Cultivating Your Motivation

All motivations are not created equal. Sure, anyone is capable of rationalizing anything and fitting it into their ambitions. But sooner or later, fabricated motivation runs out, and all you are left with is what you really care about and what really drives you.

It’s safe to assume that you chose to become an agent because it was something you cared about. It’s probably something you’re quite good at. But no two agents are alike. There are countless facets to the job, and each one appeals to a different kind of person. You have probably noticed that you excel in some areas and need to work a little harder in others.

Finding motivation is not cut-and-dry, and you may find that you need to re-examine the source of your motivation over the course of your career. This is natural, because if you are making a true effort at professional and personal development, your needs, skills, and interests will evolve as you grow.

For example, you could be motivated by the exhilaration of doing something you are truly good at. Perhaps being an agent was your passion, and this is what inspires you to get out of bed every day. However, you won’t be the best agent you can be every single day. If you were, you would have no room to grow.

So on the days that you are not at your best, does that mean your motivation is gone? It can be discouraging to come to terms with getting out of sync with your passion and expertise. This is why motivation mandates cultivation. Motivation is not stagnant, any more than you as a person or the economy as a whole is stagnant.

It is crucial to tailor your motivation to the situation. If you are having an off day, week, or even year, the motivation of being a great agent evolves from congratulatory to aspirational. It gives you the opportunity to fall in love with your career all over again as you improve. On the other hand, having a good run is a great way to fan the flames of your calling.

One of your greatest strengths is knowing what motivates you.

Alternatively, instead of using your strengths as motivation, you can use your weaknesses. Start by rebranding weaknesses as opportunities. Then, do a cost-benefit analysis of which opportunities would be most efficient and beneficial to take. On one end of the spectrum, accept that not all aspects of your performance will be perfect. On the other, recognize areas in which you have the capacity to become infinitely better.

Adaptability is the key to lasting motivation. You may want to believe that motivation is a solid, concrete thing that stands immutable against strife. In fact, it is just the opposite. Your ability to adapt your motivation to changing situations is what will give you the strength to be a powerful force in your professional life. Finding you own motivation is the key to building a motivated team.

If adaptability is something that comes naturally to you, you can be motivated by the fact that you are already set up for success. If adaptability is a point of difficulty or contention, you can be motivated by the challenge. No matter where you stand, the key is to decide that you will actively develop reasons to succeed.