“The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what a man or woman is able to do that counts.” – Booker T. Washington
We all want to be a part of something greater than ourselves; something that really makes a difference. Contributing to society and being a part of something significant is a primary means to greater happiness and fulfillment. Have you ever considered what change you want to see in the world or what you want to accomplish that will have a positive impact on society? However, most people who want to live a life of significance and make a contribution to the world never take the necessary steps or put in the hard work required. This may be because they don’t believe their lofty goals to change the world are possible, or that they lose motivation and dedication over time. What is it that you’ve always felt compelled to do but held back because it seemed out of reach? When have you given up because you encountered obstacles and setbacks? Anything worth doing requires hard work and dedication. Uncovering our potential won’t happen overnight. Consider what you want, how you’re going to get there, and be prepared to deal with failure on the way.
What is your Life’s Mission?
We are all on the earth for a reason. We have unique gifts, talents, strengths, and passions that have equipped us to make an impact in the world. Your mission is the thing you can do that is most true to who you are. It takes a connection with your inner experience of what is most valuable and important. Interests, abilities, and talents combine to create your life mission. What do you like doing? What are your values, dreams, and passions? What skills and abilities do you have? What significant people can you connect with to help you? Combine your answer to these questions and create your mission statement.
How to Enhance Motivation
Motivation = Attractiveness x Likelihood of achievement The more you want something and the more you believe it’s possible to achieve the more motivated you will be. This is important because even when someone is following a “calling” or pursuing their passions they will still encounter obstacles and struggles. Being prepared to deal with these moments of failure requires we remain confident in our abilities and emotionally committed to our goal. Here are two ideas for enhancing your inner-drive.
1. Why is the goal worthy?
When you want something bad enough I’m sure you do what it takes to accomplish the goal. However when the hard work required for achieving something exceeds the benefits of the outcome, putting in all the hard work may not seem worth it. We need to have a purpose and conviction for achieving our goals. We have to own them and really want to accomplish them. Here are a few ideas to consider for enhancing the value and benefit of your mission.
- List the advantages of achieving your mission.
- Ask yourself how others would benefit.
- See the goal as already achieved. Ask yourself: “How does this help?” “How does this make life better?” “What will be different once the goal was accomplished?”
- What will you be missing out on if you don’t achieve this goal?
2. What gives you confidence?
Believing you can achieve something is a crucial condition for remaining motivated and committed. When we experience failure or setbacks it can be a real blow to our confidence, so having practices to boost confidence during these down times is essential for persevering. Here are two suggestions for boosting confidence. Focus on Past Success There is a saying that failure is not a dead end but a detour. When you run into a road block it can be helpful to remember past success to help us think positively and find new alternatives.
- When have you done something like this before? Even in a small way?
- When have you accomplished other worthy goals?
- How did you do that?
- When have you been at your best?
Turn Complaints into Goals This is the classic idea of asking different questions and changing your perspective. Instead of asking “why me” ask “what can I do about this?” Get yourself to set goals and take action toward a solution. Instead of “I am out of shape and overweight” say “I want to run a 5-K.” Instead of “My partner and I don’t communicate” say “I want to feel close and respectful with my partner.”
Create a Vibrant Picture of your Future
The image of the future is what empowers peak performance. Focus attention on a positive future. Ask inspiring questions and tell inspiring stories. You will discover and encounter what you look for! The world needs you to be the best you can be, to use your strengths, to envision a better future, to develop intimate relationships with your family, neighbors, and co-workers so you can help them be the best they can be. The world needs you to create a better world! Uncover your life vision and mission and begin creating your legacy today.
My Connection
This is where I provide my personal connection to the ideas in the post. I hope you will join the conversation by leaving a comment, and offering your personal connection to these ideas as well. There are times when I get tired of “working on myself.” I strive to better each and every day, however this can get exhausting. There are times when I think, “What’s the point?” I don’t always see the fruits of my labor and it can get discouraging and frustrating. I’m sure you’ve been in the same position at one time or another. For instance, I just released the Trigger Positive program last Monday. (By the way I am grateful to everyone who has purchased a copy and to anyone who has been a part of supporting the program.) I don’t believe the book has came close to reaching it’s potential, and for the time I put in to the program I could easily assume it was a failure. Nevertheless the real reason for creating this program was for the underlying message that anyone can uncover their potential, find their life’s purpose and meaning, and live with greater fulfillment and satisfaction. My life’s mission is to help others feel better by understanding emotions, uncovering their life purpose, and reaching toward human potential. This book was a part of my own development toward this end and was a major accomplishment toward my own potential. Just as it takes everyone much time and energy to accomplish great things, this is only the beginning of my growth and development, and thus a first step toward contributing something valuable to the world. Where are you in your journey to make a difference in the world?
