The power of motivation

Motivation. Without it, you really don't have much- or you do, but you don't really care cause you aren't interested in doing whatever it is. I find myself in these "ruts" where I don't have motivation to do this or that, and I am sure that everyone at some point in time faces this problem. For most of us it is temporary, and we soon pass out of the funk, get over it, and carry on. For some, this motivation doesn't come so easy. During my FW at the SNF, I have realized the power of motivation, and how powerful of a tool this can be as a therapist. Many of the clients are medically compromised, lonely, away from home, and just depressed. I can imagine that over time, it may be easy to lose that motivation. Once it's gone, then what? They lose interest in participating in activites, therapy, ect.. It is so important as OT practictioner to recognize this issue, and realize how we can use ourselves therapeutically and "re"motivate our clients. Sometimes it only takes rewording what you say to get them interested; instead of asking them if they want to do something, tell them you have a really fun activity to do so let's get started! Our clients will feed off of our energy, and it is our job to keep them motivated in therapy. Know your client and what they like.. be encouraging and positive. I am learning that this aspect of therapy is just as (if not more so) important as the actual activity itself. I googled ways to motivate your clients, and came across an article that introduced a new activity that can be used in therapy.... MAGIC! I have never even thought of this activity, but wow, what a great fun activity; and I think it would be a great tool to motivate clients who are bored with the same old same activities! I am excited to read more about this as a therapeutic tool, and thought I would share the link so you could use it too! http://http://www.magictherapy.com/therapists.html#BenefitsofMagicTherapy