
Stoke the Fire Within
Motivation. It’s a powerful word, key to unlocking personal success. I define it as the burning desire to achieve a specific goal, fueled by the reward that doing so will bring.
The Power of the Reward:
Everything we do comes with a reward, from the physical satisfaction of eating to the mental rejuvenation of sleep. Often, these rewards are so intrinsic we don’t even realize they’re there. That’s why, when it comes to motivation, we may overlook their importance.
I believe true success hinges on a burning desire, a passion for your goal that makes the journey worthwhile. The reason many fail? The reward doesn’t outweigh the effort, or self-doubt cripples consistent action. We essentially “talk ourselves out of it.” Recognizing this empowers us to carefully evaluate our goals, choosing only those that ignite a true fire within.
Unleashing the Burning Desire:
So, how do we stay motivated? It’s simple: cultivate a fiery passion for your desired outcome. This means ensuring the rewards genuinely resonate with you and are worth the fight.
For example, quitting smoking was incredibly challenging. Each attempt was riddled with excuses: “I enjoy it,” “Too late to quit,” “Weight gain!” None were true, of course.
I needed a new approach, one that built a burning desire to quit. Focusing on the rewards – better breathing, financial savings, improved taste, ditching the “ashtray” smell – ignited a powerful desire for the benefits of being smoke-free. This passion made quitting effortless. Now, a non-smoker after almost 30 years, I proudly stand by the power of desire leading to motivation and ultimately, success.
Finding Your Spark:
This method has fueled countless achievements in my life, often subconsciously. Motivation flows naturally when you deeply desire the rewards of your goals.
However, sometimes we lack motivation because we’re pursuing something we don’t truly want. Entering a contest just because your friends are? Your lack of desire shows in your performance, and quitting might even seem appealing.
But imagine an event you burn to win: planning, preparation, peak performance – all fueled by the desired reward. We naturally work harder for goals that hold rewards we crave. Conversely, tasks with uninspiring rewards often fizzle out.
Remember:
- Motivation springs from a burning desire for the rewards your goals offer.
- Evaluate your goals: Do they ignite your passion? If not, re-evaluate your need for them.
- True rewards fuel true motivation.
So, when pursuing your goals, delve into the “why.” Is it a heartfelt desire or peer pressure? Find your spark, stoke the fire within, and watch your motivation soar.