You know… the people who find superpowers from nowhere to reach their end goal? 

A winner is defined not only by what they do, but by why they do it, and how. In fact, it’s hard to shape success without these vital ingredients. 

People take actions in life for two main reasons: 

1. Motivation 
2. Engagement

Motivation can be positive or negative, but either way, it is the spark that forces us to act. 

For example, if you are a dancer and you want more than anything to dance on Broadway, you will do whatever it takes. Be that to live in a trashy apartment with six other people, or waitress in a diner, to cover your rent. The motivation takes charge and even when you’re exhausted; you are inspired to keep going. 

Similarly, if you get a critical diagnosis, and you’re not ready to leave this planet, you will find a way to regain your health. Be that, months of fasting or trialling a new drug.

This is what motivation is all about—seeing something as so crucial that you don’t allow yourself to have a “get-out-of-jail” card. 

Motivation is personal and unique. It is not something a coach can engineer for a client. It is a combination of emotions driven by personal meaning. That’s what defines it. 

Engagement, by contrast, is the connection between what we do and how we do it. For example, when we feel motivated, we still need to engage with our activities to get stuff done. Navel gazing alone won’t achieve anyone’s end game. 

It is for this reason that to achieve our goals, we must first know why we want to do something (i.e., what is the motivation?) and then we need to outline what we’re going to do to make it happen. 

From this place, we can draw a plan of action, find the right people, and be steadfast in our approach. This is how we reach our fullest potential in the least amount of time. 

Put another way, when a burning desire ignites us, and we are resolute in our decisions, transformation becomes inevitable.

If there’s something in your life that you really want to change, but you can’t find the motivation to do it, start by asking yourself these five powerful questions: 

1. If I don’t implement this change, what will happen (or not happen) in my life?
2. Why is this change so important to me? 
3. What will the change mean to me and those I love? 
4. Who else will this change positively affect? 
5. When would I like this change to take place?

Once you have answers to these questions, a clearer, more comprehensive picture should emerge, revealing previously unseen connections. 

As you understand the necessity of change, you will see its importance and feel compelled to seek a way forward. You will consider the potential consequences of not taking action: missed chances for advancement, missed friendships, and the unpleasant feeling of “What if…?” 

These questions will serve as catalysts, igniting enthusiasm and boosting your chances. They will help you to forge emotional links between your desires and your reality, fuelling motivation with a potent emotional charge. It is this charge that will drive you to take steps towards achieving your goals and making the desired changes in your life.

Dustie (RMT Life Coach)

Photo by Elijah Hiett on Unsplash