Where's Your Motivation?

Everyone searches for that next goal in life, dreaming about the perfect life. I often hear kids talk about wanting to be anything from firemen to football players, to actors. 

I love that honesty in kids. They change their dreams a million times before adulthood pressures kick in and molds them into responsible human beings. 

Yet, I believe we're always clinging on to that next goal. Motivation is our way to get there.

What do you dream about? Where do you see yourself in a year or two?

Are you looking to change careers?

Are you hoping to land that promotion you've worked so hard for?

Are you feeling called to serve others? 

Are you feeling drawn to study to succeed?

Are you longing to start a family?

We all have that drive to becoming the best version of ourselves whether it's by building the perfect career, starting a new family, or devoting time to serve others, like our country or people. 

There's so much out there to choose from and the choice is yours. 

We dream of finding the one thing that will make us happy. 

Many of us don't know what we want from life, and we change our minds all the time like we did as kids. We haven't got it all figured out and we keep on trying where we best fit. 

It's a little like trying on new shoes or clothes. Just because the size is right, doesn't mean it will feel good. 

How can you know where you want to go without trying it out first? 

Some people just know, but others (and I count myself into the latter category), need more time.

Some of us focus on travelling to find out who we are, and where we belong. We look in all the right places, and often in the wrong places too. 

I say to my students that sometimes making a mistake is a good thing because it's how we learn and grow.

Somewhere in the chaos of trying and hoping, we find what we want and go for it.

Other people struggle in silence in the same place, hoping for a better tomorrow.

There's always a reason for where you end up, and it starts with you. Your passion drives you, wherever you want to go.

When you succeed in finding your goal, no matter if it's a big step forward or a small one, you feel happy. You've found something meaningful that gives you joy every day.

So, why do you find it so hard to stay motivated? 

Well, life is hard. You might be struggling with work commitments or getting enough time for your loved ones. Sometimes, you change your mind about your choices and you hope for something else.

If you chose a career in law as a college student, you don't have to stay in that profession if it makes you unhappy.

If you chose to go into IT and the long hours are killing your time with your family, then why not change career?

Do you ever feel that way? I sure do. I think there's not enough hours in the day to do everything I want. 

You're excited some days, and defeated the next. You simply have to choose which path you want to go. 

I decided last year that I wanted more from my career. I was at college with people who'd led fantastic careers, and hearing them speak with such animation and passion did something to me. 

I began wanting more. I realized that I had become settled and it was holding me back. 

I started asking questions to get some ideas of what "more" meant for me, while the feeling kept gnawing inside. I kept doubting myself about leaving my job. It took me months of self-reflection and uncertainty, but I made the leap and started a new job working with teens.

It's never too late to change something in your life. 

Right now is a time of year when many of us start reflecting on what that next goal means. 

What motivates and drives you right now? Where are your priorities? 

Sometimes we need a quiet place to think. To pause and reflect on what we truly want from life.

If you are religious, you might be observing Lent as a Christian, Ramadan as a Muslim, and Passover as Jewish for the next few weeks.

The most common ways to self-reflect at this time of year is through prayer, fasting, self-reflection and serving the community. 

But you don't have to observe a religion to reflect on what drives you. Anyone can think about who they are and where they fit in to be the person they want to be. 

What motivates you right now? Only you can answer that.

You don't have to be young to have goals. You can find motivation to change at any time in your life. I've just completed a Master's degree, and I'm married with kids. I've had years of working hard, but I decided that I wanted more from life than being a teacher. I need time to write too.

What do you want from your life? How will you achieve it? 

If you're not sure what you want from life then think about your strengths and talents. 

Where are you happiest? Imagine yourself there, and think about doing more of that. Just knowing that you have free will to make that choice can make you happy. You are in charge of your life. 

For those of you who have suffered abuse and trauma, I need you to say that line again and believe it. You are in charge of your life. 

It's not always about making money. Although having a good cash flow can help you buy that house or new car, it doesn't make you any happier in the long run. 

The pressure to keep up the mortgage and car payments with the stress that comes with keeping a steady income, always follows. 

A good work/ life balance is important for true happiness because it gives you stability in life to grow and rest.

Finding that place to settle where you have safety and stability is something we all hope for. 

Whatever you do in life, make sure that you are in charge. Follow your heart and have some fun along the way. 

Life is meant to be lived - not suffered. Make your own happiness.

I came across an article about "the world's happiest man," this week. His name's Matthieu Ricard and he's a Buddhist monk, humanitarian and an author. He says that true happiness is "a skill that has many components." 

https://www.matthieuricard.org/en/articles/the-worlds-happiest-man-matthieu-ricard-on-the-secrets-of-a-serene-successful-satisfying-life/

If you have a minute he's an interesting guy to listen to. He's got a book called "Happiness" and several YouTube videos. 

You were put on this earth for a reason. Use your life and live it well. Believe in yourself.

My name is Lizzy. I'm a trauma survivor, a wife, a mom, a teacher, and an author.

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