Something has got to give.

We all have goals. Be them big or small, we all can fail and reaching them. So what can we do to help reach that goal? Their are a few steps I use, and I wish to share them with you. 


1) Set measurable goals: How else will you be able to determine your level of progress, or even know when you have successfully arrived where you wanted to be? For instance, how much money do you aspire to make? 

2) Make steps: Major life changes don't just happen; they happen one step at a time. Steady progress, through well-chosen, realistic, interval steps, produces results in the end. Know what those steps are before you set out.

3) Tell People: Your friends and loved ones. They will help encourage you to achieve your goal. 

4) Write it down: Write your goals down. This makes something you can physically see. This will be a reminder of what you are striving for.


  What do you do to help you reach your goals? 

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Dan Pink on the candle problem

The Puzzle of Motivation

   Watch the video in the link above. The use of the candle problem as explained in the beginning of this video is a very interesting view on motivation. This poses the question, do monetary insensitive truly motivate performance? Many times the answer to that is no. Money can lead to lack of dissatisfaction, but not true motivation. 

We need to stop using the carrot on the stick method. We need to focus on the truly internal motivators. 

 What do you think of the ideas in this video? Please, leave a comment and lets discuss what your ideas are. 

The Candle Problem

 The candle problem or candle task, also known as Duncker's candle problem, is a cognitive performance test, measuring the influence of functional fixedness on a participant's problem solving capabilities. The test was created by Gestalt psychologist Karl Duncker and published posthumously in 1945. Duncker originally presented this test in his thesis on problem-solving tasks at Clark University.


   


  The test presents the participant with the following task: how to fix and light a candle on a wall (a cork board) in a way so the candle wax won't drip onto the table below. To do so, one may only use the following along with the candle:
a book of matches
a box of thumbtacks


The solution is to empty the box of thumbtacks, put the candle into the box, use the thumbtacks to nail the box (with the candle in it) to the wall, and light the candle with the match. The concept of functional fixedness predicts that the participant will only see the box as a device to hold the thumbtacks and not immediately perceive it as a separate and functional component available to be used in solving the task.

The Two Factor Theory

  The two-factor theory (also known as Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory and dual-factor theory) states that there are certain factors in the workplace that cause job satisfaction, while a separate set of factors cause dissatisfaction. It was developed by psychologist Frederick Herzberg, who theorized that job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction act independently of each other.

  Remedying the causes of dissatisfaction will not create satisfaction. Nor will adding the factors of job satisfaction eliminate job dissatisfaction. If you have a hostile work environment, giving someone a promotion will not make him or her satisfied. If you create a healthy work environment but do not provide members of your team with any of the satisfaction factors, the work they're doing will still not be satisfying.

Developing inner strength

       It takes a lot of inner strength to motivate ones self. It is what allows you to get past obstacles you find in your way. When you are facing a roadblock in your path to greatness, remember these 4 things you can do to not only overcome, but become stronger due to it.

1) Look back to victories of your past.  You have had roadblocks before, and you are still moving.

2) Accept who you are, and be proud of what you have accomplished so far.

3) Relax, if you become over stressed, or emotional at the situation, your ability to look at your problem with logic will be affected. Take a step back if you must, but keep your mind clear.

4)  Remember what you are working for. What are your long term goals? Use your end goal as a motivator to help you over come your issue.


   Each challenge will only make you stronger. Giving you a new tool to use as you move along