Teaching Motivation Through Example
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
My grandsons are three and five. They are motivated to tease their “Baba,” play, and attend school. Yet they are different from each other. The older one is inspired by competition and is keenly aware of how others perceive him. The younger one wants the approval of his older brother but does not need it because he spends time focusing on his internal stories. They are close but remain different individuals because their motivations are uniquely themselves.
One of the critical requirements of a parent is to guide their child to find their motivation. Once a child experiences what motivates them, they can use that wisdom to use knowledge to mold their life moving forward. Parents and grandparents, the best way to guide their journey to finding motivation is to model living a motivational life. The more you can model a passionate life, the more they will want to live a motivated life.
Motivation changes over time, but what should not change is your commitment to finding inspiration throughout your life. There are moments when responsibilities are so demanding that we are left reacting to a world that leaves us numb. God calls us to get our motivation in order to be healthy examples for those under our care. In “You’re Not Unmotivated. You’re Disconnected From Your True Self” Patricia Williams shares that reconnecting with what brings us joy occurs when we affirm that we are worthy of love and acceptance. Then, she challenges you to be “honest with yourself about who and what makes you feel depleted-and you set boundaries accordingly.” When you model clear boundaries and a commitment to your motivation, others will follow.
Throughout Scripture, God calls people, which helps them find their motivation. All Jesus had to say was, “Follow me,” and tired fishermen dropped their nets and followed. The fishermen became apostles, and while they had moments of exhaustion, they remained motivated and made a lasting difference. Review your presence circumstances. What excites and motivates you? Find out, not just for you, but for those who continue to learn from your example.