You know a motivated person when you see one. They seem indefatigable in the face of a challenge and possessive of more energy than a pink bunny with a drum…but what exactly are the character traits that help them stay that way?
Purpose. Highly motivated people comprehend the bigger picture. They see how their work fits into the whole, and therefore never feel like the smaller components of the journey are meaningless.
Optimism. With a positive vision of what could be in the future, motivated people gain energy as the go about working towards the outcome they envision.
Self-Esteem. It’s hard to do anything when you don’t feel like you can do it. Motivated people know their strengths, and they believe in themselves.
Bravery. Motivated people delight in taking on new challenges, and they never back down from risk. They’re not afraid to take chances, get mistakes, and get messy—just like the teacher on the Magic School Bus.
Persistence. People with high levels of motivation don’t just give up when the going gets tough. They buckle down and stick to their guns.
Perspective. Highly motivated people don’t sweat the small stuff. They know how to sort through issues and ignore the little things that could pull them off course. Motivated people reflect on the process and move forward with intelligence and strategy.
Humility. Motivated people also have perspective on their own strengths and weaknesses. An arrogant person will quickly run up against a wall again and again as opposing egos clash with their quest. By contrast, a humble person will have an easier time carrying out their plan, taking feedback, and adjusting course as necessary. They’re not offended—their eyes are on the prize, and they’ll take the help they need to get there.
Lastly, motivated people enjoy success and they celebrate it. It’s not about throwing it in other people’s faces, but about appreciating the hard work just done, and looking forward to a new journey.