Are You Asking the Right Questions?
Inspiration doesn’t happen often. When it does and you witness something that resonates deeply, you tend to feel something physical.
You may be watching a musician playing their instrument with such intensity and tenderness that it sends shivers down your spine. Or perhaps you’re listening to someone’s fervent speech about a cause close to their heart that’s so direct, honest and impassioned that you feel adrenaline course through you, and you want to find out more and help.
At work, you may witness someone progressing on a challenging project and wonder at their out-of-the-box thinking and brilliant methods. Or watch in awe as they present to a team in a dynamic, exciting manner and wish you could be like them. Chances are, that person doesn’t even know they’ve inspired you!
Now you’re all fired up and energised. You’ve been inspired and feel driven, having a strong desire to have what they’ve got, do what they do. So how do you turn that motivation into action?
From Inspiration to Motivation to Action
In my motivational workshops, I ask everyone to think about the differences between inspiration and motivation, and why it may be difficult to maintain motivation to get the job done.
It comes down to focus.
We all know the usual tips to stay focused – turning off distractions like emails and putting ‘do not disturb’ on your phone being two of them. But the best way to stay focused is to understand why attaining what you want to is important to you.
Understanding your ‘why’ is key. It could be for monetary reasons – to travel to exotic places or buy a big house. Or perhaps you want to be a good leader. Maybe you want to make changes that positively impact people in need. Whatever the reason, you need to pinpoint it and be clear about it. Only then will you discover what you need to do to achieve your heart’s desire.
That path of discovery is found through asking meaningful questions.
So, when you’re inspired by that person who gave a moving speech or rallied a previously failing team to become high performing, find an opportunity to congratulate them and then ask how they did it. Ask them if they can share any tips with you.
Remember – asking questions is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, seeking advice is how we continually improve. It’s all part of learning.
Ask Yourself Questions
Here are three typical questions to help you understand why you were inspired and what you want to gain. Consider each one and write down how you think you’ll feel:
1. How would it affect your life? This could relate to health, wealth or knowledge. Financial security could mean paying off your mortgage, having regular holidays, or improving your pension pot. Perhaps it’s an intangible benefit, like improving your career or increasing your credibility. Then, consider how what you want will affect your life both at work and home.
When I first started in IT, I needed to build credibility. I quickly learnt that I liked people coming to me with problems and seeing me as a specialist. In those days, big computers sat in air-conditioned rooms, and I became an expert in their operating systems. On realising that I enjoyed helping people, I moved from pre-sales into sales, specialising in selling certain products. When the sales team asked me questions, I’d use my contacts at the manufacturers to find the answers. My credibility helped me become a sales manager with a team. I had realised my dream, motivated by wanting to become known as someone who knew what they were talking about!
2. What would happen if you didn’t achieve your dream? Would you feel disappointed in yourself or feel you’ve missed out? Would you feel under pressure financially? Or feel like you’ve let the team down?
3. What would it feel like when you succeed? If you work as a teacher or within the NHS, or elsewhere in the public sector, you may feel a sense of pride in your achievements, even without the financial rewards. But the purpose of your work in making a difference is where your motivation may be, so try to find that.
The answers to these three questions will help you find your motivation. Now you can take action to start working towards helping it grow.
Workplace Questions
You’re working hard towards your goal. One day, your manager asks you to do something you know you won’t enjoy, which could negatively affect your motivation. Instead of feeling discouraged or irritated, find out more about the task. Understanding the bigger picture for the organisation could help you see how it impacts on the team’s and your personal goals. It may even improve your situation!
Ask questions like: What is the organisation trying to achieve? Once that’s achieved, what will it allow it to do? Ask if there’s an issue that you need to be aware of. Check timings – if you’re busy on other projects, what would happen if you were delayed in this task? Will it impact other things?
If you’re the manager asking people to do tasks you know they won’t enjoy, encourage them to ask these questions, or pre-empt them and provide the answers anyway. Positive communication with your team will motivate them and help get the job done.
When you’ve Got your Answers…
…put all that inspiration into action and work towards the rewards you’re seeking. Whether that’s becoming a better version of you or making more money to live comfortably, when your vision is clear and motivation is high, you’re halfway there.
You can achieve your dreams!
