Success & Motivation

Self motivation is a phrase often tossed about in vague terms. In general, most people interpret it as the drive to get up and do something. Pursuing a dream career, working hard for a promotion, accepting the challenge of a competition, these are all stereotypical scenarios commonly thought of when the subject of motivation arises. While these are indeed admirable examples, they are not the kind of situations that bring about lasting changes in a person's desire to go, to do, to achieve, and to be happy.

The true secret to sustainable, lasting self motivation is much more intrinsic than simply achieving a goal. Reaching for and attaining goals are important. Accomplishing challenging tasks can boost self esteem and confidence. These can in turn increase a person's motivation to continue down a particular path. However, when viewed as part of a larger picture, individual achievements allow boosts in motivation only for the moment. Fueling motivation one achievement at a time is the equivalent of filling the gas tank in a car. The resulting fuel will last until the tank becomes empty. Then another achievement or challenge will be required to fill the tank again before the car can continue.
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Why is this stop-and-go method of self motivation a flawed approach? Invariably, there will come a time when a person cannot find a challenge hard enough or an achievement worthwhile enough to keep their motivation going. Sustainable motivation is the key to a happy life and continued personal growth. Finding passion in ordinary, everyday life allows a person to find little things to help them stay motivated. When big challenges and impressive accomplishments have exhausted themselves, we are left with simple, ordinary life. The garden that needs tending, the emails that need to be answered, the favors promised to friends and family, there is passion and motivation boosts to be had in these every day activities as well.