When I was young (and poor), my major motivation was just not wanting to disappoint my parents. I did all the “right” things to try to make them proud — then something changed.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. I came home from college for the weekend and decided to tell my parents that I was going to leave school to get started in the working world. While it seemed like a great idea to me, they were less-than-impressed, and they flipped the frick out! They couldn’t believe I’d made such a terrible decision, and were certain that if I followed that plan I’d “never amount to much.”
At that moment, I made a decision that changed my life — and that was simply “I’ll show you.” And from that point on, all I could think about was becoming successful so that I could prove my parents wrong.
Being able to one day show my parents my million dollar bank statement was the motivation that fueled me at first, but it didn’t sustain me for the long haul, and I can guarantee that it won’t sustain you either because it just isn’t big enough.
Watch my video above (or read on below) to learn where true motivation comes from.
What’s Your “Why”?
So, what’s your “why”? Thirty years ago, mine was simply proving my parents wrong.
Today, though, my motivation stems from helping people transform their lives and leaving a legacy for my children.
Everyone’s motivation is going to be different, no matter the goal, but whatever that “why” is, it better be powerful! It’s got to be emotional. It might have to do with avoiding some form of pain. Sometimes it might even be reacting to a change or challenge that’s outside your control.
Whatever that emotional trigger is, make it mean something to you!
If you have a good enough reason — a big enough WHY — you’ll figure out how to make it happen, no matter what. True or true?
Once you understand your why, you’ll be able to clearly articulate what drives you to do whatever it takes to be successful. When you can do that, you’ll have a point of reference for everything you do going forward. Your WHY will be your compass. You’ll be able to make more intentional choices for your business, your career, and your life. You’ll be able to inspire others to buy from you, work with you, or join your cause — all guided by your WHY.
Your why needs to resonate with you!
Your WHY is a list of reasons that resonate with you as to why you’re doing something.
Sure, with enough discipline, you can do anything, even if you really don’t want to. But I assume you’re not there yet, which is why you’re here. Finding your why will help you to eventually build self-discipline. Start by really getting to the heart of what’s important to you.
Reasons that are NOT your why:
- My parents want me to
- Everyone else is doing it
- I can get rich doing it
- It will make me famous
- It’s something I should do
Instead, your why could be:
- It brings me joy
- It helps other people
- I want to change/challenge myself
- This will bring me freedom
- This will help me avoid pain (be specific on what that pain is)
People who have made real, lasting changes in their lives and managed to become really successful are not stronger, more intelligent, or more fearless than you. The only difference is that they’ve made a conscious decision to move in the direction of their dreams, all fueld by their WHY. Everything they do is consistent with WHY, and their daily actions help them move closer to their goals.
When you have a strong WHY, you’ll be intentional about doing whatever it takes to make it happen? True or true?
Once you find your WHY, success will only come when you take real action in the real world. So even though you found your why, it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to make money with it.
BUT… you are on the right track.
Once you know what your WHY is, you can take it and create a mission for yourself, and craft a step-by-step plan on how to create your vision in the real world and build toward the success you want to see. Good or good?
So, what should you do if you know your WHY, but aren’t sure how to take the next step?
If you’re not living with the passion and purpose you want in life, you probably fall into one of three categories:
- You don’t know your why, and you’re having trouble figuring it out.
- You think you know your why, but you aren’t completely sure you’re on the right track.
- You’ve already found your why, but now you haven’t been able to make good money with it.
If any of those statements apply to you, then I have good news…
I’m hosting a special FREE web class called,
“Passion, Purpose, and Profits.”
The web class is designed to help you identify your passions and map out a path to real wealth.
After the training, you’ll have a much clearer idea of how to get rich doing what you love!
Click here to reserve your spot and select a time that works best for you.
Now, on to you… What is your why? Why do you do what you do? Furthermore, why do you want to be successful? Why do you want freedom? Leave me a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
For your freedom,
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