Motivation By Daily Applause

One of our most powerful psychological needs is the craving to be appreciated by our fellow humans. Often the quickest way to receive the applause we desire is to keep working hard without it. Those who work hard on their own in private usually end up receiving applause in public. Just the thought of this future applause can provide powerful motivation.

In the film "Topsy Turvy", about the relationship and work of the comic opera geniuses Gilbert and Sullivan, Gilbert's wife tells him how she would have loved to be an actress. She had noticed how an actress often receives rapturous applause from an audience after each performance. She exclaims to Gilbert:

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if ordinary people gave themselves a round of applause at the end of the day."

Probably, this is why many of us dream of being a great speaker or actor on stage receiving a standing ovation. Applause is a powerful motivator.

We all work hard when other people are watching. The runner speeds up as he or she approaches the crowds near the end of the race. Even if he or she is amongst the tailenders a sudden burst of energy will manifest itself. The footballer plays out of his skin in front of a big crowd.

However, anyone who can work hard without an audience will usually end up receiving applause from an audience. Whatever you do in secret whether good or bad frequently becomes public.

The man who does sit ups in private looks good in public. The man who does not do sit ups may look obese in public. The woman who takes care of her money in private can drive an expensive car in public. The woman who wastes her money in private may end up cadging lifts from her friends.

The writer who can write for a year or so on her own produces a blockbuster like "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" and then is surrounded by admiring audiences wherever she goes.

In the meantime, let us praise ourselves and those around us who live a great day and then receive no applause.

About the author

John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams.

They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.

The title of the first book is "36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now! - Acronyms, Stories, Pictures And Quotes...Easy To Remember And Use Everyday To Grab Your Life And Soar With The Eagles"

The book can be found at this URL

http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php

The book uses acronyms, stories, pictures and quotations to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life if you apply them.

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