Let's start by looking at the humble alarm clock.

For some people, the sound of the alarm clock is a signal to jump out of bed with a smile on their face, and bounce through the day, full of excitement and enthusiasm about what the next 16 or so hours will hold.

On the other hand, there are those who hear the alarm clock through a thick fog of sleep, yawn persistently, stretch a couple of times, and then begrudgingly crawl out of bed with a sense of doom and gloom at what awaits them.

What is the defining factor that separates these two individuals? Motivation.

Like so many of our character traits, motivation isn't awarded to us as a birth rate. Instead, motivation is a positive, stimulating power source we plug into with our actions and our way of thinking.

Self motivation cannot exist without purpose and often we find it difficult to locate and create the stimulus and passion that drives us to become motivated, alive and ripe with anticipation.

So what can we do to increase our motivation and find the passion that drives us upward and onward?

Here are 11 powerful solutions to help you become more self motivated.

1. Plan Your Schedule

Accomplishing the day to day tasks we have to complete builds confidence and a sense of achievement.

If you don't already have a calendar, go out and buy one now. Alternatively, Microsoft Outlook is a favorite online tool to help you plan your business tasks.

Then record all the small goals you have to complete each day. A to-do list helps you use your time efficiently and accomplish the tasks you have set yourself.

There is nothing quite as satisfying as going to bed and re-visiting all the goals you have accomplished that day.

2. Prioritize Your Day

At the end of each day, review your plans for the next day and record any tasks you didn't complete.

Start your work day by reviewing your list and prioritizing the most important projects and activities.

Ease yourself into the day by completing a couple of "no-brainers" first up. This gives you a sense of achievement and encourages creativity and motivation.

Break large projects into small steps, and then congratulate yourself on each completed step.

Focus on the projects that are going to make money as the highest priority.

3. Schedule your Emails and Phone Calls

Set a time each day for reading and following up on emails. Don't open emails as soon as they arrive - they can become a major distraction.

If you receive a lot of emails, especially from clients, schedule maybe two "email sessions" during the day.

Action all emails that can be handled immediately. Flag emails that require follow-up action and get them out of the way as soon as practicable.

Ignore personal emails during work hours. Instead, answer all your personal mail during one of your scheduled breaks or out of work hours.

Phone calls can also be a major distraction. Depending on the type of business you operate, consider using an answering machine to screen calls. You can then return calls during scheduled "telephone times", according to their importance.

4. Ignore Distractions

Ignoring distractions is difficult in a busy, noise-filled work environment, but you can train your brain to block out distracting sounds and only focus on those you wish to hear.

If you are lucky enough to work from home, keep distractions to a minimum. Keep the television and other unnecessary devices turned off.

5. Reward Your Achievements

Acknowledge every achievement, no matter how small.

Perhaps you have undertaken a huge project that you've broken down into smaller, "doable" steps and you finally complete the first stage. Congratulate and reward yourself!

Take a 15 minute break to refresh your mind and body.

Nothing motivates like success, so the more success you achieve, the more motivated you will feel. And don't forget - success includes the little steps towards a larger end goal.

6. Set Goals

Setting goals and then working towards achieving them is what motivates us to succeed.

Start by writing your goals down and position them so they are visible. We all love imagery, so if your goal is to take the family on vacation to Disney World, cut photos out of travel magazines and place them on a "goal board".

A goal has to have an end date and may also require incremental completion dates. Ensure the goal completion dates are achievable; nothing will destroy your motivation like goals that are totally out of reach. However, I do believe in setting 'stretch' goals.

Discuss your goals with your spouse, a colleague or a friend. Develop a "cheer squad" to encourage you along the way.

7. Embrace your Uniqueness

Like fingerprints, every one of us has talents, knowledge and personal traits that make us unique. Take a realistic look at what qualities you possess that make you the special person you are and work on building your positive attributes.

Achieving personal fulfillment is not only motivating, it adds value to your own life experience and benefits those around you.

8. Dress for Success

Adopting a positive, motivating mindset involves not only how you think but how you look.

Dress like you mean business!

It's one of those strange truisms, but the attention you pay to how you are dressed influences your state of mind. Dress like an unmotivated slob, and guess how you're going to feel?

Dressing for success doesn't necessarily mean wearing a collar and tie or high heels and a good handbag at all times. It means being mindful of your appearance and the impression you make on others. That impression is reflected back at you, so take the time and make the effort!

9. Adopt a Support Group

Remaining motivated 100% of the time isn't always easy to do. So, during those times when you feel your motivation levels falling, call on your cheer squad! Read the file you keep from happy and satisfied clients. I call this the 'me file.'

Enlist the support of an equally positive and motivated group of people who will be there to give you the impetus you need, when you need it.

Happiness and enthusiasm are contagious, so catch a little of their spirit when yours is flagging.

10. Take Time Out

Just as its important to schedule your days so you create a good work routine, it's equally important to schedule your "time out" accordingly.

Give yourself "me time" when you need it. In fact, many successful leaders of industry block out quality time in their calendar before they schedule any of their appointments.

Use your "me time" productively. Go for a brisk walk, get a massage or plan quality "think time".

11. Be a Good Boss

Be kind to yourself.

Eat well, remember to breathe, exercise regularly - particularly if you've been sitting at your computer all day - and find time to relax.

Don't neglect the hobbies you enjoy. If you play tennis once a week, then schedule that into your weekly routine.

Finding the right balance takes time and practice, so learn to be your own best friend and listen to your inner voice.

If you take good care of yourself, focus on the positive aspects of your life and establish a comfortable, workable routine, you'll find it easy to stay motivated.

Implement these concepts into your life to help you increase and maintain your motivation.

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