Why is it that some people just seem to get on with things whilst others procrastinate, put things off, shuffle paper around their desk and generally never quite seem to get going?

I'm sure we could all list many reasons why the motivation just isn't there - and what a great distraction writing the list would be! However, if you do want to get things done and to find some self- motivation, the first things to ask are:

1. Am I really interested in this?
2. How much do I want to do this?

If you're working on personal goals then answering 'Yes' to question 1 and 'Very much' to question 2 would mean your chances of success were going to be pretty high. But what if the task in mind is some dull and boring work activity? The answers to those two questions would, I suspect, be 'No' and 'Not very much'; hardly the route to success nor a foundation to self-motivation. Here's a 5 stage process which may help you to generate some energy to complete the tasks you don't want to do:

1. Identify the benefits of doing the task - picture yourself getting the job done; how will you feel? What will completing it enable you to do next? What's the general pay off for you?
2. Set yourself a goal for the task - what are you going to get done and by when? Be realistic and be gentle with yourself; if it's really dull and boring then forcing yourself to do something for hours on end will not help your motivation or energy. Also, be aware of being a perfectionist - do what needs to be done to get the job done.
3. Make an agreement with yourself - how long do you want to spend on the task? What rewards do you want to give yourself for completing the task or stages of it?
4. Create a plan - go back to imagining you've completed the task then work backwards to plan a strategy for getting the job done.
5. Reward yourself - think back to your agreement (Step 3); allow yourself to enjoy your rewards; a cup of tea, choc bar, going home on time, a game of golf or tennis.

And if you still can't find the motivation ask yourself two further questions:

1. Does this really have to be done?
2. Does this have to be done by me?

If the answer is 'yes' to both then make a decision to 'just do it' and return to Step 1 above.... I never said it was easy...... and remember to enjoy your reward, you deserve it.