How to Ignite the Fire Within

We're all born with it. This innate desire to be, do, achieve and leave our indelible mark on the universe. But somehow, along the way, that fire slowly, but surely starts to fade out. What makes this pesky passion all the more interesting is that it's as unique as our fingerprint. We're all after very different things no matter how similar we may seem on the outside. We all ultimately want to sing a different song. 

As we get older though, and more socialized into the norms of our respective societies, we start to put our dreams on the back burner, to simmer indefinitely. And we wonder why we're not fulfilled, on fire, amped, and ready to conquer the world. It's because we're not doing what we're meant to do.

Obviously, this isn't an invitation to up-and-leave your current situation, either. Rather, it's an invitation to really look within for those eternal, ethereal answers that linger deep within your soul. Once you figure that part out, the rest becomes really simple. Just a series of calculated steps that you take, one cautious foot in front of the other. 

Because, let's face it, nobody gets far in life without motivation. Without a desire to be and do better. There has to be something powerful that gets you out of bed every morning. And that thing is usually backed by conviction and strong faith. Whether it's a personal goal that you're after or a career-related one, that "fire" and discomfort is one and the same.

The irony is that different people call it different names. Some call it ambition, others call it passion, a true calling, and the list goes on and on. What they're really describing is the same thing.

This enlightening Goalcast piece by Christine Evangelou below is a great recipe on how to not only re-ignite that pesky fire within, but how to keep it burning.

Courage

It is not inability that stops you from achieving your ambitions — it is fear. Fear of loss or failure is a wasteful energy that will keep you stuck, ground down, and always two steps behind what you truly want. But in reality, there is no failure. There are just lots of different ways to learn lessons and do things better next time! Accept fear as innately a part of you; it is simply the other side of the coin of courage or bravery. Fear depletes you, whereas courage feeds you with strength and acts like a ray of sunlight powering through the heavy cloud of your fears. You can only find courage through fear, and it is simply a choice that you make: You decide what internal force drives you. Courage dissipates fear

Confidence

Your confidence in your own abilities allows you to push past obstacles, move through invisible walls, and break down barriers. It is believing within yourself that you do have what it takes. You can reach your goal, you can create, and you can light your own way. Build yourself up from the inside so that nothing external can leave a lasting mark, and do things that nudge you out of familiar places and comfort zones. Take action and guide yourself from the strongest place inside you. That self-belief and confidence is an intrinsic driver, like the battery on a car that’s on full charge. Self-confidence is something that you shape and build layer upon layer through self-mastery and unwavering will.

Commitment

Staying committed despite fears, knock downs, failures, and wrong turns is the truth of success. Commitment says that you did not give up no matter how hard the journey became- you stuck it out and endured the long and difficult road because it was all necessary. That is the essence of being successful. It’s all good keeping a promise to yourself when everything is going your way, but when the tables turn it’s another story. Commitment is ‘rock solid’ integrity, it is the part of you that will not step back when things get tough- you hold on and look for a way forward even when you can’t see what’s ahead. What you commit to and eventually achieve becomes the merit of your struggle, your passion, and your perseverance.

Clarity

Clarity is about having a clear vision from inside your dream, not on the outside where it still looks blurry, messy and uneasy on the eye. Immerse yourself in what you hope and desire — see it in your mind’s eye, feel its presence in your heart, resonate with the experience of actually having it. An unclear goal will remain that, an unclear goal. Be certain of what you want and how you are going to get there, take one step at a time, and don’t neglect the little things. Give your motivation meaning. Adapt where needed and every move will bring that vision closer to reality — but you need to see it, believe it and feel it. A clear way forward has no place for doubt. Be driven by your purpose and your vision.

Challenge

Challenges can dim your motivation, making you feel less inspired as they eat away at your confidence. Step up to them rather than step back. The greatest things are born from the greatest struggles and everything that pushed you to grow and evolve. You can utilize your challenges to build your strength and be illuminated by your inner compass of wisdom and direction. This is the beauty of any trials and struggles; they can create a stronger foundation for you and fortify your resilience to keep you moving forward. Strength lies in adapting and using each struggle as another stepping stone to your goals. In fighting for your dreams you are effectively choosing challenges, and that puts you in a greater position to deal with them more powerfully.