A student recently wrote a letter to my local paper seeking advice on motivation.

My life is at a turning point; I’ve finished VCE [Year 12] and am now faced with the question of what I want to do with my life…I’m interested to find out what people do to get, and stay, motivated. I want to know the secrets to survival in the real world, outside learning institutions…I have asked my family and friend and am now throwing the question out to the wider community.
I think these are important questions. As Jessica’s letter was public, so is my reply.
Dear Jessica,

As my calling is the cultivation of the potential in people I was gladdened to see your letter in last Thursday’s Advertiser. I hope that you have received some good replies.

Relax. I think you’ll be fine. To write a letter such as you did tells me that you are aware of your own situation and limitations enough to take action to address them.

Asking your family and friends, then the world is a smart move. Continue asking as many people as you can for assistance with all aspects of life. They will give you opinions, advice and information you don’t have. Take it all and make your own decisions.

I believe motivation comes from within. Make time to sit and listen to your thoughts and emotions. Then have the conviction to follow them. A good book is True Success: A New Philosophy of Excellence by Tom Morris. He writes of 7 C’s of Success.

  1. A clear CONCEPTION of what we want, a vivid vision, a goal clearly imagined.

The mistake here is to get trapped by the goal setting standard that it must all be written down and articulated. Sometimes this can only be felt. Part intuition, part faith. At times just an inkling which can barely be heard over the noise of everyday life. It may take years to develop. That’s ok as it will be all the stronger when you find it. At the end of your schooling you will be under a lot of pressure to select a career. Do what feels right now. You and the world will change and new careers will present themselves.

  1. A strong CONFIDENCE that we can attain the goal.

You have all the skills you need. You have a demonstrated capacity to learn. Now you need to learn about yourself in the world, not just the world outside of you.

  1. A focused CONCENTRATION on what it takes to reach the goal.

Keep your goal in your head and the way will show itself. Be imaginative and bold. At times you will say to yourself, “No, I can’t possibly do that.” You will find a way. There are always several. Continue to involve your family and friends. Look for solutions to problems.

  1. A stubbon CONSISTENCY in pursuing our vision.

Keep at it.

  1. An emotional COMMITMENT to the importance of what we are doing.

Our emotions drive what we see as possible. If you are emotionally committed (and what that means to you only you can know) then the possibilities you need will remain open.

  1. A good CHARACTER to guide us and keep us on a proper course.

Integrity and respect (for yourself and others) will keep you moving forward. They will also attract assistance from others.

  1. A CAPACITY TO ENJOY the process along the way.

Life is a journey. You only get to do it once.

These are some priciples to think about. Every time I’m really moving forward in life or achieving success all 7 are in play. When I’m not, at least one is missing. Another list is the Manual for Climbing Mountains by Paulo Coehlo.

The world you have grown up in has a strong bias towards technology and structured ways of doing things. Technology is a tool not an answer.

All we achieve in life is in partnership with others. Here conversation is the key. It gives support, knowledge and helps you with all the things you cannot do yourself. Learn about conversation as a technology itself. It is the key to greater learning.

Develop the skill of listening. I recommend you obtain a copy of Listening Leaders: The Ten Golden Rules To Listen, Lead & Succeed by Lyman Steil and Richard Brommelje. It lays out a good framework to begin with.

Seek out mentors for all areas of life in which you need to develop. Mentors come in many forms. People (good mentors and “I don’t want to be like them” mentors) and books. I recommend any of the books listed on my website.

Start a journal or a weblog. The act of writing will greatly clarify your thinking.

Every success,

David