Motivation is an essential component in doing anything big in life. Without enough motivation, we will waver when things get tough. Heck, without enough motivation, we won’t even get started.
If we’re going to accomplish big-time stuff like making a real difference in the lives of other people, we’d better get clear on our motivation. Wednesday I shared the first half of an assignment that’s helping me prepare for a seminar I’m attending on sharing our message through public speaking (Uniquely You). Today I’m sharing my answers to the second half of the assignment.
The question (in a nutshell) is:
What is your ‘Why’? What are you passionate about, so passionate that you need to do something about it? WHY do you need to do this something?
Following is a list of what’s motivating me.
- It kills me when a woman yells at her kid on the train, “Stop it!” and I can tell it’s the only tool she has in her parenting tool belt to handle that situation.
- I feel compelled to let people know about their deep, long-lasting, and often unintentional impact on children in particular and other people in general.
- I love helping people make practical behavioral changes in their lives.
- I get a real charge out of using my restorative strength and wouldn’t be happy fixing a symptom because I have to address the cause.
- I want to help people close the gap between their stated values and their actions.
- People’s victim thinking drives me crazy because I can see their power to make different choices.
- I feel the need to guide people from a passive role to an active role in life.
- I see the potential and what is possible for individuals, families, groups, communities, and even entire societies.
- People chase hollow pursuits and are tremendously dissatisfied in life, but they would be more satisfied if they focused on being a benefit to other people.
- People consistently underestimate their power and I want to show them how powerful they are.
What about you? What are you so passionate about that you feel compelled to do something? What’s happening inside you that’s serving to motivate you? What is your ‘Why’?
I really encourage you to spend some time considering these things. It’ll be time well-spent. Having a crystal-clear list of your own motivations can help you get moving and help you keep moving. It’s even going to help provide some direction.
If you are seeking clarity on exactly what impact you want to have in the world, check out out our new book. “Splash! Increase Your Life’s Impact” will help you get that clarity.
Please share any thoughts on your calling and your motivation in the comments section of our blog. We LOVE hearing about and would be honored to be a part of your journey.
