How to keep ourselves continuously driven?

Given the constant changes happening all around us, be it Geopolitical, trade-law related, industry/technology/company related or challenges in our own lives, we cannot afford to stay stagnant or keep doing what we did yesterday.  

The impact that innovations & disruptions have around us, requires us to change & upskill ourselves with the changing times, not only to stay relevant but also to continually improve. Having said that, it is understandable that it is difficult to have continuous motivation to adapt to change. However, BAU is not going to help us in situations like these either. It is like exercising. If we don’t incrementally and consistently increase the obstacles, discernible results are difficult to achieve. 

So how do we keep going?

In my view, when we build a value system for ourselves and be driven through our intrinsic motivation, no matter what change happens, it won’t matter and we will continue to strive to do our best to meet the standards we set for ourselves and reset new and higher benchmarks as well. A deeper value system helps to circumvent the Flow Psychology and may help in achieving the “Flow State” even when the challenge level and skill level are not in perfect sync. Such motivation may end up giving birth to innovation & invention. Hence, a rudimentary gain based approach towards short-lived recognition and material benefits may not be the best stimuli for continuous and long-term growth. Each, but the last level of Maslow’s hierarchy needs pyramid is becoming easier to climb. A strong Value system helps to sustain upward growth during Self Actualization as well. When we decide and do it this way, we are constantly motivated and can withstand any storm and continue to deliver value to the organization, clients, our stakeholders and ourselves. If not, even in the worst case, you will not feel disappointed as you would have lived by the values and standards you defined for yourself. This is the reason why the best in class organizations and highly successful people can sustain for years and years.

I would also suggest taking more responsibilities on an ongoing basis to keep learning and expanding your capacity as well as areas of expertise, thereby strengthening your T-shaped skills.

Keep challenging and setting new benchmarks.