As humans, we tend to be compelled by reasons for doing something and need that intrinsic motivation. This “why” stands for a sense of purpose in a personal development or business sense. WHY do this extra work when you don’t feel recognized for what you do already? WHY go into the gym when you're already tired and time feels so crunched as it is? All these “why’s” arise throughout the challenges we are faced with. So there must be a way for us to find this “why” more easily and therefore stay motivated throughout each challenge we are tasked with.
Everyone has a different way of motivating themselves. Some use others around them as constant competition, which can be a great source of motivation. For those that this may work for, think of yourself in a race or contest of any kind with EVERYONE else in the room. Even if the competition seems unfair, which it will usually be, would you still not even try? Something you may ask yourself is “Well, what's my reward? What do I get for being the hardest worker in the room?” Well, truth be told, nothing immediately. When you keep that constant mentality of working to be the best then your hard work pays off in the form of getting better and better at your craft, skill, or hobby over time. ALWAYS remember, hard work is noticed when you're at the end of your journey. Rest at the end, not in the middle (Yes, that's a Kobe quote).
Another type of motivation that a lot of people use (myself included) would be fighting for someone or something. I’ll use a personal example for this one, my dad. My dad, like most other men out there, is my idol. Everyone my whole life has told me that I'm his “spitting image” which is always uplifting to hear. For those of you that don't know, I lost my dad very young. After losing him I felt lost like I had very little sense of identity and no general path to follow. Even being so young I could notice it. No motivation, no drive, no purpose, no passion. I felt as if the wind had left my sails and at some points, I’d never get that back. Until it hit me, something that had changed my life forever. Even when people we care about leave our lives (through tragedy or any reason), we can still use them as great motivation. Now I think of my dad as my shadow, someone who constantly watches over me. When you have that constant feeling of someone you care so deeply about being there with you in every endeavor, it’s harder to feel as if you failed. You know that whoever that special person is in your life then you wouldn't want to “fail” them. Truth is, don't ever feel like you fail anyone. If they truly stand with you and what you do/love in your life then you being the best version of yourself every day will make them proud.
One final way I'll mention to find that “why” would be to use yourself as motivation. But how do you find motivation in yourself if you feel unmotivated in the first place? Ask who you were yesterday and how you're going to do so. Now, this isn't possible in a literal sense but look yourself in the mirror. See the imperfections in yourself (keep them in mind, it's what makes us human :) ) and use those imperfections as motivations. One of the few concrete truths of life is “no one going to do it for you” so it's all within yourself to better yourself and your life. Fight that unmotivated side of yourself, somedays it feels like a constant battle but knows that the person that will come out on top at the end of the day is a better version of who you saw in that same mirror yesterday.
Always strive for progress and never perfection. If we try to be perfect day in and out, we find ourselves usually disappointed because there was one little niche thing that wasn't the best it could be. Throw the idea of perfection out the window and replace it with being consistent. Consistency is how we build great habits; down the road, those habits will form into incredible skills or strengths. When you begin to be consistent with one thing then you realize that overflow will transfer to other areas in your life.
Look for your “why”. Search for it within all ends of your life. Whether it comes from deep within yourself or others around you, having it constantly in your mind will help you stay motivated through it all. Use family, friends, and peers for these sources. If you see someone who's struggling to stay motivated for whatever reason, give them a hand. Try to help them find their “why” too. Who knows, the day you may help someone is the day their life may change for the greater good. So my friends, stay motivated as always. When the time arises when it a struggle to find that motivation just remember:
“Why?”
-Your Favorite Trainer
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