Dreams don’t have to just be dreams. You can make it a reality; if you just keep pushing and keep trying, then eventually you’ll reach your goal.
And if that takes a few years, then that’s great, but if it takes 10 or 20, then that’s part of the process.”
— Naomi Osaka
In Nigeria, where challenges and obstacles often seem insurmountable, finding the motivation to push forward can be an uphill battle. Whether it’s navigating economic uncertainty, political unrest, or societal pressures, maintaining a sense of drive and purpose is essential for personal growth and resilience.
In the face of adversity, it becomes crucial to cultivate a mindset of determination and resourcefulness. Despite the myriad hardships that Nigerians face on a daily basis, there are strategies and approaches that can help individuals not only persevere but thrive in the midst of adversity.
Motivation: The Inner Fire That Makes You Leap, Not Creep
Imagine life as a vast, unexplored landscape. Mountains tower before you, rivers snake through valleys, and hidden treasures lie scattered across the terrain. What compels you to embark on this adventure? What ignites the spark that propels you forward, pushing you up those mountains and across those rivers? That, my friend, is the magic of motivation.
It’s not just a fancy word in a psychology textbook. Motivation is the sizzling fire in your belly, the rebellious whisper in your heart, the unseen map guiding your every step. It’s the reason you wake up before dawn to chase your dreams, the reason you push through exhaustion to reach the finish line, the reason you learn a new skill even when it feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops.
Motivation isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about feeling alive while doing them. It’s the electric current that charges your actions, the secret ingredient that makes the ordinary extraordinary. It’s the personal soundtrack that plays in your head, urging you to dance through challenges and sing in the face of setbacks.
But here’s the twist: motivation isn’t always a roaring lion. Sometimes it’s a gentle breeze, a persistent whisper. It might be the quiet satisfaction of mastering a new skill, the joy of helping others, or the simple desire to become the best version of yourself.
By harnessing the power of motivation, individuals can transform obstacles into opportunities and inspire others to do the same.
Here are 20 insightful strategies to motivate yourself and others amidst Nigeria’s major hardships:
1. Anchor Yourself:
Amidst the chaos, anchor yourself to your core values. Whether it’s integrity, resilience, or community, align your actions with what truly matters to you.
2. Unleash Your WHY:
Discover a compelling purpose that ignites your passion. Whether it’s uplifting others, driving change, or pursuing excellence, let your WHY be your guiding light. Discover your WHY, the reason that makes your heart sing, and let it be your guiding star.
3. Change Your WHY:
Reevaluate your motivations regularly. Ensure you’re driven by genuine passion and purpose, rather than external expectations or obligations. Remember, true motivation comes from within.
4. Change Your HOW:
Challenges are inevitable, but who says they can’t be fun? Embrace creativity! Turn tasks into games, master your skills, and find joy in the process of overcoming obstacles.
5. Remember Your Victories:
Reflect on past moments of joy and triumph to reignite your motivation during tough times. Let positive memories fuel your resilience and determination.
6. Shift Your Lens:
Don’t get stuck in the present! Practice mindfulness by shifting your focus between past, present, and future. Draw inspiration from fond memories or envision a brighter tomorrow to stay motivated.
7. Find Your Symbol:
Discover a metaphor that resonates with your journey. Whether you see yourself as the “Little Engine that Could” or the hero of your own epic adventure, let symbolism inspire your resilience and strength.
8. Just Start:
Don’t wait for the perfect moment, start before you feel ready. Action breeds motivation, so take the first step towards your goals even when you’re unsure or hesitant.
9. Link to Good Feelings:
Associate tasks with positive emotions by incorporating enjoyable activities into your routine. Play uplifting music or indulge in small rewards to make difficult tasks more bearable.
10. Impress Yourself First:
Forget external validation! Set high standards for yourself and strive to exceed them. Let your passion and drive push you to achieve greatness, independent of external validation.
11. “CHOOSE” to:
You have the power! Empower yourself by re-framing your language. Replace “have to” with “choose to” to remind yourself of your agency and control over your actions.
12. Find your Tribe:
Seek support from like-minded individuals or mentors who can motivate and guide you through challenges. Collaborate with others to turn daunting tasks into shared victories.
13. Ask Empowering Questions:
Shift your perspective by asking empowering questions. Instead of dwelling on problems like “why me? focus on solutions and opportunities for growth like “How can I learn from this?” “What new opportunities await me?”
14. Fix Time for Self-Care:
You can’t pour from an empty cup! Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being by establishing consistent routines for eating, sleeping, and exercising. Take care of yourself to replenish your energy and resilience.
15. Play to Your Strengths:
We all have unique talents. Leverage yours! Leverage your strengths to overcome adversity and thrive in difficult circumstances. Focus on activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, allowing your natural talents to shine.
16. Practice Gratitude:
In the face of adversity, cultivate a mindset of gratitude. Take time each day to appreciate the blessings in your life, no matter how small. Focusing on what you have rather than what you lack can shift your perspective and renew your motivation.
17. Seek Inspiration:
Surround yourself with sources of inspiration, whether it’s uplifting stories, motivational quotes, or role models who have overcome similar challenges. Draw strength from the resilience of others and let their journeys inspire your own.
18. See Your Success:
Close your eyes and visualize your goals achieved! Envision your goals and dreams as if they’ve already been achieved. Visualizing success can fuel your motivation and clarify your path forward, helping you stay focused and determined in the face of obstacles.
19. Celebrate Progress:
Big or small, every step forward matters! Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Each step forward, no matter how incremental, is worth celebrating as it brings you closer to your goals. Recognize your progress and use it as momentum to propel you forward.
20. Stay Flexible:
In a rapidly changing environment like Nigeria, adaptability is key to staying motivated. Embrace flexibility and be open to adjusting your plans and strategies as needed. Remember that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. By staying nimble and resilient, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Empowering Resilience: Thriving Amidst Nigeria’s Challenges
“In the face of Nigeria’s turbulent landscape, where adversity often feels like the norm, cultivating motivation becomes a vital tool for survival. These strategies offer a beacon of hope, guiding individuals through the darkest of times and empowering them to rise above their circumstances. By embracing these techniques and fostering a resilient mindset, you not only navigate hardship with grace but also emerge from the storm stronger and more resilient than before.
Remember, in the pursuit of a brighter future for yourself and others, your ability to motivate yourself is the key that unlocks your full potential. Together, let us forge ahead with determination, resilience, and unwavering optimism, knowing that even amidst Nigeria’s greatest challenges, there lies boundless opportunity for growth and success.”
