Every single day, we face challenges and obstacles along our journey.
Each day brings new tests and new problems to solve. But the big question is, where do we find the energy to keep going? How do we motivate ourselves to tackle both new and lingering tasks?
To start, it’s important to understand what energy really is.
Energy, to me, is that life force—a powerful resource that helps us act, achieve success, and grow. Without energy, nothing moves forward. Everyone has their own unique source of this vital energy, but for most people, motivation plays a key role in unlocking it.
When we’re motivated, it’s like magic—suddenly, we feel more energized and ready to take on the world.
But what exactly is motivation, and how does it relate to self-improvement and self-growth?
One way to look at motivation is to think about stimulus. The word originates from an ancient Greek term for a sharp stick used to prod cattle forward. In modern terms, a stimulus is anything that pushes us to meet our needs. It’s often driven by two core instincts:
The desire to survive—this is deeply ingrained in all of us, almost at a subconscious level. We are here to live.
The desire to continue our legacy through our families and loved ones.
However, when our motivation is purely based on these stimuli—survival and instinctual needs—it can feel like we’re always running away from something rather than moving toward something meaningful. Relying only on this type of motivation can lead to burnout. Eventually, we hit a wall and need something deeper to keep us going.
That’s when we should stop and ask ourselves, "Why am I doing this?"
Here are five factors that can boost motivation and help us maintain energy in our journey of self-growth:
Action and Results
We are naturally driven by progress. The process itself keeps us moving forward, but the results we see are what fuel our sense of achievement. Without seeing results, we quickly lose interest. This is why some people who seem to have everything handed to them often feel unfulfilled—they haven’t earned what they have.
Opportunities.
Being able to recognize opportunities is key to self-improvement. Every door that opens, whether it’s meeting the right people, securing a win, or landing a great deal, can be a step forward. Don’t shy away from new possibilities—they might just lead to your next breakthrough.
Progress toward your goals.
Seeing progress, even small steps, is incredibly motivating. Think of a teacher watching their student grow. If there’s no progress, it’s demotivating for both the teacher and the student. In any area of life, it’s crucial to track progress to stay motivated.
Recognition of your skills and achievements.
Once we’ve developed our expertise, it’s only natural to want acknowledgment for our hard work. Whether it’s awards, compliments, or simply respect from others, recognition plays a huge role in maintaining motivation.
Mission.
Having a clear mission or purpose in life fuels everything else. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a guiding star. Many successful companies have defined missions, and we, as individuals, should too. Knowing why you’re doing something gives you a reason to wake up energized every day.
Conclusion:
Energy comes from within, especially when we:
Have a clear mission or purpose in life.
Engage in work we love and see tangible results.
Embrace new opportunities as they arise.
Receive recognition and respect for our efforts.
Self-belief and self-confidence are at the heart of this. Trusting in your own abilities and understanding your mission will lead you toward success. Everything you need to grow and improve is already inside you—you just have to believe in it and learn how to tap into that power.
So, don’t wait for someone else to give you validation. Your journey of self-growth starts with the belief that you have everything it takes to thrive.