Highly motivated people share common characteristics. They set top-of-the-line goals, take risks, actively participate in festivities, appear energetic, display a humble nature, love to learn, possess a positive attitude, practice consistency, focus on good health, and rise above adversity.

If you are not one of these people, it is wise to find people who do possess these qualities and allow them to mentor you. Ask them how they developed these wonderful attributes and learn to follow their guidance through a concerted effort to achieve the characteristics you desire.

I heard someone say once before, “If you are not making mistakes, you are moving too slow.” I’m not sure if that is true, but I do know you must stay consistent and enthusiastic about obtaining your goals.

Realistically, it isn’t necessarily your job to motivate others. You can influence them and create a motivational environment for them to embrace, but it is their choice and desire whether or not to behave in a self-motivated fashion.

When people are bored, they tend to create trouble for themselves and others. However, those who are motivated to inspire others are generally quick thinkers and goal-oriented. They realize that people can easily be intrigued to do work for various reasons. Money may be one ingredient used to motivate people to accomplish a task. Yet, it is not generally the No. 1 reason people seek a particular job or follow through in completing a specified task.

People typically become motivated to perform a task effectively as a means to satisfy social needs, a self-image, some type of expectancy, to gain equity or to earn appreciation from others.

As a parent, a pastor, a principal, or any form of leader, it is important that people pay careful attention to the various ways workers, children, or stakeholders can become motivated. Keeping people excited about what they do or how they perform certain jobs is critical in regard to what is expected in a company, a family unit, or even a social sector.

One way to demotivate individuals or a team is to create a lack of trust. The reputation of any role model carries much weight in respect to those who follow.

In some situations, individuals are not skilled or motivated to work independently or within a team. The key, in any scenario, is to discover what exactly motivates each person to give his or her best effort. When working with teams, each person should adequately fill a piece of the puzzle, so the product looks complete and unified. Of course, high performing teams are those that include members who are skilled, and have attitudes and competencies that enable them to achieve successful goals.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column regularly appears in The Bulletin.