The first step in self-motivation is knowing what you want to accomplish. The goal-setting theory proposes that achievable but difficult goals motivate employees. Goals influence the way we think, feel, and behave; they help structure our effort toward achieving the goal. One of the key drivers of effective team outcomes is the motivation of team members. So leaders need to motivate both individuals and teams.

Don’t set easy goals, because most employees will just do the minimum. Don’t simply tell employees to do their best, because they most likely will not perform well and will use the excuse that they did their best when they really didn’t. For goals to be motivational, they must be difficult but achievable with commitment.