Motivating yourself and those around you

Motivation is a key ingredient in success but those who really understand success also recognize that it is not just about motivating yourself but also about motivating those around you. 

Think of your workplace and gauge if it is a place where you feel motivated not only to complete the task at hand, but to also do what you are doing in the best way that you can.  A lot of how well one performs has to do with the kind of place they are working at and the kind of people they are working for. If you are working in a place that applauds a job well done and gives constructive criticism you will feel like a valued employee and feel motivated to perform better.

But motivating works both ways.  Looking towards the individuals and the environment around you to motivate you to do better is only half the story, because you have to do the same back for them.  You have to keep in mind that those around you are affected by you just as much as you are affected by them.  Most of us are quick to point out how others come in the way of our best performance but it is just as important for us to look at ourselves and see if we are contributing to or taking away from the positive environment at our workplace.

Also keep in mind that motivating does not have to be a top-down phenomenon.  That is to say that you do not always have to look towards your superiors and managers to motivate you.  Your colleagues can motivate you also and vice versa.  At the same time, good performance and positive attitudes from team members could very well go a long way in motivating your managers to perform even better.