When we are motivated, our enthusiasm energises us and we not only enjoy what we are doing, we find the energy and will power to overcome obstacles and difficulties. Motivation moves us from dullness to dynamic action. We want to be in that state, but often find our spirits sagging. Our challenge is keeping ourselves constantly motivated.

It is easy to be motivated when we are successful, winning the appreciation of people around us and achieving the goals we set out for ourselves. Our true test lies in being self-motivated when we sometimes find ourselves swimming against the tide.

Always keeping our goal in mind keeps us motivated; our ability to connect our daily efforts to the larger purpose. I am reminded of the story of a man who saw three men breaking stones. When asked, the first one said he was just breaking stones. The second one too, with irritation said he was just breaking stones in the heat. The third one, however, had a smile on his face. When asked what he was doing, he looked across the road where a hospital was coming up. He said – ‘I am breaking stones to build the hospital.’ He kept himself motivated by keeping the larger picture in mind.

Achieving small milestones motivates us. Our journey will be full of varied experiences. Small wins can go a long way in keeping up our spirits.

Doing something really well can be very motivating. When we pour ourselves fully into whatever we are doing, we experience a surge of energy within. A focussed mind that is single-pointed reduces our mental agitations allowing the positive energy to express itself.

Approaching situations with a child-like curiosity, with an attitude to learn, can change our mood from heaviness to enthusiasm. When I visited the income-tax department for the first time, I had the excitement of a child, looking forward to a new experience. I truly believe it was my enthusiasm that helped dispel any fear or anger, and helped me successfully handle a complicated discussion.

Touching someone’s life and knowing they may be happier because of our small contribution can be motivating. It makes us realise that our inner power to make a difference to someone is not necessarily dependent on our outer success.

When we smile with humility and gratitude at our success and learn to smile during our challenges, knowing life is teaching us something for our own good, we have truly learned the art of keeping ourselves ever motivated.