“Without A Vision The People Perish” – Proverbs 29:18
Everyone needs a vision of the future to motivate us, to inspire us, to pull us through tough times. While it is important to live in the present moment, we all benefit from having something to look forward to as well. Anticipation adds spice to life and goals give meaning and structure. Self-knowledge and self-awareness are vital in selecting our compelling vision. Often the things we think we want we really don’t; they are reflexive “wants” that we have casually or inadvertently picked up from our peer groups, childhood role models, social cues, or marketing and advertising that inundate our senses 24/7. With maturity, introspection, and growing insight, we can discard artificial wants and find our core desires, our real purpose. Some desires are subtle and require extensive self-observation to tease out.
What were your happiest moments throughout the day? When and where were you most contented? What makes you get into “flow”? Where you forget yourself and time seems to pass quickly? What makes you get out of bed energized? What makes you talk excitedly? What do you do when you do nothing? What do you look forward to? What do you tend to drift to? Who and what do you seek out in your free time? What do you remember fondly? What do you anticipate? Think about afterwards? What makes you feel competent? Satisfied? Completed? Whole?
The only motivation which truly lasts is the motivation that springs from within. In the final analysis, nobody has the power to motivate you but you. Others can give you a spark but you have to feed it, fan it, and nurture it. It is vital to find some well spring of inspiration (uplifting literature works wonders for me) and visit it often. As Zig Ziglar said, “Motivation doesn’t last and neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend both daily.”
Closing Quotes
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche, 1844-1900
“There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discover why.” – William Barclay, 1907-1978
“When you know your why, even the toughest days become easier.” – Unknown
As always, I share what I most want/need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier
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