11. MAKE IT A HABIT

(3) REWARD YOURSELF

Too often, even when we do what we know is the right thing, we forget the value of our actions!  What we do has consequences. When our actions are correct, by and large the consequences will be positive. We can always cut corners. But cutting corners does not always cut it when we are looking out for the good mission or for the best for our families, friends, shipmates or even ourselves.

In his book, Intrinsic Motivation at Work (San Francisco: Berret-Koehler, 2000), Kenneth W. Thomas, Ph.D., writes that there are four parts to maintaining motivation toward doing the right thing or accomplishing our goals.

  * Meaning: Understanding the significance of our actions                                                         * Choice : Understanding that ultimately the decision is ours                                                 * Skill (or competence): Understanding that we are able to follow through on a correct decision                                                                                                                                         * Progress: Understanding that our efforts are paying off 

The trick is not relying on something or someone else to maintain our motivation. We need to ask ourselves:

* Why am I doing this? Is my action worth the time and effort?                                                  * When do I do it?  Under what conditions does the choice to act occur?                                    * How does it happens?  What occurs so that I know something happened?