Discover the Hidden Power of Self Motivation

Many studies have been done to research the effects of motivation and mental health. As the implications of helping those with negative self-esteem, depression and anxiety are immense this is certainly an area of research that deserves a great deal of attention.

Psychology Online reports on a study investigating the differences between INTERNAL and EXTERNAL MOTIVATION. The report states that "Although our society is largely extrinsically-motivated by external rewards such as money, fame and power, research has indicated those who are intrinsically-motivated by inner desires for creativity, fulfillment and inner satisfaction are psychologically healthier and happier."

How can this help you?

The study of health psychology seeks to understand how our ability to cope with stress can help us to prevent illness and promote health. Some of these coping mechanisms are naturally inborn but may be taught to those who lack them. Motivation is one of the tools that researchers are trying to use as a combatant of negative stress reactions.

Motivation is something that we use every day. It's what enables us to survive - to get food because we're hungry, to go to work to pay the bills or to educate ourselves in order to pursue a higher goal in life.

How we respond to life's demands can affect our overall health. How are you classified?

The same report on Psychology Online identified those who respond to life with negativity or anxiety as most likely to deal with the physical affects of anger, guilt, nervousness, frustration and fear. These emotions can cause hypertension and high blood pressure which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Other complications include ulcers, arthritis, asthma and kidney disease.

Some therapists suggest that by using positive self-talk and trying to restructure the WAY we look at events can offset the physical and mental effects of dealing with negative or stressful events in life.

Interestingly, people who tend to focus on themselves as the controller of their fate - in fact 'self-motivated' - are more likely to feel a sense of control when stressors affect them. Instead of blaming something or someone else they have the motivation to deal with a problem and look for a reasonable solution. This positive behavior helps them to achieve goals and find personal contentment.

Therapists try to teach patients how to emulate this positive reaction to stress and use their motivation as a source of empowerment. Learning to manage stress and using motivation to set goals, work through a problem or fix it can in turn promote better mental and physical health.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

---

What is Success?

Everyone wants success. People talk about setting goals and positive... Read More

How to Exude More Confidence

Confidence: The word conjures up images of self-assurance and... Read More

Wake Up to the Life You Love

While speaking at a San Diego university recently, I was... Read More

Anchors Away!

If we want to fill our heads with the doom... Read More

What Once Was - Ain?t No More

Rather than beat around the bush and try to lead... Read More

Are You Facing Challenges? Then Make A Different Decision

Many people don't really understand the gift they have been... Read More

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone - Before Its Too Late

Think about what you're doing each day and ask yourself... Read More

7 Tips to Keep up Your New Year Resolutions

There are many people who enthusiastically make their New Year... Read More

10 Common Money And Success Myths ? Part 2

Here are a few commonly held beliefs, or "myths," that... Read More

How Do I Stop Procrastinating?

Often times we procrastinate because it just seems like so... Read More

No Regrets

MY FOUR-MINUTE DANCING CAREERA few years ago, I decided to... Read More

The Power Of Purpose

The manifestations of motiveA man is captive within himself. He... Read More

Know your Mission

One passage states "If you want to defeat them, distract... Read More

The Ripple Effect: Small Steps Lead to Big Results

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not... Read More

L-I-V-E-- 12 Steps to Living Your Life

Many of us only inhabit our lives- we do not... Read More

The Default Setting

In the coaching relationships I have with our clients, the... Read More

How to Get Up on a Down Day

One of the major obstacles to achieving goals is losing... Read More

Assessing Your Self-Help Needs

Self Help is itself a broad category from which to... Read More

You are the Master of Your Destiny

Every thought of a human being is transformed as picture... Read More

Make The Most Of Today

"Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at... Read More

A Reality Practice

Suggested practice to gain freedom from self-limitation.It is suggested that... Read More

What Is Failing Forward?

What an absurd statement! Absurd or not, progress is not... Read More

Your Biggest Do it Yourself Project

When I meet people and tell them what I do,... Read More

Can You Can Can? What You Can Do If You Really Go For It

One hundred years ago the laundry girls of Montmartre invented... Read More

Five Mores to Enhance Your Performance

When you think about the most successful, happy, fulfilled people... Read More