Establishing Your Drive
Our community recognizes the significance of building a personal drive. This internal compass, rooted in motivations, values, and passions, guides individuals toward a more purposeful and fulfilling life. Being driven provides a sense of direction, fosters resilience, and assists in navigating life's challenges.
Self-motivation is the root of this internal drive that fuels our actions. It's what prompts us to start, continue, or stop doing something altogether. Whether it's seeking food, pursuing a career path, identifying post-secondary aspirations, or even starting a relationship, our self-motivation plays a central role in shaping our behaviors.
Understanding the roots of our motivation can be complex and personal. There's no single explanation for idleness and being slack. It depends on your unique experiences and circumstances. To move forward, be curious about what's driving your behavior. Our minds often mislead us about our own behavior.
To overcome a lack of personal drive, start by observing yourself objectively. Notice how your motivation fluctuates and what triggers these changes. This may seem easy, but it's challenging because our minds are often unaware of the subtle influences that shape our choices. For example, holding a warm cup of coffee can even affect our perception of others as warm and friendly.
To boost your self-motivation and build an internal drive, the behavioral science literature asks us to focus on these key skill sets:
Initiative: Taking charge and acting proactively.
Intrinsic Drive: Seeking personal fulfillment rather than external rewards.
Commitment: Staying focused and persistent while pursuing your goals.
Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks while consistently moving forward.
Passion: Enjoying the work itself, not just the outcome.
Curiosity: Embracing new challenges and opportunities.
Growth Mindset: Continuously striving for improvement.
Self-Belief: Trusting in your ability to achieve your goals.
Reflect on Your Motivation. Rate your current motivation level (1-10) within this season. Can you recall a time when you were more motivated and driven? What was different then? Write down your thoughts. This isn't about finding the perfect answer, but rather about capturing your insights.
Simon Sinek, a renowned author and motivational speaker, has dedicated his work to helping individuals uncover their "why." His books, Start With Why and Find Your Why, offer practical guidance on identifying and harnessing your purpose. Sinek emphasizes that having a clear sense of purpose is essential for fulfillment, success, and inspiring others. Here are several practices that Sinek consistently suggests in finding your personal drive:
Reflect on Your Values: Identify the core principles that guide your decisions and actions. Consider the people, places, and events that evoke strong emotions. Read more here.
Examine Your Role Models: Analyze the qualities you admire in others and how they inspire you.
Create a Values Inventory: List the aspects of life that are most important to you. Use an inventory list like this.
Align Your Actions with Your Values: Strive to live in accordance with your values, fostering a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
These are all strategies that compound Sinek’s reflective work on establishing and building your personal drive. Open your mind and bring yourself to thoughtful consideration with each of these.
Set goals as a key component in finding your drive. Once you've identified your values, setting goals is essential. These goals should be challenging yet achievable, aligning with your values and contributing to your overall purpose. For instance, if building stronger relationships is important to you, set specific goals like spending quality time with family or joining a community group. Read more here.
Socialize your goals. Research shows that connecting with others can significantly boost motivation. If you're struggling to stay committed to a goal, find ways to make it a social activity. Whether it's joining a group, partnering with a friend, or sharing your progress online, the support and camaraderie can make a big difference.
Develop self-compassion. The journey to finding your drive may involve setbacks and self-doubt. Practicing self-compassion can help you navigate these challenges and foster personal growth. Additionally, seeking motivation through activities you enjoy, surrounding yourself with inspiring individuals, and exploring new experiences can fuel your journey. Read more here.
Use your drive as a compass. Once you've discovered your drive, use it as a guiding force in your life. During times of doubt, remember your "why" and let it steer you toward a more meaningful path. By consistently aligning your actions with your drive, you can live a more authentic and fulfilling life without pretense.
Leverage your strengths. Feeling competent in what you do is a powerful motivator. Find tasks that challenge you without overwhelming you. When you're in your sweet spot—not too easy, not too hard—you'll be more engaged and motivated.
Harness your instincts: We're naturally driven to acquire things that make us better off and to protect what we value. Tap into these instincts to fuel your motivation. Consider how your actions can help you gain what you need and defend what you hold dear.
Pursue the power of habits: Building habits can make self-motivation easier toward a strong personal drive. Start small and gradually increase the difficulty. For example, if you want to start running long distances, begin with a few steps and gradually increase your distance. Read more here.
Plan ahead: Create backup plans for your goals. If-then statements can help. For example, 'If I finish this report early, then I'll go for a walk.' This helps you stay on track and adjust to unexpected challenges. Read more here.
Remember that finding your drive is an ongoing process. It requires continuous reflection, self-discovery, and a willingness to adapt as your values and circumstances evolve. By embracing this journey, you can unlock a fuller potential and live a life that is truly meaningful.
- Beth Struna, School Psychologist
