What is motivation?
By definition, motivation is “the act or process of giving
someone a reason to do something” (Merriam-Webster Online dictionary).
As enlightening as this definition is, what does it really
mean? What gives us a reason to do things? What gives us a reason to do
anything? What pushes us past our emotional, mental, and even physical boundaries?
As an athlete, I love my sport. Swimming is usually my
favorite thing to do and there is nowhere else I’d rather be than in the pool.
But there comes a time during season that practices become exhausting, and I
find myself despising practicing every day. Fortunately, after years of
swimming, I don’t, let these negative thoughts, like exhaustion, become more
powerful than the goals I want to accomplish as a swimmer.
Personally, I think that the most powerful motivation is
rooted in three separate ideas, desire and determination, and joy.
Desire is what you want out of anything. For example, I have
a desire to be a stronger swimmer.
Determination is the internal power to meet the goals of
your desires. It’s like determination is the fire-power behind your desires.
And last, but most possibly most importantly, joy. Without
joy you wouldn’t be motivated to do anything. You would have no desires or determination
because you wouldn’t be enjoying what you’re doing. And without these desires,
determination, and joy you won’t have powerful motivation to help you
accomplish your goals.
Motivation is a very powerful thing. It’s what gives us the
power emotionally and physically to accomplish things that we wouldn’t be able
to do without it.
Motivation affects more than just ourselves; with our kind
words and actions we can help those around us become stronger and more
passionate about the things they enjoy. Motivating others will bring you and
the person you’re motivating, happiness.
I’ve learned that people will forget what you
said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you
made them feel. –Maya Angelou
