Success Thought of the Day – 1/15/21

To be motivated, you need to know what your motives are.  – Rasheed Ogunlaru

Rasheed continues with …

“Over time – and to sustain you through it – your motivation must become an inner energy; a ‘motor’ driving you forward, passionately, purposefully, wisely and compassionately… come what may, every day.”

Indeed, motives are powerful, and if you have not figured anything out else about my Success Thought of the Day posts and emails, I bet you have noticed that purpose (which I would argue is similar to motive) is a focal point.

I was recently reading a passage in Seth Goodin’s book, The Practice.  I’m grossly paraphrasing, but he mentions that the industrial economy drives us toward doing things for the sake of outcomes (e.g., money, recognition, status, etc.).  This is systematic, habit-forming, and creates a sense of “I know I have done well if I get the outcomes.

There is nothing wrong with wanting outcomes.  However, purpose-driven work is often, in and of itself is meaningful and satisfying when done.  Full stop.  If there was no money, no recognition, no status, no “likes,” no “retweets,” etc., you are still immensely gratified because you are living on purpose.