The word motivation is used so often in today’s society. Whether people are referencing what keeps them going in their personal life, professional life or even in their workouts. What is motivation about? Miriam Webster defines motivation as a motivating force, stimulus, or influence and motivated is defined as having an incentive or a strong desire to do well or succeed in some pursuit. We all want to do well in life and be driven to achieve the best possible outcome in any situation we face, but we must take a look at where our motivation is rooted. When referencing diet and workout plans, an article by the New York Post stated that 53% of Americans would fail a diet or exercise routine if they pursued these goals alone. Success can be halted without the right motivation.
Have you ever met a person who starts one thing, doesn’t finish the task only to move on to another task? I guess you would ask where is their motivation to finish? This is what people must understand; we won’t always be motivated in life. I often hear people say “you won’t always be motivated, so you better be disciplined.” May I submit to you my response to that? We won’t always be disciplined either; so, make sure you have the right motive in what it is that you are doing. I believe when you are Christian; you can’t be motivated or disciplined without Christ. “For in him we live, and move, and have our being” according to Acts 17:28.
There are times when you are not supposed to be motivated. I have encountered Christians who believed that something was wrong with them mentally because they were not motivated to do a certain thing. Please hear me; THAT IS NORMAL! There will be times when God allows for down time. Psalm 23:2 says “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” If that lack of motivation is coupled with other behaviors for a certain amount of time; then counseling may be an option to assess your situation. However, for the most part, you are perfectly normal if you don’t have that strong desire to do something.
Whether it’s completing a project, a workout, eating right, not spending as much money etc., please be certain that your motivation is right. That it’s centered around giving God glory. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9. We won’t always be able to achieve in our strength, but His strength is made perfect in our weakness. In addition, Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When your motivation is in kingdom things you don’t have to be worried about trivial things like how many less ounces you weighed yesterday than today, how you looked in that picture that was just taken of you, what you are going to eat or wear, how your neighbor’s results compare to yours. Being too consumed with these things can not only lead to idolatry, but it decreases your motivation to finish your task because of discouragement.
In closing, I have learned over the years in my personal life that when motivation is centered around carnality, things will disintegrate, but when motivation is centered around Kingdom things; blessings will locate. I created the brand AMotivated You to reinforce the notion that when your motivation is in Christ and kingdom agenda; you will always be taken care of. Being led by the word of God and kingdom principles to achieve success is where your motivation should be centered. As I always say, “A motivated you is a healthy you, a better you and a successful you.”
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