We can change our memories by adding in new facts. As we repeat success stories, we make our memories more positive. Repeating success stories and facts in a way that resonates with us, helps us to introduce new information into our mental process. Consequently, when we attempt to access that original memory, it will surface with new data points. Introducing enough positive information that intellectually and emotionally appeals to us, can help us rewrite the way we think about others, situations or even our own potential for success. In line with, how to use success stories to motivate, hinges on ideas that help us to see more possibility for ourselves than we currently think.
How To Use Success Stories To Motivate Spotlights
1. Highlight The Wins
Shining a light on the successes and the meaning behind our work, fuels greater success. To focus on how far we had already come, shows as the key to going further. Spotlighting current successes haves us into the right mindset for future achievement, in our personal and work lives. In contrast, constantly giving constructive feedback, without pointing out the wins, is counter-productive.
Better, wins should be pointed out at a higher frequency than the places for improvement. Similarly, our appetite for challenging activities tends to increase, as we receive encouragement and instructional coaching, after undesirable performances. Being quick to praise, offer an abundance of encouragement, and simultaneously deliver instructional feedback, is motivating. In addition, they help us to put in more effort.
More, positive stories of people who have overcome challenges promote success in the society at large. Spotlight positive stories to motivate yourself, family or team. What previous wins have you had as an individual, family or group. Any example is helpful, no matter how far back or how small they are.
2. Let Affected Persons Share The Success Stories To Emotionally Engage The People You Want To Motivate
Oftentimes, the meaning behind the work we do, drives our motivation to do more of it. For instance, you can highlight this meaning for your employees, by inviting your clients to share with them how their work has made a difference. Here is another way to highlight meaning. Former students can videotape a message to their former teachers updating them on how well they are doing. This can stimulate those teachers to invest more deeply in their current students. Hearing a success story directly from the person affected by our work or action is motivating. Personal messages are key. This promotes emotional connection to a success story, emotional connection that motivates.
3. Repeat Success Stories Frequently
Repeating success stories frequently, helps us to get our message across. According to Herbert Krugman, longtime head of marketing at the General Electric Company, it takes a minimum of three times for a person to connect to a message. Repetition helps us to make the positive message of a success story, to become part of the culture. As we say it more, the easier it becomes for another to recall it. Giving ourselves more positive information helps lessen the chances that we will come to negative sapping conclusions. Clearly, how to use positive stories to motivate draws from this.
4. Test Often To Ensure The Stickiness Of The Positive Message
Important to repeating the information is how often we test the positive knowledge. Testing knowledge after learning significantly improves the memory of that knowledge. For instance, you can ask employees to describe how a colleague was helpful and made his or her job easier. Afterwards, you can ask if anyone else in the room can spot the strength that enabled a particular colleague to be helpful. This practice helps you to test them to make sure they listened to the story. At the same time, you also have them identifying even more things to praise about the person who is being called out. As you ask the question, and people answer, the memories of these positive stories stick better with everyone in the room.
Conclusion
Sharing success stories, stimulates us to create positive memories, and motivate ourselves forward. In sum, these help us to create strong positive memories that can easily be recalled to fuel future success. Spotlight wins or identify positive stories. Package and disseminate the information from the right source to make it more personal and emotional. Increase the repetition of listening and telling the important news about positive stories. Test Often to ensure stickiness.
Notes
Krugman, H. E. “Why Three Exposures May Be Enough.” Journal of Advertising Research 12, no. 6 (1972): 11–14.
