On Motivation

As I reflect on the level of motivation I've had throughout the various work and business situations I've been in at various times in my life and career, it becomes increasingly clear to me how critical the intangible factor of motivation is. You have to be passionate about what you do. You have to do something that gives you the opportunity to create new things, to use all your potential, and with a minimal amount of criticism and negative feedback from those you work with.

Passion. It's the driving force behind what we do. It's waking up in the morning and the first thought that comes to mind is that project you're excited about. Sometimes it requires cultivation in periods of repetitious work that may be required in a certain season. Sometimes it comes like an avalanche and there's nothing you can do about it, you're drawn to venture out on a whim, to start a business, to start a family, to spend all day coding a cool web app.

It's hard to work without passion and motivation. As much as you tell yourself that you'll do whatever you need to do to survive and to thrive, there comes the time where you can get burnt out by what you are doing, and you don't have any juice left. At that point, you may have to make a decision, you may need to take another path in your life.

I believe that your authentic passion and excitement for what you do will show through to your customers as well as your colleagues. If you've gotten to the point where you're just coasting and not really excited about what you're doing, it will become obvious to those around you. So be honest with yourself, be honest with what you love and don't love to do - and strive to keep your internal motivation, drive, and passion to succeed!