Giving value for money was a big issue for me. This
motivated me no matter where I was playing.
Kevin Keegan
Motivation is a complex issue. Answering the questions below will help you to become more aware of your own levels of motivation as well as the many factors involved.
Do you use positive or negative words in your conversations and your internal dialogue (examples of positive words are 'will' and 'can', while 'must' and 'should' are negative words)?
Do you focus on the positive or the negative aspect of your performance?
Do you look forward in a calm manner to a forthcoming event, or do you get over-aroused or under-aroused?
Do you have clear goals for both playing the match and winning?
Do your thoughts become more positive or negative as the event draws near?
Do you deal with poor performance in an honest, realistic way without dwelling on it for too long?
Do you have both short-term and long-term goals to improve your sports performance?
Do you know why these are so important to you?
Do you take responsibility for your levels of motivation rather than blaming other factors if something doesn't completely work out?
Do you focus on the future or the past?
What words do other people use about your levels of motivation? How do you react to this?
Do you allow yourself to be as good as it is possible for you to be?
Which of the following four motivation states best describes you?
I am able to deal with any challenges that appear. I remain poised, focused and in control. I am happy with my response and performance, knowing that I give totally my best.
I am driven by the need to prove something by how I perform. I feel I must win because I want to avoid looking stupid or bad. I want all the rewards that go with winning. Sometimes I focus on the past, sometimes on the future.
I don't really feel bothered at the moment, although I have been before and will be again later. I don't focus on the here and now.
I feel the pressure of other people's expectations. They are over-emphasising the importance of winning. I wish they would just leave me alone. I feel burnt out.
I'm very lucky in the motivation department. I don't have
to get motivated to give my best because if I've eaten the right foods, got the
right attitude, had a good night's sleep, done the preparation, the equipment is
OK, then I've been getting myself motivated without even realising it.
Shaun Tacey, Speedway Rider
Having answered these questions, you should have a clearer idea of any problem areas in your motivation. The activities below will help you to tackle these effectively.
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