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“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”– Theodore Roosevelt
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what truly motivates me. For years, I chased after goals I thought I should be pursuing—things that looked good on paper or were expected of me. But I soon realized that those external markers of success didn’t bring me the fulfillment I was hoping for. It wasn’t until I started digging deeper, asking myself some tough questions, and really reflecting on what made me feel alive, that I began to uncover my true sources of motivation.
Motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s deeply personal and unique to each of us. For some, it’s the desire to create something impactful; for others, it’s the drive to connect with people or solve complex problems. What I’ve learned is that motivation goes beyond just chasing achievements or rewards. It’s about finding the “why” that resonates with your core values and beliefs.
When I started listening to myself more—paying attention to what sparked excitement or gave me energy—I began to notice a pattern. I felt most motivated when I was helping others grow,when I could share my experiences and knowledge in a way that inspired change. I found that purpose wasn’t just something I could achieve—it was something I could offer to others.
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
There were times when the path felt unclear, and I wasn’t sure if I was heading in the right direction. But each time I took a moment to pause and reflect, to assess what really lit me up, I was able to recalibrate and get back on track. Motivation doesn’t always look the same day to day—it’s a rhythm that ebbs and flows, but when I stay connected to what drives me at my core, it’s easier to navigate the highs and lows.
For me, finding true motivation meant learning to listen to my inner voice and recognizing moments when I felt most alive. It wasn’t always obvious, and it often took stepping away from the noise to really see what brought me joy and fulfillment.
For you, this process might involve reflecting on the activities that make you lose track of time or the challenges you’ve faced that brought out your best qualities. Ask yourself: What do I naturally gravitate toward? What work makes me feel most alive? When you pay attention to these signs, you’ll start to uncover patterns that point toward what truly motivates you.
It’s also important to recognize that motivation isn’t static—it evolves over time. What motivated you five years ago might not be the same thing that drives you today. Embrace the changes and see them as opportunities to grow. I’ve learned that motivation often shifts when you take on new roles, experience life changes, or simply grow more aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Finding your true motivation is less about searching for a singular, unchanging answer and more about developing an understanding of yourself. It’s about being open to discovery, to trial and error, and to the possibility that your motivation will evolve as you do. Keep asking yourself, “What excites me? What challenges me? What will push me to grow?”
When you find what motivates you, you’ll know it because it will feel effortless, like something that is in harmony with who you are. It’s the work that fuels you and pushes you forward, even when things get tough. And as you discover it, you’ll be better equipped to make choices that align with your true desires, allowing you to live and work with purpose.
