Motivation IS NOT about will power or a personal lack of it.

So often I hear people say that they "just aren’t motivated to do X”.

“X" is the outcome.

Motivation, however, is centered on the process of developing skills, building empowerment, and growing in the belief that we can do a particular thing.

If ability, confidence, and belief are present, we can quite confidently say that a person is motivated to do something.

When we hear someone say “I’m not motivated” it's likely because they foresee an obstacle in their processes in getting to their desired outcome.

When thinking about how to develop motivation for ourselves or our clients then, it might seem easier to just tell people what they need to do with an imperative…

• “You SHOULD…”

• “You JUST NEED to…”

• “All you HAVE to do is…”

This approach skips the client’s need to address the process obstacles, leaving the obstacles in place to be run into by the client at any point, whilst we as the coach tie their shoes together with our imperatives.

Spend time appreciating the outcome, then use your skills and care to understand the person’s concern in the process.

This format might (almost definitely will) take longer, but you’ll get a motivated client who has autonomy in their ability, confidence, and belief.

AKA successful clients!