Life can be full of ups and downs, and while challenges can be seen as opportunities to solve problems and advance to new heights, there are times when curveballs can have the adverse effect of bringing down motivation levels.

Inspiration levels will vary from person to person depending on one’s inner drive, determination and ability to overcome challenges. However, even the most highly driven individual will still require techniques for sustaining self-motivation and developing their leadership skills, as most leaders are made and not born.

There are probably numerous schools of thought claiming the ability to propel one to optimum levels of inspiration to overcome any challenge; however, the merits of such schools of thought can often be dubious at best. What is certain is that whatever works for an individual is a valid technique.

For the best results the techniques highlighted below should all be utilised, but a combination of the techniques will also give positive results:

Regular reading
Reading a book or two a month on leadership principles, motivation and management tools can give an individual that extra edge in addition to providing regular development and enhancing motivation.

Comprehensive training
Any company will have at least seven areas that need to be controlled for effective operation. These include executive functions, human resources, sales & marketing, finance, operations, new business and public relations. Any individual can increase their worth substantially with training in all these areas in order to be a better leader. With training and development one becomes better able to deal with various situations, which can help to increase motivation levels.

Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the best ways of maintaining one’s motivation as it builds discipline whilst increasing energy levels and creating a feeling of wellbeing. There are many different ways to exercise: for best results one should exercising 2-3 times per week with a good cardio-vascular workout such as jogging on a treadmill, street jogging or running, rowing, squash etc. Also remember that simple walking is also a valid form of exercise.

Relaxation
Constant hard work without any relaxation is a recipe for disaster and can actually harm more than help. Relaxation is included as a technique to enhance self-motivation due to the fact that relaxation in its various forms helps one to recharge and reconnect with one’s self.

About the author: Gomolemo is a marketing communication consultant and a published author in the Pretoria News and The Star Newspapers.

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