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June 23, 2014
The need for motivation is constant for many people. Complacency and comfort rule people's minds. What is the secret to motivation? The obvious answer is that it is different for every individual and finding what makes them tick is the key. Personalized care.
I think of movies like Dead Poets Society speak to this issue. The theme powerfully states "carpe diem" or "seize the day". No matter your lot in life, everyday has the opportunity for greatness. Greatness of your choosing. Seizing the opportunity is the choice one needs to make.
I recently cared for a young lady with a tough past and a desire to hurt
herself. I found that the only discussion that resonated with her was truth and desire. We discussed the fact that you cannot change the past. You have to accept it for what it is and decide on a new path where possible. The future is the major point of discussion. She could seize this bad moment as a motivator against a continued negative future. She felt heard and at least momentarily was able to smile and see a light of hope.
Motivation must come from within, however, it can be stimulated from without by a conscious listener who picks up on the cues of the unmotivated. Listen where you can and offer advice that is motivating for the individual.
So often when I listen to interviews of great Americans, a common theme resonates with me. These Americans were motivated by their parents to seek and learn by themselves. Parents expected exploration. Often they demanded it. These children then realized that their personal growth came from within and they had to depend on themselves. This cannot be overstated. Self motivation is always preferable to external motivational needs. Both are useful but the self style is best.
Thoughts,
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