DRIVE
Greetings my dear friends. I hope this message finds you all well, getting ready for the nicer weather, and most of all; enjoying life overall. After all, isn’t that what we are all looking for? A happy, peaceful, joy-filled, and fulfilling life!! Easy to say and read on paper, a bit more difficult as we tread through our daily grind and try to identify perhaps just a few nuggets of joy, right? For me, I have been able to get my head in a good place most of the time these days, but as we all know, there is constant pressure from all sorts of places that seems to creep in at the most inappropriate times and invade our space. Pressures that really have become just part of life, and the better we prepare ourselves for these pressures the better off we are, and the quicker we can get back into that peaceful and serene head space we all strive for. In fact, my next book (have no idea when it will completed) is about this exact notion; fine-tuning the characteristics that one needs to handle a full and complete life. The title will be Capacity, which pretty much sums it up. In other words, the question really isn’t how much we can handle; it’s whether or not we are equipped to handle it. Where does our DRIVE come from, and how do we juggle all of the items on our plate and stay focused on purposeful living?
My motivation for writing today comes from two sources, completely disconnected from one another. One was the realization that I just needed to let go of some things that have been blocking me from happiness, something that every human being needs, but somehow I didn’t. We all have things that we hold on to that we know are not good for us, but for some reason we just can’t let them go. Well, I let go of something recently and I feel real good about my decision. I am still far from being out of the woods on this topic that I really still don’t quite understand, but at least I made some movement, told myself I was letting go, and put the wheels in motion to treat this elusive item differently than I have in the past. It already feels good, and I am looking forward to seeing what changes it produces deep inside me, and how these changes will effect my daily living as well as the other components of my life. The other piece of motivation to direct me to write about motivation and DRIVE was the new book I am reading by Daniel Pink, entletled, Drive!! I know, very creative with my title to this piece, right? Oh well, it’s better to keep some things simple as to not dilute the message, but you guys can be the judge of that. For those of you who are not familiar with Pink’s writing, he is a genius as far as I am concerned. My favorite Pink book is A Whole New Mind, which I blogged about a few years back. If you want to learn more about that book (which is awesome), go ahead and scroll down my blogs a few pages and you will see it. His writing is compelling, educational, and for some reason inspires me to put pen to paper. Most of his books are about business and how companies can improve by dialing into his messages, but he has a way of pulling away from standard business practices to introduce new and clever meanings to the status quo, and seems to have a knack for adding the human element as well as great storytelling to his writing that is flat out cool and captivating at the same time.
His new book speaks to the often-discussed topic regarding what motivates us as human beings in the workplace, at school, and in our personal lives. He serves up many suggestions, antidotes, and ideas on the topic, but there was one core message that resonated throughout the book. A message that has a direct connection with what I described about me letting go of something that was blocking me. The message is this: Our strongest motivator is our deep human need to direct our own lives, to learn and to create new things, to experience life on our own terms, and to do better by ourselves and our world. Basically, it’s the fine-tuning of three things: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose that truly drives our human engines.
For someone who has spent 25 plus years in the sales environment, motivation and drive were quite often accompanied by making money and getting recognized for achievement. At least that was the way it was always for me, but not anymore. Yes, earning at a certain level is still important to me. Heck, I have five kids to take of, and many future plans that will not be able to be accomplished without the almighty dollar. However, I can totally relate to what Pink talks about in his book about drive and motivation. Charting my own course, going in the direction of my dreams, and following my God-given purpose in life; that is what drives me now.
• Autonomy – making my own decisions, doing it on my own (while asking for help when I need it), and achieving the self improvement goals that have helped me identify that I am truly on the right path
• Mastery – I have started a new endeavor; writing, speaking, and coaching. I am working diligently to perfect my craft, practicing with personal friends and family, and doing my best to be my best.
• Purpose – Living a purposeful life, trying not to make the same mistakes, taking the high road, and setting an example through my actions and deeds.
These are the things I am doing to help DRIVE my car and my life. What is it for you? Have you identified with your purpose for living? Is it even something you think about? Are you doing it automonusly? In other words, do you have your own thing? One of the things I have noticed in relationships is that sometimes one person finds their purpose and the other doesn’t. Sometimes the other person goes along for the ride, but then becomes resentful at some point along the way. The resentment is also reciprocal, as the person who is on their path gets frustrated with the other, and the result is that they don’t grow together and the relationship gets strained. Do you know people like that? Is that happening to you? One of the great things about reading, reflection, and discovery is that you can grow the instant you read something. However, you need to have the courage to step out and do something about it, talk with someone about, especially if the other person is someone so close to you that it needs to be shared. I have made the mistake of not communicating these things in my past, and I can tell you that it usually doesn’t go well if you just learn something and don’t share it with those who are important to you. What you will find is that not only does it help you; it could possibly help them and others they encounter. Now, that’s purposeful living my friends.
What I have realize as I head into this new phase of my life is that many people are just afraid. I have been there on many occasions. Heck, I am still there quite often as I am sure many of you are. However, my bouts with fear are getting shorter and shorter as I reflect upon the fact that I am in control. God has given me the ability to make my own decisions, to live my life the way I want to live it, and to share my experiences and insight with others. Yes, my fear still blocks me at times, but I continue to build my “capacity” cylinder that will get stronger and stronger if I stay purposeful on my quest. A cylinder capable of handling anything life throws at me, because I am trying my best to live with meaning, purpose, mastery, and autonomy. I will close this bit of writing about DRIVE with a clear and poignant message from a phenomenal writer in her own right, Marianne Williamson. Print this one out and put in on your wall, desk, or mirror for a few weeks and see what it does for you. Peace…Tony
Our Deepest Fear “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
My motivation for writing today comes from two sources, completely disconnected from one another. One was the realization that I just needed to let go of some things that have been blocking me from happiness, something that every human being needs, but somehow I didn’t. We all have things that we hold on to that we know are not good for us, but for some reason we just can’t let them go. Well, I let go of something recently and I feel real good about my decision. I am still far from being out of the woods on this topic that I really still don’t quite understand, but at least I made some movement, told myself I was letting go, and put the wheels in motion to treat this elusive item differently than I have in the past. It already feels good, and I am looking forward to seeing what changes it produces deep inside me, and how these changes will effect my daily living as well as the other components of my life. The other piece of motivation to direct me to write about motivation and DRIVE was the new book I am reading by Daniel Pink, entletled, Drive!! I know, very creative with my title to this piece, right? Oh well, it’s better to keep some things simple as to not dilute the message, but you guys can be the judge of that. For those of you who are not familiar with Pink’s writing, he is a genius as far as I am concerned. My favorite Pink book is A Whole New Mind, which I blogged about a few years back. If you want to learn more about that book (which is awesome), go ahead and scroll down my blogs a few pages and you will see it. His writing is compelling, educational, and for some reason inspires me to put pen to paper. Most of his books are about business and how companies can improve by dialing into his messages, but he has a way of pulling away from standard business practices to introduce new and clever meanings to the status quo, and seems to have a knack for adding the human element as well as great storytelling to his writing that is flat out cool and captivating at the same time.
His new book speaks to the often-discussed topic regarding what motivates us as human beings in the workplace, at school, and in our personal lives. He serves up many suggestions, antidotes, and ideas on the topic, but there was one core message that resonated throughout the book. A message that has a direct connection with what I described about me letting go of something that was blocking me. The message is this: Our strongest motivator is our deep human need to direct our own lives, to learn and to create new things, to experience life on our own terms, and to do better by ourselves and our world. Basically, it’s the fine-tuning of three things: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose that truly drives our human engines.
For someone who has spent 25 plus years in the sales environment, motivation and drive were quite often accompanied by making money and getting recognized for achievement. At least that was the way it was always for me, but not anymore. Yes, earning at a certain level is still important to me. Heck, I have five kids to take of, and many future plans that will not be able to be accomplished without the almighty dollar. However, I can totally relate to what Pink talks about in his book about drive and motivation. Charting my own course, going in the direction of my dreams, and following my God-given purpose in life; that is what drives me now.
• Autonomy – making my own decisions, doing it on my own (while asking for help when I need it), and achieving the self improvement goals that have helped me identify that I am truly on the right path
• Mastery – I have started a new endeavor; writing, speaking, and coaching. I am working diligently to perfect my craft, practicing with personal friends and family, and doing my best to be my best.
• Purpose – Living a purposeful life, trying not to make the same mistakes, taking the high road, and setting an example through my actions and deeds.
These are the things I am doing to help DRIVE my car and my life. What is it for you? Have you identified with your purpose for living? Is it even something you think about? Are you doing it automonusly? In other words, do you have your own thing? One of the things I have noticed in relationships is that sometimes one person finds their purpose and the other doesn’t. Sometimes the other person goes along for the ride, but then becomes resentful at some point along the way. The resentment is also reciprocal, as the person who is on their path gets frustrated with the other, and the result is that they don’t grow together and the relationship gets strained. Do you know people like that? Is that happening to you? One of the great things about reading, reflection, and discovery is that you can grow the instant you read something. However, you need to have the courage to step out and do something about it, talk with someone about, especially if the other person is someone so close to you that it needs to be shared. I have made the mistake of not communicating these things in my past, and I can tell you that it usually doesn’t go well if you just learn something and don’t share it with those who are important to you. What you will find is that not only does it help you; it could possibly help them and others they encounter. Now, that’s purposeful living my friends.
What I have realize as I head into this new phase of my life is that many people are just afraid. I have been there on many occasions. Heck, I am still there quite often as I am sure many of you are. However, my bouts with fear are getting shorter and shorter as I reflect upon the fact that I am in control. God has given me the ability to make my own decisions, to live my life the way I want to live it, and to share my experiences and insight with others. Yes, my fear still blocks me at times, but I continue to build my “capacity” cylinder that will get stronger and stronger if I stay purposeful on my quest. A cylinder capable of handling anything life throws at me, because I am trying my best to live with meaning, purpose, mastery, and autonomy. I will close this bit of writing about DRIVE with a clear and poignant message from a phenomenal writer in her own right, Marianne Williamson. Print this one out and put in on your wall, desk, or mirror for a few weeks and see what it does for you. Peace…Tony
Our Deepest Fear “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Great! I'm motivated:)
ReplyDelete