Welcome back!
Today marks a special milestone for me – my 10th blog post! It's been a fantastic journey so far, and I'm thrilled to continue sharing insights and perspectives with all of you. For this milestone blog, let's dive into a topic that's close to my heart: Motivation.
The Fuel That Drives Us
Motivation is this deep well that propels us forward, especially in the fast-paced world of leadership. We all have different things that drive us – whether it's achieving success, making a difference, or simply surviving another day. As leaders, understanding what motivates us and our teams is key to fostering engagement, resilience, and ultimately, achieving our goals.
Finding Your Why
Many people talk about finding your "why" – that deeper reason that fuels your passion and keeps you going, even when the going gets tough. For some, it's family and loved ones; for others, it's a sense of purpose or a desire to leave a legacy. Personally, my motivation use to be driven by my competitive nature – whether it was on the sports field or in the boardroom, I've always pushed myself to be better, faster, and stronger to avoid that feeling. It took me getting burnt out to realize competition and winning was not the best fuel for motivation.
Love: The Ultimate Motivator
Amidst all the motivations out there – money, fame, ice cream (for the kids, of course!), there's one that stands above the rest: Love. Love for what you do, love for the people around you, and love for the impact you can make in the world. Love is what drives us to go the extra mile, to overcome obstacles, and to keep pushing forward even when the odds are stacked against us. Love is the perfect motivator!
You may recall the 2005 movie Cinderella Man, Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe) says, "I know what I'm fighting for now. Milk" when asked why he's winning again. Braddock explains that he's fighting to be financially stable and feed his family. I translate that to LOVE!
The Grind and the Glory
Motivation isn't just about the highs; it's also about navigating the lows. As leaders, we face challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But it's during these times that our true grit and determination shine through. It's where winners separate themselves from the pack and turn adversity into opportunity.
Action Items for Staying Motivated
To stay motivated as a leader, consider these action items:
1. Find Your Passion: Identify what truly excites and drives you. Align your goals with your passions to create intrinsic motivation.
2. Set Clear Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals that provide direction and purpose.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate progress, no matter how small. It keeps morale high and momentum going.
4. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Surround yourself with positive influences – people, environments, and activities that uplift and inspire you.
Conclusion: Leading with Heart
In conclusion, motivation is the heartbeat of leadership – it keeps us moving forward, striving for excellence, and making a difference in the lives of others. Whether it's love for what we do, love for those we lead, or love for the journey itself, let's harness the power of love as our ultimate motivator.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through my 10th blog post! Here's to many more insights, laughs, and lessons learned together.
Thanks for reading,
Derek
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