Motivation has always intrigued me—sometimes, it’s an unstoppable force, and other times, it feels like something I’m chasing but can never quite catch. Over the years, I’ve had my share of experiences with motivation, both the highs of feeling incredibly driven and the lows where even the simplest tasks seem daunting. I’ve realized that motivation isn’t just about feeling inspired or driven; it’s more about understanding how it works for you and learning to ride the waves of it.
Back in high school, motivation was simple for me. I had clear goals: get into a good college, set myself up for the future. I was motivated by that vision of success, and it fueled my dedication to my studies. I’d push through hours of homework or late-night revisions, not because I felt like it but because I had a clear purpose. At that time, motivation felt like a fire that never went out. I could always feel it burning inside, pushing me forward.
But as I grew older and faced adult life’s complexities, I realized that motivation wasn’t always there when I needed it. Work, responsibilities, and long-term projects felt overwhelming, and there were days when getting out of bed and tackling the smallest task felt like an insurmountable challenge. I struggled to understand where my drive had gone and why it felt elusive. This shift in my experience taught me that motivation is not a constant but something that fluctuates.
Self-realization:
What I came to understand is that motivation, for me, is more about creating the right environment and structure to nurture it. In times when it felt lacking, I learned that waiting for motivation to show up wasn’t the answer. Instead, I started to create momentum through small, manageable steps. For instance, instead of aiming to complete an entire project in one go, I’d break it into smaller, bite-sized tasks. Even something as simple as writing down a to-do list or setting a timer for a short burst of focus often helped me take the first step. There is an old saying, “We can’t eat an elephant in one bite.” Once I started, the motivation usually followed. The brain needs that initial push to get going and the process becomes its reward.
What is your “Why”?
Another realization came when I reflected on my more profound “why.” Often, motivation wanes when we don’t have a clear sense of purpose behind what we’re doing. When I was training for my first official trek 10 years back, there were many days I struggled to go 2 kilometers on road straight running. But my perspective changed when I reminded myself that running wasn’t just about fitness; it was about resilience and proving to myself that I could push through challenges. That “why” was a reminder that the journey itself was the reward, not just the end goal.
Learning:
What I’ve learned about motivation is that it’s fluid, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. There are moments when the spark is there, and I can power through anything. But other times, it’s about doing the hard work even when the drive is absent, trusting it will return. I’ve also realized that being kind to myself during those low-motivation periods is essential. It’s okay to take a step back, recharge, and wait for the momentum to build again. Ultimately, we can’t always control motivation, but how we respond to it makes all the difference.
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