Don't Watch the Clock; Keep Going Like it Does
There's a saying that states - Some people die at 25, and it isn't made official until they're 75.
That's what it feels like to have a lack of motivation. Without motivation or drive, there's no meaning or depth to a persons life.
And if there's no meaning or depth to your life, there's no real reason to get up in the morning and get through the day. Especially if your life is turned upside down.
Let's get straight into the biggest factors that kill motivation, and how you can fix it to kick your motivation into 5th gear. Permanently.
1. A Lack Of Purpose
Not having a purpose is like not having fuel in your car engine. Your car won't have what it takes to drive you towards your destination.
Finding out what your purpose is isn't as hard as most people will have you believe. And you don't need to be lucky to come across it either.
Neither of the two are necessary. To find your purpose, you've got to dig a little deeper and ask yourself some questions.
- What is it that I truly care about?
- What matters the most to me?
- What would I love to do more than anything else?
- What legacy would I like to leave behind?
- How do I want to be remembered?
- What am I good at that I enjoy doing?
You might not get the right answers straight away, but questioning yourself will lead you to it eventually.
For example - part of my purpose is to support my family and lead the way for the next generation. So those who are born after me in the family tree can follow suit and have a better chance at success.
I'm committed to that and it keeps me extremely driven and motivated daily.
Your purpose is likely to be a lot different to mine, but you'll know what it is by how it makes you feel. And by how excited, driven and inspired you feel when you're pursuing it.
2. A Lack Of Self Discipline
The second biggest factor that kills motivation is lacking the ability to discipline yourself.
Discipline can be defined as self control, and getting things done regardless of how you feel.
When I exercise on a daily basis, before I do, I'm not excited or thrilled to be doing it. Far from it. Exercise and fitness isn't even a passion of mine.
But so what? I get it done, I exercise every single day, and I commit to being disciplined enough to do so.
You know what happens afterwards? I feel 100 times better than I did before my mind tried talking me out of exercising.
The same rule applies to anything in your life that may be mundane, bland, bearable or difficult to commit to.
To build self discipline, you've got to:
- Get it done without giving it too much thought.
- Congregate with people who are already disciplined.
- Learn from those who are extremely disciplined.
- Get rid of all unnecessary distractions within your environment.
- Surround yourself with encouraging people who will hold you accountable.
As long as you make a habit out of disciplining yourself to do the "not" so fun things, you'll always have the motivation and energy to carry you through the day.
3. Not Acknowledging Your Capabilities
100's of thousands of people undervalue themselves on a daily basis. Believing they have no real skills, talents, beauty, looks, or abilities.
Because the majority of us compare ourselves to celebrities or those we want to aspire to be like.
This is one of the biggest killers of self motivation, If you're blind to your talents, skills and capabilities, there's nothing to motivate, drive and push you everyday.
You need reasons, and acknowledging your capabilities is a good start. Take a good look at:
- What you're good at.
- What you can do effortlessly.
- What you know inside and out.
- What others compliment you for.
- What others encourage you to do, in a positive way.
- How easy it is for you to do it.
- The results you get from it.
There's a chance you're underestimating yourself. And the sooner you figure it out, the more reason, motivation and passion and ambition you'll have everyday.
No doubt about it.
So to summarize this post:
- Find your purpose. Ask questions.
- Build up the self discipline muscle. Study great people.
- Acknowledge your capabilities, and celebrate them.
And you'll have the motivation needed to dominate your day.