Motivation: Identify the Why

Rain Publishing’s 2014 Writing Tips

Sometimes the motivation just doesn’t seem to be there. Whether it’s writing, housework, a dreaded job, an unpleasant conversation or any number of things that cause you to procrastinate to the nth degree, in the end, how do those things ever get accomplished? At the end of the day, we tell ourselves that we do these things because we have to. Someone is depending on us and if we don’t do it they will be disappointed, we will look bad, and we will live to regret it.
I guess those reasons are okay if they get the jobs done, but those reasons are just not appealing or inspiring in any way for me. If the reason why we do most of the things we do is merely out of obligation then are we really making a difference in the world with our actions?
I find that the actions of others have the biggest impact on me when I can see and feel the love behind their behavior. Even if I am not the object of their affection, I am lit up when I witness someone’s acts of love. Of course, this may not be what turns you on- it could be money, fame, popularity, duty, honor, or any number of things that get you going.
My challenge to you, especially as it relates to your writing, is that you ask yourself, “Where is the love?” Who or what do you love so much that the thought or visualization of them pushes you to keep creating? If your writing was infused with that love, who else would be inspired?
For years I mentored and taught young people and in the beginning found myself very discouraged. It seemed like none of the young people wanted to hear what I had to say and I just was not getting the response from them that I wanted. Like a concerned mother, I wanted so much to help them avoid some of the pitfalls that I went diving into when I was at their stage of life. I felt completely ineffective until I learned something about teaching one day. I learned that my job as a teacher was simply to teach. I could not also worry myself into anxiety over how well they were receiving and applying the lessons. With love as my motivation, I delivered the information to them that was lovingly delivered to me. I gave to them what I would give my own children. Then I left it in God’s hands. Every once in a while I hear from some of these young people who share how much I have helped them. I am usually shocked but I am totally thankful.
If you are experiencing discouragement concerning your gift, I believe that tapping into the love aspect of your craft will fuel you beyond the letdowns, rejections, and seeming indifference of those you would like to reach. When we use our gifts for God- who is Love, I find that He directs our paths and leads us to opportunities beyond our imagination.