Motivation

What Motivates You?

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Everything is a system that interrelates.

The first month of a new year is when many people look for motivation in order to set new goals and have a “fresh start.” Although goal setting is a healthy practice, when we do not feel motivated enough, this practice might seem daunting or even hopeless. What motivates us?

Motivation – To stir to action; provide with a motive. (American Heritage Dictionary)

Enthusiasm for doing something; the need or reason for doing something; willingness to do something, or something that causes such willingness. (Cambridge Dictionary)

Both definitions above point to a need, a reason, a motive, to create the enthusiasm to move into action. In other words, without motive there is no action. What motivates us? What stirs the hope that causes us to set goals and a plan? Sometimes, we confuse our goal with our why, or vice versa, and sometimes we focus so much on the reason or the goal that we miss an important point – that we are a system, and everything is a system that interrelates.

It is no wonder then, that we feel defeated, tired, and guilty when we fail to perform, or we do not achieve our goals. We blame and chastise ourselves and we end up feeling defeated, sad, depressed… When we see and realize the complexity and beauty of our being, it becomes harder for us to be so harsh with ourselves and with others, but also, we learn to view ourselves and others with kindness, but most important, as a part of everything else. It is with this new vision that we can find the motivation to dream again, to desire again, to strive and understand the why that will determine the goals that we want to achieve. Suddenly, the why and the goals are just a small part of a bigger existence.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14

The Simple Life – Stepping Away from the Herd

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Photo by M.A.D.

Sometimes, the desire to live a simpler life leads to the pathway less traveled, and it may require stepping away from the herd a little bit or completely. Sometimes, it means a change in lifestyle, leaving things behind or relationships that might not understand your vision. Stepping away from it might not be the most popular or celebrated decision, but it might be the smart thing to do. It might seem like swimming against the current, and not only will you have to deal with your feelings, but the feelings of other people that are in your close circle. In the end, stepping away will mean doing what’s best for you/family.

Stepping away from a lifetime is never easy, no matter how strong a conviction or how eager for change one might be. Sometimes, the ties that bind you are the ones that must be loosen up, not necessarily broken. Whether the barn is too big or the stall too tight, it is not the right fit anymore.