Have you ever wondered what would happen if there were no exams throughout the year, with only one annual exam to mark our progress? Would anyone bother to study until the week before the exam?
Exams have been a traditional source of motivation for many of us. They push us to study, to focus, and to strive for better grades. As we grow, however, the concept of “exams” starts to fade away, and we find ourselves needing new sources of motivation to keep upskilling and staying relevant in our fields.
The Changing Face of Motivation
In the real world, the motivators change. Instead of exams, we look for course completion certificates, shoutouts, ranks, grades, stipends, and other incentives. The underlying issue is that we all need some form of motivation to keep pushing forward.
We are often great at starting something new but struggle with maintaining the momentum. What if there were no immediate rewards or recognition? Would you still dedicate yourself to your duties with the same level of enthusiasm?
The Challenge of Progressing Without Immediate Results
One of the biggest challenges we face is progressing without seeing immediate results. Unlike exams, which have clear, short-term goals and rewards, many aspects of personal and professional growth don’t have a visible finish line. This lack of immediate gratification makes it harder to stay motivated and disciplined.
Finding New Motivators
So, how can we find new motivators to keep ourselves on track?
- Favorite Teachers: Sometimes we attend classes because we enjoy the way a particular teacher teaches.
- Simple Rewards: We might walk 30 minutes daily just to visit a favorite tea shop.
- Admiration: We might go to the gym regularly because there’s someone there we admire.
The Pattern of Attachment
In each of these examples, the motivation isn’t the primary goal (attendance, health, or fitness) but something we’ve attached to it (favorite teacher, tea shop, or person we admire). This pattern of attaching a secondary motivator can be a powerful tool in maintaining discipline and building habits.
Building Habits Through Community
This concept of attaching motivation is something we focus on in the Think Digital community. Many aspire to successful careers but lack the motivation to pursue their goals consistently. By creating touchpoints and building a supportive environment, we help individuals stay disciplined and develop productive habits.
For instance, our “Coding as a Habit” initiative has been progressing successfully. We’re now expanding our efforts to include UI/UX design, with more habits-focused programs on the way. These initiatives are designed to provide ongoing motivation and support, helping you stay committed to your growth and development.
Conclusion
Staying motivated in the absence of immediate rewards is challenging, but by finding and attaching new motivators, we can maintain our momentum and achieve our goals. Whether it’s through community support, personal attachments, or setting smaller, more achievable milestones, the key is to keep pushing forward.
At Think Digital, we are committed to helping you build these habits and stay motivated on your journey. Stay tuned for more exciting initiatives and opportunities to grow together.
Cheers to building habits and staying motivated! 🚀