Is Motivation Overrated?

Motivation, we hear so much about it. They say it’s the key to success. But is it really all that? In this article, let’s explore drive and success in a personal way. We’ll uncover the truth behind motivation and understand what truly matters when it comes to achieving our goals.

Motivation, it’s like a fire inside us. It pushes us to chase our dreams with passion and determination. When we’re motivated, we feel unstoppable, ready to conquer any obstacle. It’s the spark that ignites our aspirations and gives us the energy to pursue them. Motivation is a powerful force that can inspire and drive us to go beyond our limits.

But here’s the thing: Motivation has its limits. It comes and goes, sometimes leaving us wondering where it disappeared to. It can fade away when challenges arise or when the initial excitement wears off. Relying solely on motivation can leave us feeling lost and unsure. We must recognize that motivation is not always there, and we need other tools to keep us going.

To overcome the limitations of motivation, we need discipline by our side. Discipline means sticking to our goals and creating routines, even when motivation wavers. It’s about staying focused and not giving up easily. Consistency is equally important. It means showing up every day, putting in the effort, regardless of how motivated we feel. Consistency builds momentum and keeps us moving forward, even when motivation seems elusive.

Motivation alone isn’t enough for long-term success. We need something deeper, something that anchors us when motivation fades. That something has meaning and purpose. When our goals align with our values and have a personal significance, they become a source of intrinsic motivation. Purpose-driven actions keep us going when motivation wanes. Let’s dig deep and uncover why our aspirations matter to us, for that’s where our true drive lies.

We don’t exist in isolation. Surrounding ourselves with supportive people is crucial for maintaining motivation. They cheer us on, remind us of our worth, and provide encouragement when we doubt ourselves. Whether it’s family, friends, or a community of like-minded individuals, their support keeps our motivation alive. Their belief in us can reignite our own belief in ourselves and keep us moving forward.

Motivation needs action to thrive. It’s about taking that first step and continuing to move forward. Action breathes life into our dreams and brings us closer to our goals. Even when motivation wavers, consistent action creates a ripple effect. It builds momentum and fuels further motivation. Through action, we learn and grow, becoming better versions of ourselves. Action is the bridge that connects motivation to tangible results and transforms our dreams into reality.

Motivation is indeed powerful, but it’s not the only ingredient for success. Discipline, consistency, meaning, supportive networks, and taking action all play important roles on our journey. So, let’s reflect on our own motivations and consider how we can incorporate discipline, consistency, and purpose-driven actions into our pursuit of success. What steps can we take to move closer to our goals? How can we build a strong support system around us? It’s time to embrace the full spectrum of tools and strategies to maximize our chances of success.

 

(Photo by Ylanite Koppens)

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Following My Passion: The Risks and Opportunities

When I was young, I was taught that to have a good life, I must secure a stable job. Because of this, I had always thought that once I would start working, I could do anything I want and would be happy. Well, I was happy but that part where I could do anything was not at all possible since having employee responsibilities deterred me from such. Besides that fact, I realized through my years of being an employee that I need to do what I am passionate about for me to have a good life – happy, fulfilled, content.

With only my immeasurable faith in God and the support of my loved ones, I left my stable and promising job as a salesperson. I currently run my own sales training and consulting company, and I truly enjoy it because this is what I want – to help others grow through my share of experiences and learning. This does not mean, however, that it was easy for me to follow this path because there were risks involved. What were those risks?

First was the uncertainty if the kind of service I offer was something that anyone would want to avail, even though I was confident that it is especially beneficial. The second was momentarily losing stability owing to the fact of leaving the comforts of employment, wherein I was only accountable for producing sales and performing a few tasks. Third, which was the effect of resigning from my full-time job, was the possibility of exhausting our life savings before I could even start to earn from this venture.

Clearly, there was much at risk when I followed my passion(heart). Nevertheless, I committed to pushing for it with my unwavering faith, the support of my family, and the motivation of my mentors. Instead of fearing for the future, I focused my energy on how I can achieve the goals I had set to fulfill my vision. When I totally embraced this new journey, I instantly recognized the opportunities that come with it.

One of the opportunities that following my passion brought me was personal growth. On account of having to adjust to my new situation, and of being accountable for everything that involves my venture, I learned new skills and knowledge and developed new qualities. Other than that, I also got all the time to develop myself professionally by attending all the relevant training beneficial to my company. Moreover, following my passion and starting my own company provides me endless possibilities and more opportunities.

Therefore, regardless of the risks that, in one way or another, made me a bit anxious before, I am extremely glad that I took a leap of faith in this venture a few years ago rather than be filled with what-if thoughts.

So if you think that following your passion is too much of a risk, I encourage you to identify if such risk outweighs all the opportunities that can come with it. Why wouldn’t you give it a try if it means obtaining a good life – happy, fulfilled, content?

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