There are times when the motivation to do better just isn’t in you. This is most likely to occur when you’re experiencing rejection. When the desire to improve is lacking, what are you going to do? You could wait until the spirit moves you or you could become a self-motivated learner.

Assuming you take the proactive approach, the first question you must ask is: “Do I recognize the need to improve?” If the answer is no, then that’s where you start.

If the answer is yes, then the next question is: “Am I motivated to learn new skills?” If that answer is yes, then it may be time to make a list of what skills and abilities you want to acquire.

Conversely, if the answer is no, then your objective is clear: Get ready to learn by making yourself aware of what you don’t know and why it’s important to refresh your knowledge.

Learning can be a motivating experience provided you acknowledge the potential for rejection before the lessons begin. As a learner you’ll be energized by the prospect of applying your newly acquired skills.

As a self-motivated learner you should also be concerned about your own competence, asking yourself such questions as, “How long is what I know going to be good enough?” and “What will I need to know six months to a year from now?”

Self-examination is healthy. It is the primary means by which you are motivated to learn something new. Understanding how learning takes place progressively as depicted in the Learning Stages model below could be very useful as you seek to improve.

    Stage 1 – Unconscious Incompetence. You don’t know that you don’t know.

    You are unaware of the possibility that you may be making costly mistakes or turning out shoddy work. Your unacceptable performance is obvious to others, but not to you. The potential for incompetency is high because you’re not motivated to learn new skills.

Stage 2 – Conscious Incompetence. You know that you don’t know.

    Suddenly, you become aware that your performance is having a negative effect on others. You are acutely, perhaps even painfully, mindful of your shortcomings. Now is a good time to acquire new skills because your motivation to learn is high.

Stage 3 – Conscious Competence. You know that you know.

You are in a comfort zone pleased with your newfound knowledge. You have overcome rejection and improved your performance. You seek opportunities to demonstrate your recently acquired skills. Your motivation to learn has been satisfied.

Stage 4 – Unconscious Competence. You don’t know that you know.

You perform assignments with little thought given to preparing for new challenges. Unaware of your potential shortcomings, you are only one step away from losing the competitive edge. Satisfied with the way things are you have no motivation to learn.