From "Why" to "Wow"

The Power of 2 Minutes - Daily Motivation #262 (4th March 2024)

"What truly drives you?" This question, posed to countless connections I asked to date and got a lot of varied response to date. Some seek recognition, others chase rewards, and some strive for victory. Yet, through these responses, I've observed a common thread: a journey fueled by three distinct phases – background, wishlist, and goal.

To truly understand your personal journey, it's crucial to break it down into these phases:

• Background: This encompasses your experiences, values, and beliefs. It shapes your perspective and serves as the foundation for your future goals.
• Wishlist: This represents your aspirations, desires, and dreams. It reflects what you hope to achieve in life.
• Goal: This is the culmination of your background and wishlist, transformed into a concrete, actionable plan. It defines the "where" and "how" of your journey.

Consider the purpose of playing sports. In the short term, the activity provides enjoyment, energy, and helps maintain a healthy body. Mid-term, it leads to improved health and establishes positive habits. But the long-term goal? Living a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Similarly, my current focus on writing offers short-term benefits. It fosters discipline, commitment, and a daily dose of happiness. Mid-term, I envision connecting with a wider audience and using my writing to spark new ideas. Ultimately, this journey aims to cultivate mental fitness and resilience, equipping me to navigate life's challenges with optimism, no matter the circumstances.

While success, rewards, and recognition may hold a certain appeal, they are not the cornerstones of a sustainable journey. These external factors might provide short-term motivation, but true fulfillment lies in intrinsic motivators: the inherent enjoyment and purpose you find in the process itself.

Reaching expert status in any field requires dedicated effort. The 10,000-hour rule is often cited, and while it's an estimate, it underscores the importance of long-term commitment. I may be just 10% of the way toward my goal, with an estimated 10 years to reach my desired level. However, external pressures or setbacks cannot deter me from this journey. It's an integral part of my personal growth, and I'm determined to persevere through resistance, build endurance, and ultimately achieve resilience.

Here are three online courses to help you embark on your own meaningful journey:

• Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life by The University of Michigan: https://www.coursera.org/umich
• Developing a Growth Mindset by Stanford University: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being
• Building Resilience by The University of Pennsylvania

Remember, our personal journey is not a sprint; it's a marathon. By understanding "why," focusing on long-term goals, and fostering resilience, we can navigate challenges, cultivate purpose, and ultimately reach a destination that brings true and lasting fulfillment.

#PersonalJourney #Purpose #IntrinsicMotivation #Resilience #GrowthMindset #LongTermGoals #Fulfillment