Motivation: Identifying Strengths, Interests, Abilities, Hopes and Dreams

Interactive Ideas and Reproducible Activities for Facilitators Working with Adults and Teens

Motivation means incentive, inspiration, and enthusiasm; it is the driving force behind behavior. People need motivation to face difficulties in their lives, make significant behavioral changes, and reach their maximum potential. Motivation is achieved by identifying one's strengths, interests, abilities, hopes, and dreams. The activities in this book will help participants identify and tap into inner strengths and external resources to reach their full potential.

If you are working with teens or adults in a therapeutic or supportive role, either in groups or one-on-one, and they need motivation to help them on their journey to a healthier life, this book is for you. Each activity includes clear instructions and reproducible activities to keep your planning and preparation time at a minimum.

Part I has 22 sections, for all adult and teen participants who would benefit from motivation exercises. Part II has 9 sections, specifically for clients with mental illness and addiction issues who would benefit from motivation exercises.

Facilitator-led sessions provide blueprints or maps to help leaders:

• Conduct question and answer sessions, brainstorming, games, and other activities
• Engage clients' attention, heighten their interest, and promote creative thinking
• Motivate participants to reach their highest potential
• Encourage group members to listen and learn from each other

Participants will:

• Recognize they are not alone with their fears and aspirations
• Identify and overcome potential obstacles to success
• Ponder, learn and grow from past experiences
• Develop insight and define hopes and dreams
• Reflect upon and respond to inspirational quotes and the wisdom of the ages
• Become aware of their attributes
• Initiate goal-oriented action

The versatility of materials for various age groups, interactive and reflective activities, and the uniqueness of guided discovery of strengths, interests, hopes, and dreams make this book vital. The special section addressing clients' needs with emotional or substance abuse issues expands this book's reach to include almost every population.