Find What Motivates you to Keep Going

“You’ve gotta ask: what drives it? What guides it? What moves it? What’s the spirit behind it? What’s the reason behind it? What’s the purpose behind it? That’s just as critical, as the action itself.” -Eric Thomas

“Of course motivation is not permanent. But then, neither is bathing; but it is something you should do on a regular basis.” -Zig Ziglar

“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”  -Vince Lombardi Jr.

Ever wonder how certain people reach far higher and succeed more than others?  For example, how are professional athletes so energetic and skillful at their sport?  How are entrepreneurs and business people so good at making massive amount of money?  How do some people rise above challenges while others lay in the gutter?  The answer is a strong sense of drive and motivation.

I never understood motivation or drive until going to college. I was a good kid.  I did what I was told and followed direction.  I took little initiative in my own life.  I was a follower and listened to my teachers, friends, and family to a T.  Being the fourth child in a large family, I was not given much responsibility growing up.  My older siblings were able to take care of a lot of the chores and help around the house.  On trips and family events, I would just go with the flow and not involve myself in the planning or set up of the events.  Now, I know how essential it is to reach my goals.

There are 2 types of motivation: external and internal.  The definitions are pretty self explanatory.  External motivation comes from outside forces- rewards, consequences, prizes.  This works well for children: “pick up your toys and you can play your video game for  hour”.  External motivation can be effective when the tasks are easy and even to the promised reward.  Internal motivation is a little more tricky.  This kind of motivation comes from within.  It comes form something inside that drives you past anything in your way.  For this motivation to work, it has to be stronger than your obstacles.  Many famous people have reasons that drive them through tough times:

• Buster Douglas defeated Mike Tyson after his mother passed away
• Dr. Martin Luther King defeated segregation for his love of all people
• Tony Robbins is motivated to improve as many lives as possible through his efforts
• Steve Jobs was motivated to innovate the home computer industry
• Henry Ford was motivated to revolutionize the car industry and make a car for the common man

Do you see?  Having a driving force pushing you forward is critical in your success.  Your drive dictates if/ when you reach your personal goals. For example, I am motivated to get knowledge and tools to people that help them change their health.  Surely, you will meet obstacles and tough situations.  When you meet these challenges, your degree of drive will determine if you sink or swim. Therefore, consider what is most important to you.  Think about some of the most important things in your life.  List the reasons of why you do what you do.  Decide to let those reasons to keep you moving forward past your obstacles and past your goals! As Always, Eat, Move, and Improve!

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