psychological benefits like increased confidence, self-esteem, and relief from anxiety, stress and depression and better sexual performance can be all the motivation that’s needed. Remaining realistic about your goals will also aid in the fight to stay motivated to exercise. Setting a goal that is extremely difficult to obtain is depleting and counterproductive. Achieving a challenging appropriate goal boosts pride, satisfaction and will create more motivation.
Making the exercise routine fun by adding variety in routines, exercises, or persons that you exercise with is a likely way to stick to any exercise routine.
If you are not particularly knowledgeable when it comes to fitness issues, you should consider hiring a professional trainer to help you out with your routine. This can take a lot of the mystery out of getting fit, as your trainer will custom tailor exercises and routines for your bodily needs, so as to maximize the results that you see. This is a slightly costly thing to do, so you should be sure about your commitment to exercising before you spend money to hire a personal trainer. You can also use the amazing technology of the internet to tap the brains of professionals. There are many different blogs that are updated daily with exercise routines that anyone can do.
When it comes to staying or getting into good shape, motivation may be hard to come by. As the seasons change so do our motivation to stay in shape. Holiday schedules, cold winter days, and all those convient gadgets that keep us from drudging up the motivation to get in shape or maintain a daily routine of exercise are definite culprits. But we should be totally aware of the effects that inactivity has on the body.
Heart disease, stroke or diabetes is just some of the unhealthy affects of inactivity in the body. The good news is that studies show without discrepancy that these affects can be prevented or reversed; meaning that switching from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one can be extremely beneficial over time. Exercise alone, without change in diet, can greatly reduce the risks for these diseases even in small amounts. Doing what ever you can to increase your motivation to exercise is the first step to overcoming the lack of motivation to actually do it. Any of the arrays of methods to motivate you will be of great importance. Listening to music while running, simply finding out the exercises that you truly enjoy, setting particular times when exercise is the main focus of the day, all help you to stay motivated to stay in motion. Developing a habit or pattern for exercising is the best way to stay motivated; your body will become accustomed to working out heavy at a certain time each and every time. Your mind posses the ability to create positive ideas that leads to positive actions allowing you to live a strong and healthy life. Positive self talk can do wonders for motivation as well as just viewing the results of previous attempts (i.e. thinner waistline, six pack, etc). Self encouragement is the ultimate motivation. You’ll have no one to thank but yourself.
Fitness motivation is the essential part of changing your body, so creating a fitness motivation plan maybe the answer for you. For men, setting goals and providing adequate challenges work best. Changing scenery from indoors to outdoors may be the answer. If you just don’t feel like exercising or giving up on an established routine, constantly reminding yourself that the pay off is great will help. Psychological benefits like increased confidence, self-esteem, and relief from anxiety, stress and depression and better sexual performance can be all the motivation that’s needed. Remaining realistic about your goals will also aid in the fight to stay motivated to exercise. Setting a goal that is extremely difficult to obtain is depleting and counterproductive. Achieving a challenging appropriate goal boosts pride, satisfaction and will create more motivation.
Making the exercise routine fun by adding variety in routines, exercises, or persons that you exercise with is a likely way to stick to any exercise routine.
If you are not particularly knowledgeable when it comes to fitness issues, you should consider hiring a professional trainer to help you out with your routine. This can take a lot of the mystery out of getting fit, as your trainer will custom tailor exercises and routines for your bodily needs, so as to maximize the results that you see. This is a slightly costly thing to do, so you should be sure about your commitment to exercising before you spend money to hire a personal trainer. You can also use the amazing technology of the internet to tap the brains of professionals. There are many different blogs that are updated daily with exercise routines that anyone can do.
So setting attainable goals, adding things to increase enjoyment of the exercise routine, challenges, and the addition of a buddy to assist are all great ways to stay motivated, stay fit, and most importantly stay moving. You will benefit in the short term, and in the long run as well with physical and mental benefits in almost every way.
Motivation Theories – Understanding The Content Theories Of Motivation
Shameena silva asked:
Before we go into look at the four major content theories of motivation developed by the theorists, it is thus vital to have a general understanding of what content theories are in the first place. Hence so, the content theories also known as the ‘needs theories’ are based on the needs of the individuals. In other words, these theories basically explain why the needs of the humans keep changing overtime thus focussing on the specific factors that motivate them. By doing so, what they try to explain is that the needs of the individuals should be taken into consideration, and thus be satisfied in order to motivate them. To say, if these needs of the individuals are not met or satisfied, then it is unlikely that the people will be motivated to perform the tasks in order to meet the goals and objectives. Having said that, let us now look at each of the four content theories separately.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory
The Hierarchy of Needs theory is one of the four major content theories developed by Ibrahim Maslow in the year 1943. This theory is based on the fact that it is the unfulfilled needs that leads to motivate the individuals. It also provides an understanding to why the needs of the individuals keep changing overtime and the importance of identifying what each and every individual is after in terms of their needs. This is because, it probably gives an insight to what exactly are the individual needs that have to be met, in order to motivate them. Having said that, Maslow identified five levels of needs which are basically the,
Self Actualization ( level 5 – highest level)
Self Esteem ( level 4 )
Social belonging & Love needs (level 3)
Safety ( level 2)
Physiology ( level 1)
According to Maslow, these five levels of needs have to be satisfied if the individuals are to be motivated. In other words, it is said to believe that motivation is thus driven by the existence of these unsatisfied needs, meaning to say that unless they have fulfilled their needs there are motivated to do so. However, his idea was that in order to motivate the individuals the first higher level of needs have to be satisfied before the next level of needs. And only once the lower level of needs are satisfied the next level of needs will act as a motivator. For example, a person who is dying of hunger will at first be motivated to fulfil his hunger by earning wages/salaries . But once his basic needs are satisfied, then this will no longer act as a motivator , but thereafter it is only the second level of needs such as a good and safe working environment etc that will lead to motivate him. To say, Maslow pointed out the fact that satisfying the individual needs is a step by step process that should follow from the lowest level to the highest level of needs and only satisfies one level of needs at a time.
Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory
Herzberg’s Two factor theory is another major content theory that focuses on the individual needs of the people. According to Herzberg, he basically identified two separate groups of factors that had a strong impact on motivation. His first group of factors were the hygiene factors which consisted of factors such as working conditions, quality of supervision, salary, status, company policies and administration. What he tend to believed was the fact that hygiene factors strongly influenced feelings of dissatisfaction among employees thus paving way to affect the job performance. He also went in to say that the presence of these factors will not motivate the employees as such, but rather it is necessary to have the hygiene factors right in the first place if the employees are to be motivated. What actually meant by this was that, if these hygiene factors are not present in the organization then it is not quite possible to motivate the employees thus because it is these factors that act as the foundation for the motivating factors to be effective. For example, without a good and safe working environment it is no use giving responsibility to an employee because the chances of motivating him are very low.
Having said that, the second group of factors identified were known as the motivating factors which consisted of factors such recognition, achievement, responsibility, interesting job and advancement to higher level tasks as and growth etc. Herzberg believed that the motivating factors do satisfy employees which will eventually lead to employee motivation. But he also went into say that in order for the motivating factors to act there have to be the hygiene factors present.
Alderfer’s ERG Theory
The ERG theory is another form of content theory developed by Alderfer. This is also based on the needs of the individuals. To say, the ERG theory was proposed thus thinking that it will basically overcome the limitations of the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. However, this too is in the form of a hierarchy but only comprising of three levels. In other words, unlike the Maslow’s theory which has five levels of needs the ERG theory has simplified the levels of individual needs in to just three levels. The three levels of needs identified by Alderfer are,
Existence ( Physiological & Safety needs) Relatedness ( Social & External Esteem needs) Growth ( Internal Esteem & Self-Actualization needs )
Alderfer basically reduced the number of levels in his hierarchy thus combining each of the levels together. In other words, the first level in his hierarchy was formed by grouping both the physiology and safety needs together. Then he combined the social and external esteem needs as the second level and last of all the internal esteem and self-actualization needs as the third and final level. However, he went into say that the first level of needs which is existence still have the priority over the other two levels of needs. And hence, the order of the needs may not exact be the same for all individuals and thus could rather change depending on the individual. It doesn’t always happen that the individuals are motivated to satisfy the lower level first in order to go to the next level as in the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. For example, an individual will be motivated to perform the tasks because of his need for recognition is fulfilled rather than for a safer working environment. Unlike in Maslow’s hierarchy, the ERG theory allows for different levels of needs to be pursued simultaneously. He further went into say that, according to his theory the individuals may expect to satisfy a higher level of needs and those who are unable to satisfy that level ( frustration regression process) will eventually be frustrated and look to satisfy the lower level that seems to be much more easier to satisfy in order to motivate them. This will motivate the individuals for the moment with the hope that they could satisfy the higher level in the times to come. In such situations, it is thus important for the employers to identify this and help them to satisfy the lower level of needs in order to motivate them.
McClelland’s 3 Needs Theory
The 3 Needs theory also known as the Acquired theory or the Learned theory, is another content theory developed by McClelland around 1961. Like the other content theories, this theory is also based on the needs of the individuals. In his theory, what McClelland tries to explain is the fact that motivation of an individual could basically result from three dominant needs. The three dominant needs identified are,
The need for achievement The need for power The need for affiliation
According to McClelland, human motivation is thus dominated by these three needs. In other words, some individuals will look for tasks that will help them to achieve something, paving way to motivate them. Likewise some others may need power and some may look for affiliation. However, he also went into say that even though all these needs are present in each and every individual, there is basically one need that dominates the individuals when it comes to most people. For example, an individual will want to achieve certain things, will want to maintain good relations with others but at the same time, more than anything else they may want lead the others in order to motivate them.
The need for Achievement
Having said that, the need for achievement basically means the extend to which an individual wants to perform tasks that are difficult and indeed challenging. To say , in order to motivate an individual with a need for achievement they probably have to be given difficult and challenging tasks. They will basically go to achieve goals that are challenging and realistic. In other words, what they really want is success and positive feedback, avoids both the low-risk and high-risk situations, and prefer to work alone rather than in a team with other high achievers. That way, they really tend to be motivated if they happen to believe the tasks they are given to perform are indeed challenging.
The need for power
Likewise, individuals with the need for power will basically want to lead the others. This may be two types meaning to say personal and institutional. . In other words, some individuals will look for personal power while the other may need for institutional power. Individuals with a need for personal power will thus want to direct and influence others. What actually mean by this is that, if they are not allowed to lead the others then they probably will be de-motivated. Saying that, individuals with a high need for institutional power wants to organize the efforts of others for the success of the organization. For example, individuals with the need for institutional power are more likely to be motivated if they are provided with status oriented positions, managerial posts and leadership.
The need for Affiliation
And to say, individuals with the need for affiliation basically look for good, friendly interpersonal relationships with others. In others words, they really want to feel like that they are accepted by others and liked by others, they basically strive to maintain good relationships by way of trust and understanding, they prefer cooperation more than competition, As a result, individuals with a high need for affiliation do prefer to work as a team and work in customer service environments which will lead to motivate them.
And finally, it should be said that all of the content theories are based on the fact that in order to motivate the people their needs have to be satisfied or fulfilled. Individual need do vary from one individual to another, and that is why it is important to understand these theories properly in order to motivate the individuals effectively.
By shameena Silva
Before we go into look at the four major content theories of motivation developed by the theorists, it is thus vital to have a general understanding of what content theories are in the first place. Hence so, the content theories also known as the ‘needs theories’ are based on the needs of the individuals. In other words, these theories basically explain why the needs of the humans keep changing overtime thus focussing on the specific factors that motivate them. By doing so, what they try to explain is that the needs of the individuals should be taken into consideration, and thus be satisfied in order to motivate them. To say, if these needs of the individuals are not met or satisfied, then it is unlikely that the people will be motivated to perform the tasks in order to meet the goals and objectives. Having said that, let us now look at each of the four content theories separately.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory
The Hierarchy of Needs theory is one of the four major content theories developed by Ibrahim Maslow in the year 1943. This theory is based on the fact that it is the unfulfilled needs that leads to motivate the individuals. It also provides an understanding to why the needs of the individuals keep changing overtime and the importance of identifying what each and every individual is after in terms of their needs. This is because, it probably gives an insight to what exactly are the individual needs that have to be met, in order to motivate them. Having said that, Maslow identified five levels of needs which are basically the,
Self Actualization ( level 5 – highest level)
Self Esteem ( level 4 )
Social belonging & Love needs (level 3)
Safety ( level 2)
Physiology ( level 1)
According to Maslow, these five levels of needs have to be satisfied if the individuals are to be motivated. In other words, it is said to believe that motivation is thus driven by the existence of these unsatisfied needs, meaning to say that unless they have fulfilled their needs there are motivated to do so. However, his idea was that in order to motivate the individuals the first higher level of needs have to be satisfied before the next level of needs. And only once the lower level of needs are satisfied the next level of needs will act as a motivator. For example, a person who is dying of hunger will at first be motivated to fulfil his hunger by earning wages/salaries . But once his basic needs are satisfied, then this will no longer act as a motivator , but thereafter it is only the second level of needs such as a good and safe working environment etc that will lead to motivate him. To say, Maslow pointed out the fact that satisfying the individual needs is a step by step process that should follow from the lowest level to the highest level of needs and only satisfies one level of needs at a time.
Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory
Herzberg’s Two factor theory is another major content theory that focuses on the individual needs of the people. According to Herzberg, he basically identified two separate groups of factors that had a strong impact on motivation. His first group of factors were the hygiene factors which consisted of factors such as working conditions, quality of supervision, salary, status, company policies and administration. What he tend to believed was the fact that hygiene factors strongly influenced feelings of dissatisfaction among employees thus paving way to affect the job performance. He also went in to say that the presence of these factors will not motivate the employees as such, but rather it is necessary to have the hygiene factors right in the first place if the employees are to be motivated. What actually meant by this was that, if these hygiene factors are not present in the organization then it is not quite possible to motivate the employees thus because it is these factors that act as the foundation for the motivating factors to be effective. For example, without a good and safe working environment it is no use giving responsibility to an employee because the chances of motivating him are very low.
Having said that, the second group of factors identified were known as the motivating factors which consisted of factors such recognition, achievement, responsibility, interesting job and advancement to higher level tasks as and growth etc. Herzberg believed that the motivating factors do satisfy employees which will eventually lead to employee motivation. But he also went into say that in order for the motivating factors to act there have to be the hygiene factors present.
Alderfer’s ERG Theory
The ERG theory is another form of content theory developed by Alderfer. This is also based on the needs of the individuals. To say, the ERG theory was proposed thus thinking that it will basically overcome the limitations of the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. However, this too is in the form of a hierarchy but only comprising of three levels. In other words, unlike the Maslow’s theory which has five levels of needs the ERG theory has simplified the levels of individual needs in to just three levels. The three levels of needs identified by Alderfer are,
Existence ( Physiological & Safety needs) Relatedness ( Social & External Esteem needs) Growth ( Internal Esteem & Self-Actualization needs )
Alderfer basically reduced the number of levels in his hierarchy thus combining each of the levels together. In other words, the first level in his hierarchy was formed by grouping both the physiology and safety needs together. Then he combined the social and external esteem needs as the second level and last of all the internal esteem and self-actualization needs as the third and final level. However, he went into say that the first level of needs which is existence still have the priority over the other two levels of needs. And hence, the order of the needs may not exact be the same for all individuals and thus could rather change depending on the individual. It doesn’t always happen that the individuals are motivated to satisfy the lower level first in order to go to the next level as in the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. For example, an individual will be motivated to perform the tasks because of his need for recognition is fulfilled rather than for a safer working environment. Unlike in Maslow’s hierarchy, the ERG theory allows for different levels of needs to be pursued simultaneously. He further went into say that, according to his theory the individuals may expect to satisfy a higher level of needs and those who are unable to satisfy that level ( frustration regression process) will eventually be frustrated and look to satisfy the lower level that seems to be much more easier to satisfy in order to motivate them. This will motivate the individuals for the moment with the hope that they could satisfy the higher level in the times to come. In such situations, it is thus important for the employers to identify this and help them to satisfy the lower level of needs in order to motivate them.
McClelland’s 3 Needs Theory
The 3 Needs theory also known as the Acquired theory or the Learned theory, is another content theory developed by McClelland around 1961. Like the other content theories, this theory is also based on the needs of the individuals. In his theory, what McClelland tries to explain is the fact that motivation of an individual could basically result from three dominant needs. The three dominant needs identified are,
The need for achievement The need for power The need for affiliation
According to McClelland, human motivation is thus dominated by these three needs. In other words, some individuals will look for tasks that will help them to achieve something, paving way to motivate them. Likewise some others may need power and some may look for affiliation. However, he also went into say that even though all these needs are present in each and every individual, there is basically one need that dominates the individuals when it comes to most people. For example, an individual will want to achieve certain things, will want to maintain good relations with others but at the same time, more than anything else they may want lead the others in order to motivate them.
The need for Achievement
Having said that, the need for achievement basically means the extend to which an individual wants to perform tasks that are difficult and indeed challenging. To say , in order to motivate an individual with a need for achievement they probably have to be given difficult and challenging tasks. They will basically go to achieve goals that are challenging and realistic. In other words, what they really want is success and positive feedback, avoids both the low-risk and high-risk situations, and prefer to work alone rather than in a team with other high achievers. That way, they really tend to be motivated if they happen to believe the tasks they are given to perform are indeed challenging.
The need for power
Likewise, individuals with the need for power will basically want to lead the others. This may be two types meaning to say personal and institutional. . In other words, some individuals will look for personal power while the other may need for institutional power. Individuals with a need for personal power will thus want to direct and influence others. What actually mean by this is that, if they are not allowed to lead the others then they probably will be de-motivated. Saying that, individuals with a high need for institutional power wants to organize the efforts of others for the success of the organization. For example, individuals with the need for institutional power are more likely to be motivated if they are provided with status oriented positions, managerial posts and leadership.
The need for Affiliation
And to say, individuals with the need for affiliation basically look for good, friendly interpersonal relationships with others. In others words, they really want to feel like that they are accepted by others and liked by others, they basically strive to maintain good relationships by way of trust and understanding, they prefer cooperation more than competition, As a result, individuals with a high need for affiliation do prefer to work as a team and work in customer service environments which will lead to motivate them.
And finally, it should be said that all of the content theories are based on the fact that in order to motivate the people their needs have to be satisfied or fulfilled. Individual need do vary from one individual to another, and that is why it is important to understand these theories properly in order to motivate the individuals effectively.
By shameena Silva
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