Tapping into Motivation

October 12, 2016 | Jonathan Kittel, M.A., LPCI, LMFTA

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It’s easy to lose motivation. Sometimes we know what we should do, need to do, or even (on some level) want to do in a given situation. I know I should finish that report; I know I need to meet-up with my exercise group; a part of me certainly wants to interact differently with my co-workers. But despite all these desires, things can easily remain unaccomplished. Sometimes it seems we just can’t get it done. Why is that? One of the biggest culprits could be a lack of motivation. Motivation is an essential ingredient to see any positive change occur in our lives.

Imagine that you are going on a day-long sailing excursion. You’ve packed your personal gear, arrived on time, boarded the boat, and are joined by a handful of supporters. In so many ways, you are ready. You even have access to an experienced sailor; there to provide additional expertise and advice. But there’s one huge problem: You cannot find the sail. Regardless of whatever else you have, you won’t make it far on a sailboat without this all-important item. Motivation is just like that. Despite an abundance of skills, knowledge, and good-support in place, we won’t get far unless we can lift the sail of motivation to its proper place.

So how do we tap into a motivation that lasts? Simon Sinek has encouraged leaders to “Start with Why,” and this framework applies to all who are seeking to develop and keep our motivation alive. Typically, we rush into what we have to do for the day without deeper thought to any greater purpose, goal or vision: Emails, reports, meetings; preparing meals, transporting children, doing laundry, exercising, etc. Regardless of what we do each day, one key to remaining both effective and joyful in all of our tasks and “to-dos” is staying connected to our why. Some possible examples could include: serving your community, providing for your children, loving your spouse, growing in creativity, or developing one’s spiritual life. Are you able to articulate your own specific purpose (the why) that drives all the things you do (the what) and the way you do them (the how)? Being able to connect your daily tasks to a greater meaning will guard against frustration and despair setting in. Most individuals only consider what they must do each day. Even less consider how they will handle their responsibilities. But those with real motivation know their why. These are the leaders who so often leave us inspired. So, take a few minutes today: Remind yourself of your greater-purpose if you know it, or begin the search if you have never identified it. Once you find your why, make sure you to stay connected to it each day.

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” –Nietzsche

To learn more, check out:

Simon Sinek, How Great Leaders Inspire Action, https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en

Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action (New York: Portfolio, 2009).