Introduction

Research has shown that unless people are at least 80% motivated and committed (and preferably 90-100%) they are highly unlikely to achieve their goals. This fact is clearly evident with regard to famous sports persons. Hours of rigorous training, stringent dieting, constant practice instead of socialising with friends are all part of the commitment required to become an elite athlete.

Whether it’s in music, academia, politics, business or marriage a similar level of costly commitment is needed to excel in any aspect of work or life. But for most of us that commitment doesn’t come easily. We may start off well with good intentions but often our motivation flags.

In this article I address the three inter-related dynamics needed to maintain a high degree of motivation and commitment for the long haul. (In ‘Some Final Comments’ I suggest a fourth factor that can apply in some cases.)

1.        An Inspirational Vision 

Often motivation begins with a vision that inspires and excites us. A vision is a mental image of a preferred future where you can see yourself actually fulfilling a long held dream or goal. An inspiring vision motivates and draws a person towards their desired outcome.

2.        A Powerful Passion 

Sometimes motivation will be seeded in an inner passion that drives you to achieve your goals. That passion provides the energy and determination to press on through the challenges, obstacles and difficulties to achieve your dream. And when passion unites with vision you become almost unstoppable.

3.        A Supportive Community 

Very few people achieve their dreams on the basis of vision and passion alone. For most of us a third element is needed – a supportive community. Realising your dream usually means those closest to you – your partner, children, parents and sometimes your coach or mentor – share some of the cost. And I don’t just mean financial costs, although it can mean your family going without certain things so you can succeed. For family members particularly there can be the loss of your availability, the pain of sharing your times of disappointment, as well as the cost of providing practical and financial support. I know that certainly has been true for my family to enable me to pursue my vision and passion for my career. And because your community shares your dream as well as your costs they will help ensure you stay motivated and focused. That focus is enhanced if a coach or mentor is part of your supportive community.

Some Final Comments ….

The combined impact of vision, passion and a supportive community generates the determination, commitment and motivation to succeed. However sometimes, as I mentioned earlier, there can be a fourth element or factor that enhances motivation. That factor is vocation.

A sense of vocation or calling brings a spiritual dynamic into play. The inner conviction that your vision is wider than yourself and has the potential to bring hope, healing or fulfilment into the lives of others provides your vision with a sense of destiny. It is the feeling that this is what you’re meant to be and do.

Vocation not only generates spiritual support that strengthens your motivation it also leaves you with a sense of accountability. Accountability to God and/or to those in your future who will also be the beneficiaries of your vision and passion. And I know from my own experience what a powerful motivator that realisation is.

Graham Beattie

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