I seem to spend a lot of time on the road these days. I've been up and down the country, backwards and forwards, and from state to state. I've even been to the other side of the world and back.
It's hard work, with lots of jet-lag and too much time away from my family. That always hurts.
But I enjoy it. I like speaking. The people I meet at events and conferences tend to be exciting, fun and inspiring. I get a real kick out of seeing the desire to succeed in the eyes of someone just starting out as an entrepreneur.
In fact, that's what really does it for me.
I've met a lot of successful entrepreneurs who have created fantastic products, built giant companies... then sold out, relaxed and spent the rest of their days happily frightening fish from the end of their boats.
That's fine. If that's what makes them happy, I'm happy for them.
But I know that what makes me happy is helping other entrepreneurs get started on their road to success.
Of course, the money is important. I'm a business-owner, not a charity. But the money isn't what gets me out of bed in the morning. For me, now, it's the understanding that sharing my experience will make progress a little easier for other self-starters. That's the kind of reward that no income can deliver.
It took me a while to figure that out, and that's important too. Motivation is a funny thing. It can change without you even noticing. You might start a business with the idea of making enough cash to sell out in a couple of years and retire. Five years later though, you could find yourself still doing it because you feel that there are so many more things you want to do with your product.
Or perhaps you've discovered that you're still not number one and want to stay in the fight until you're at the top.
Or maybe you just feel that you've got more you want to give, and can't wait to see whether the market wants to take it.
The things that get you started aren't always the things that keep you going, so take the time to look again at what motivates you now. You might find that you're surprised--and that your motivation is stronger than ever.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
October 16, 2009 09:28 AM
Good post Joel, and one that a lot of people simply reply "my motivation is money." But what is it about money? Why do you need it?
For me, I want to succeed and make more money so I can give more to the things I care about. I would love to be able to finance a new community theater for our small town, or give to any of the other local charities I support.
Yes, money is good and needed to pay for both essentials and for "toys" - but for me at least it goes that one step further.
My quest, my goals, for becoming financially independent can seem like they are greedy on the surface. But in the end I want more, to give more.
Like it was quoted in Elevate, "How much are you going to leave behind? All of it."
October 16, 2009 09:28 AM
My motivation at the moment is exposure. The music's good but no one knows who we are. That struggle is the reason for my existance day to day.
October 16, 2009 09:37 AM
Joel,
a question I am always asking in the "Fitness" or better yet, personal growth field. I find people are prone to movement for the sake of motion and often forget to get clear, and clean on where they are going or why.
For me, it's helping people "live stronger, freer, clearer lives." That's to say not just to do more but to be more... more aware, more in control of their world/life. This includes how to be free from the misinformation, the jungle of jargon that confuses and confines so many people when it comes to eating and living stronger, fitter.
I'm a bit of an evangelist for the good, the true and the beautiful. I have no stomach for creating karma but deceiving people or playing games that are win-lose.
I think that's why I follow people like Seth, Brogan, GaryVee and you... it's the few and the new strong that are winning and will win. I am inspired by the "new RIGHT LANE." The right way to success that leaves better, brighter people in it's wake... or better yet, on the boat!
To Your Life @ Full Strength,
Shawn Phillips
Author: Strength-for-Life
CEO : Full Strength Nutrition
Co-founder EAS Sports
October 16, 2009 10:19 AM
My eight year old son. Plain and simple. I want to be a full-time dad (attend his school and after school functions) and finance his college education.
A second motivation is to expose my son to the world via travel.
October 16, 2009 10:36 AM
I would have to say my passion usually supplies my motivation. And like you, it evolves and transforms into something different.
When I stopped being an engineer to study design, I thought my passion was design. When I became a designer, my motivation was to design for both form and function. But after freelancing for a few years, my motivation is to see my clients' businesses flourish with the help of good designs.
Most surprisingly, my motivation seems to bring new passions into my life. Often, I find myself editing or writing copies for my clients. That motivated me to keep taking my creative writing class. I'm now into the 5th year and telling stories in written words has
became my passion.
There is no telling where this will take me but I know I will be a happy gal on the way. Oh, and money? I am never hungry, nor shelterless, and that is plenty good for me.
October 16, 2009 04:13 PM
Yes, motivation does change. In 2001 I wanted to educate the consumer so they would understand mortgage stuff and/therefore they would not be taken advantage of. It was a passion. I built my sites at my expense, sold nothing, and allowed consumers to ask questions so I could advise/educate them or give them options to persue.
To my surprise, 60% of the questions I received were from professionals in the industry.(that is really sad!) So I expanded my sites. I was spending all day answering questions. Then the light came on. I thought there must be some way to at least pay for the hosting fees and not charge the consumer.
Thank God I found you! Google Adsence!! I have followed you since 2006 (I'm not good with dates) and you have taught me so much. I have applied your stuff and now my sites make a profit (which was not my original focus)
My husband retired and now income is an issue. My motivation has changed. Thank God I have been following you because now I have applied more of your teachings and I have increased our income. The really good thing is that all the site information is still free to the consumer, ...the loan officer, ... and the underwriter. Who would have thought!
Thank you Joel. God sent you here for a reason, as he does all of us. Thank you for not compromising your principles and beliefs.
October 17, 2009 06:05 AM
I'm really eager to learn. I might have ignored this before, but I'm realizing it now. Reading a meaningful piece or phrase in a day is a simple motivation that keeps me going everyday. In order to finish a task, I should first think of the things I will learn by surfing the net and it helps me to easily get started and conditioned. It feels rewarding that I earn and do my passion at the same time.
October 17, 2009 07:59 PM
I believe in passion balanced by guiding values. To achieve a large degree of 'fame' or 'fortune' is no good if it comes at the expense of key relationships. Just ask Howard Hughes! It's no good to gain the world if you lose your soul (from Scripture).
Having said that, it's the truly passionate people who continue to pursue success long after having achieved it. Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Tiger Woods, all pursue the love of the 'game.' Whatever our 'game' is, we had better love it!
October 19, 2009 11:06 PM
It is truly amusing aspect. It cannot be defined & judged only materialistically as much as you would want to. So I have chosen to work with what derives me strongest. I want to Help people have better value in life because of my work.
October 23, 2009 04:29 AM
I think that motivation does change from time to time. I think one of the strongest times of motivation is when someone first sees that tiny bit of first success. They see that they are doing something right and seeing the benefits coming from doing that. Then the motivation or drive at that point becomes the strongest, more so than any other time.