Motivation Isn’t About Being Strong, It’s About Being Wise

Career Climbers / 7th October 2024

A brave friend recently shared that she was feeling tired—really tired. Not ‘I-didn’t-get-enough-sleep’ tired, but something much deeper. She said, “It’s as if I’ve lost my motivation.” I call her brave because she’s clearly dedicated to her job and conducts herself with professionalism and kindness. She’s a wonderful parent who cares for her family. And she’s very responsible when it comes to managing her finances and health. 

She’s not alone in feeling deeply unmotivated. Millennials and Gen Z employees tell me they feel disconnected and uninspired at work. They often admit that they just don’t care. 

Half of American employees are looking for a new job. Older employees, meanwhile, tell me they can’t wait to retire. 

When I ask about life at home, people say they struggle with their health and finances. The national data suggest that chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes are on the rise. The median American household has only a bit over $5,000 in savings, barely enough to pay the next couple of months’ rent. 

Did America lose its motivation? 

So, has America lost its motivation? The answer is no. You can’t lose your motivation because you didn’t own it in the first place. Motivation—and this shouldn’t surprise you—isn’t your car key or wallet.

So, what is it? Some people associate motivation with strength. But motivation isn’t about being strong; it’s about being wise. 

You may think of motivation as a muscle and assume some people have strong motivation muscles, while others’ are weak. But this isn’t a great metaphor. Motivation is knowledge: You learn how to motivate yourself. 

I want to help you become wiser so you’re more motivated, and hence can achieve your goals, your dreams, your ambitions. Given the current state of the world (and what it has been throwing at you), your knowledge is more critical than ever. To read the full article, click here!