jakorte's blog

What Motivates Me?

On any given day, I might have at least three different answers. One might be profound, one may silly, one could be terribly desperate.

The key to staying motivated, through any task or goal, is to know what motivates you. I place my goals into categories: first, second, and third. You could also call them high, medium, and lower goals.

First/High goals are those which need to stay constantly with you and near the top of your priority list. This may not be your biggest or most monumental goal. It is better described as the goal that will require the most motivation.

Second/Medium goals remain in your mind daily. These are the ones you run through each evening as you check your progress for the day.

Third/Lower goals are not necessarily the least significant, but ones that are easily attained on a daily basis without too much effort. They’re more like good habits you know you will achieve.

I find that tracking my goals is my best motivation. I like to see progress and that keeps me motivated.

Lack of progress motivates me, as well. I know that’s unusual. It hasn’t always been that way. Lack of progress used to mean “I might as well give up.� It meant that I had broken a promise to myself. Then, one day, it occurred to me: when someone breaks a promise to me, I usually confront them and challenge them follow through on whatever it was. I began to challenge myself by requiring that I meet the same standards I expect of others.

Keeping goals separate also makes me more likely to succeed. Doing poorly on a First goal cannot effect my performance on a Second or Third goal. Many days I succeed in a Second or Third and struggle with a First. The very reason I made that goal a First is because I recognized it would take more dedication. Therefore, my intention remains intact.

I take comfort in knowing that each day, in fact each minute, GOD gives me another moment to start over; I always have the opportunity to follow through on my intentions.

Knowing this, I allow myself this healing mantra: If not now, then later. If not today, then tomorrow. If not this road, then another. If it's GOD's will, then I will.

jak