Motivation. It’s what moves us to act, the reason we behave in certain ways, the purpose behind what we do (or don’t do) in life. We can be motivated by other people at various times (e.g., a hard-driving sports trainer or a parent) … but the most powerful, enduring source of motivation is …
… inside ourselves.
Motivation that comes from within — founded in what inspires us, moves us, and speaks to our deepest desires — is the kind we can channel to positive and dramatic results.
This kind of motivation can’t be manufactured by our parents, spouse, business partner, or coach. No one can give it to us or take it away. It begins with knowing what feels good, what excites us, what takes our breath away. It carries us through the doubts, solitude, and lack of support that inevitably fall into every life. It’s the reason Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, and Coco Chanel could move forward in times of discouragement. They found ways to be with the negative influences or circumstances around them and pressed on, certain of their purpose. So did the incredible subject of the video at the start of this post.
I’m in awe of the motivation of:
- My twelve-year-old niece, who researched acting lessons, signed up with the best studio in town, studies daily, and has agents courting her.
- My twin sister, who last year trained for the marathon at 5 am every morning … at -30° in the middle of winter.
- My neighbor Rebecca, who is going to Haiti next week to be of service.
Being motivated is essential to reaching our desires in life. But it needs be real: the stronger the motivation (e.g., “I want to surround myself with beauty,” “I want my business to be successful,” “I want to be healthy to play with my grandchildren,” “I want to be an inspiration for my kids,” “I want to travel and learn from other cultures”) the more likely we are to act in ways that support our motivation, and thus to reach our goals.
What motivates you? (Tip: think of what inspires you in life).
- ______
- ______
- ______
And what can you do to honor your motivations? (Tip: think of actions).
- ______
- ______
- ______
Boy, I cry every time I see that video clip!! Motivation, the key to experiencing a passionate life.
I’m inspired as I plan to use this blog entry to inspire my Gr. 9 all girls physical education class to become motivated.
Nancy, add me to the list (of having cried). What a powerful clip. And what a good post to remind us to be mindful of what motivates and inspires us (and that each of us should remember that we CAN [fill in the blank] in spite of the manufactured and/or real obstacles if we will focus on the possibilities).
It’s so wonderful to find you again, Carrie. Your insights have provided me fresh perspectives in the past. I’ve been enjoying looking around the website and appreciate the timeliness of this article. It brings to mind something I heard from Joan Halifax years ago: The fertile soil is in the valley.
Today, I find myself further motivated by challenges that beg the question, “what can I learn from this, what may be the message?”
I look forward to more articles here at Style Statement. You truly demonstrate “Refined Treasure.”
Welcome Jean, “what can I learn from this?” pivots the moment from dark to light. thanks for the reminder.