We all have goals we want to achieve, it may be to learn that tech skill, to enrol on that course or maybe to become a manager, whatever it is the question remains, do you have the push or force to achieve the goal?

It is believed that when you are motivated it’s very easy to achieve difficult things and if you are not motivated it’s very difficult to achieve the simplest things. The reason why a person with great potential fails to achieve things is simply because of a lack of motivation. 

In today’s post, we will be looking at what is motivation? Types of motivation, and the 6 tips to stay motivated when learning a new tech skill

What is motivation

Imagine you are a student, your goal would probably be to pass all your courses with distinction. But this would not be possible without anything to motivate you, it becomes mere wishes that would never come true. What if you long to gain your parent’s appreciation and applaud or you want to be seen as a genius by your peers or you want to be proud of yourself? These reasons would push you to read your books even when others aren’t, it would push you to attend lectures even though it’s raining. Motivation is what compels and pushes you to achieve those goals and desires.

Motivation is the reason for doing something. It is that thing that encourages you to give your best performance

Types of Motivation

Motivation can be classified into 3 categories

1. Extrinsic and  Intrinsic

2. Financial and Non-financial

3. Positive and Negative 

1. Extrinsic and Intrinsic motivation

Extrinsic motivation is an external form of motivation. Here the motivation comes externally. For example, money, praise, awards, recognition etc. A student whose goal is to graduate college with extinction would have to read, study and attend lectures while others are catching fun. the student would decide to study while others aren’t might be to get applaud from his parents or be awarded as the best graduating student. When you are motivated to perform, achieve, learn or do something based on a highly considered outcome, rather than for the fun, development or personal fulfilment, you are being extrinsically motivated.

Intrinsic motivation is a form of motivation that comes from within, these are things you do because you love doing them and not because you are compelled by someone. For example, you decide to join a fitness club because you love how it feels to be healthy and fit and not because someone told you that you’re getting fat. When you are intrinsically motivated, you enjoy an interest, a course of study or skill development solely to fulfil education and have fun

2. Positive and Negative motivation

Positive motivation is a reward base encouragement method. Examples of such rewards are, recognition, appreciation, raise in salary.

Negative motivation is a punishment based boosting method. It is derived from the fear of punishment and loosing of things. For example, demotion, layoff, salary reduction etc. Imagine a marketer who didn’t meet her target for the previous month and had to suffer a lower salary. In the coming month, she would strategize better in order to meet her target and get her full pay. Or an employee may be working in an organisation with the whole of his heart not just for appreciation or recognition but because he always has a fear that if he doesn’t perform better he may lose his job

3. Financial and Non-Financial Motivation

Financial motivation refers to monetary reward of substantial value, for example, bonus, wage/salary, retirement benefits. All these can be calculated in monetary terms. 

Non-Financial motivation does not involve money rather they bring psychological and emotional satisfaction. For example, ego satisfaction, self-actualisation.

6 Tips to help you stay motivated when learning a new tech skill

1. Find your why

Before commencing the learning process you need to know why you will dedication so many hours of your time to learn this skill. If you don’t have a reason why you want to learn that skill then it would be very easy to give up on the way when you encounter a little challenge. When I was going through the learning process, my why was pretty strong, I know that learning this new skill can open doors of better opportunities and growth. I will be giving myself access to top companies that are working on innovative projects which can help boost my career journey and give me access to a higher salary.

Make sure you have a "why" before starting because if there is no “why” then there will be no motivation. For some people, you might have to write down your "why" and keep reminding yourself every day.

2. Commit to small measurable goals

One of the main things that can help you overcome being overwhelmed is to commit to small goals. starting something new can be overwhelming, you see your limited knowledge and also see the lots of resources you have to cover to be good, but breaking thing into bits help you achieve your goal. For example, deciding to study 2hours every day can make it easier to track your goal and helps you to be consistent

3. Do more project-based learning

Technology books and courses can be really boring, doing projects and trying to solve problems can be fun and uplifting. If you find yourself losing motivation, it might just be time to switch and start doing more project-based studying. Also, make sure that the projects you are doing are things that excite you

4. Find a community

Find a community of people who are going through this process. For example, finding a friend or group of people who understands this process, who are also trying to reach this goal makes this process a lot easier. This community can keep you motivated and accountable throughout the whole learning process. It is also important to cut off anyone who is bringing you negativity or distracting you from the whole learning process. You don’t need such people because you are going to be dealing with lots of self-doubts. Being around positive people will work so much magic

5. Consume positive contents

Surround yourself with content and imagery of people who successfully did this. Success stories have a powerful way of encouraging you through the journey. Hearing that people were actually able to successfully do this will really push and encourage you to keep ongoing. You can have a folder of different success stories to keep encouraging you through the process

6. Prioritise self-care

During this process, you are going to feel extremely stressed out because there is a lot to learn. Finding tools to manage your stress is very essential. You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to find these tools, you can just take a walk, do some exercise, meditate or even just take a nap. These can help you manage your stress.

Now I’d love to hear from you,

What is your "why"? And is it strong enough to carry you through the learning process?

Let me know by leaving a comment below right now