Hey, Siestas! I have a question rolling around in my mind and I’d love to throw it to my favorite community. Here goes:
What motivates you most effectively?
That’s it. Pure and simple.
Ground rules:
*You can only name one kind of motivation. Think of the one that tends to work on you more often than the others.
*You are asked to name your real, live most effective motivator and not the one you wish you had. (You may honestly respond best to a healthy motivator and, if so, say so! But, if the truth is, you are more often effectively motivated by something negative, please also say so.)
This hint might be of help to some of you as you roll the question around in your sweet head: Think back on times of substantial and lasting change in your life. What motivated the real change? (Of course, we all know that, ultimately, the Holy Spirit brings about transformation, but what did He use???)
You bless me to no end. Watching for your responses!
Love.
I have a lot of other motivators, but I have to consider that you said ‘effectively.’ It’s the only one that makes what I do truly count for something.
Deadlines. Without a set-in-stone deadline, I would never ever ever ever finish anything!! I am a peaceful phleg to the MAX.
Compliments/ praise gets me motivated…
As much as I hate to say it, it usually takes drastic measures for me to make real, lasting, substantial change. God knows it and He has used it more than once on me, especially when it comes to me taking care of myself better. I’ve never been in better physical shape than I was during my first pregnancy (well, in my adult life–we’re not counting childhood and adolescence here), and I was motivated to keep myself healthy because I had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Unfortunately, I’m stubborn and hard-headed and tend to fall back to my old ways; second pregnancy, I have gestational diabetes again, but did not do quite as well with my physical shape…but did start eating better (but not quite as hard core as the first pregnancy). My second child was born in October last year, and I was doing well with my weight control, food control, etc until right before Christmas, then fell apart. It got worse after returning to work in mid-January and dealing with family death, everyone in the house cycling through the flu, stomach bugs, etc. Finally, I woke up a little over two weeks ago at 3:30 am and felt like I was having a heart attack. An ambulance ride ensued (with my reciting memory verses all the way, ’cause I didn’t know what else to do), and thankfully, Praise the Lord, it was not my heart…just my gall bladder. Of course, it helps your gall bladder problems when you eat a low fat diet, and God used this scary incident to get my attention yet again. I praise Him for successful surgery to take out my gall bladder, but I realize after not being able to pick up my 6 month old for nearly 10 days, I’ve got to do better. Not just for me and my family, but so much more so that I can serve Him better. Eating better is a daily challenge, and getting on the ball and doing an exercise routine is even more so, but He has made it clear that I’ve got to do it, so hopefully I never have to have another major health event to motivate me to make major change. Didn’t mean to write a book here Beth, just tend to be thorough with some stuff! 🙂
Looking back on the most life changing moment of my life- I was motivated by FEAR that God didn’t want to know me or wouldn’t know me because of all the sin in my life. It was then I began a REAL relationship with Him. I was saved at age 9 but didn’t really live it until rededicating myself at age 27.
Fear!
I am most motivated by a goal. And once I have a goal then excellence.
I was raised in a Slovak household, so good old fashioned guilt!! Also competition when I see people healthy and running, and I am reminded to do the same. And oh yeah, my lovely wonderful accountability group of Sisters in Christ, who model the life, love and grace of Christ to me.
Appreciation. When someone thanks me for something I didn’t even realize I did to make them feel better.
Anger unfortunately is a great motivator to get things done — not someone else’s anger toward me, but my own anger brewing just beneath the surface. I get lots done when I am mad, and then I am glad I got the overwhelming mess accomplished — but then I am faced with the fallout from the same anger that was brewing and at times erupts on whoever is in my path. Once I ask for forgiveness, my anger evaporates.
The last minute. I do my best work at the last moment when the chips are down.
After a little thought and much prayer, I would have to say the my greatest motivator is HOPE. The assurance that Jesus is in control, nothing is a surprise to Him, He knows full well the good that He has in store for me when I trust and rely on Him in any situation. Over the course of the past 5 years, my children (both young adults) have challenged me in ways I never imagined as the Lord has allowed them to make their own decisions. Without HOPE, I know that I would have buckled under the pressure. My son has chosen an alternative lifestyle that is very unpopular in a small town and also among Christians. My daughter has had struggled with too many things to list and is finally coming through to the light at the end of the tunnel. Through it all, the HOPE that Jesus offers to my heart of hearts and the encouragement that His hope brings to my innermost being is nothing beyond a miracle. His hope has allowed me to keep my eyes ever up and He has been the Lifter of my head through unexplainable pain and anguish for my children. Hope is always at the end of ever rope….if we but tie a knot and hang on to Jesus!
My greatest and most profound changes came as a result of desperation and being fed up with being fed up! I knew I couldn’t expect to see different results when I continued doing the same things. I didn’t care enough about myself at the time to change, but I sure could make the changes for my son.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit I was able to lay aside drinking and prayerfully break some generational curses. I’m believing God that my family line will be blessed for a thousand generations
Sometimes its pain and suffering, a “sifting”. When God needs to “shake me loose” from the grip I have on something that is keeping me from grasping firmly to HIM, and he shows me that he is what I need to cling to.
For example, when I first became a Christian, I tended to cling to the coat tails of others who were “more Christian” than I was at the time. But God quickly showed me that those people were mere flesh and blood, and they could not be that steady solid rock that I longed for, they all failed what I longed for.
Another motivation, plain and simple, prayer and time in the word. It plain and simple WORKS.
I also did an indepth study of the Ancient Jewish Wedding, and saw the reflection of Gods plan and love for me in every detail of that. I often reflect on the differnt aspects of the wedding (from the “engagement”, to the waiting and being ready) When I focus on waiting for my bridegroom, and being prepared, it motivates me to press on, and to be faithful in all that he ask of me.
Love. The sweetest, gentlest and most consuming motivation I know. Just leaning into Gods love for me sees me through it all–the good, the bad & the impossible! Love me some Jesus to light a fire in my soul for all that glorifies the father!
People who truly live out an abundant, free life in Christ.
Desperation. This rolled around in my head & it boiled down to desperation. Desperation when I sit down to pay the bills & there just isn’t enough & I cry out in desperation that “You promise to supply all my needs! I need to pay my bills! We don’t live extravagantly!” to “Father, I just need more of You…just give me more of You! Fill me up to the very tippy top & then give me some more because You are all I need!” My point is that desperation is not necessarily a bad thing….focused in the proper direction.
The Lord has given me a competitive spirit. I dont usually compete againist others, but againist myself. I like to beat my best. Or if someone tells me that I’m not able to achieve a goal…then its on! I want to find a way to achieve the goal! This is my motivational strength, as well as a force driving me to the cross. It gives me joy as well as humbling me.
If someone tells me that something is too difficult to conquer, then I find great joy in finding a solution.
But then, the issue can go too far and pride is an issue that I cannot conqure on my own. I need Him to come in and adjust the way I think about things. Beginning with acknowledging Him as the source of all my victories, past and future. The victory is His, but I get to have fun with Him!
I serve in preschool and the faces of the sweet children that I see each week. I never thought of myself as having a “ministry”, but the sweet face of a 4 year old singing at the top of their lungs about Jesus makes me want to have church every day!
The testimony of others!!!
Hearing others share what I feel!
My kids
I am motivated best when whatever I’m doing will produce results very quickly. I like to see evidence of my labor. This very likely means (and it does seem to be true) that I am not very patient. I like to see things HAPPEN NOW when I am working, creating, changing, growing. Need I tell you…I often live with my own frustration.
Melana 🙂
The hope that God is going to work something good out of the situation motivates me. I have realized that motivation through various trials.
GUILT
Rewards……..be it in the form of acceptance, loyalty in a friendship, trust from someone, money:), simple thank you, kiss or hug, most of all unconditional love regardless of success or failure of accomplishment.
I’m not even going to lie and leave out approval of others as being a motivation for me because it is… BUT…. nothing has motivated me in such a positive way as having my children. I have never been strong enough to change bad habits or want to get well by myself. For my two boys, though, I want to be better so they will see freedom in Christ is a reality. I have grown so much spiritually since my first son was born. Being a parent has allowed me to see God in a very loving protective way. It has made all the difference for me!
For me, the biggest motivator is having a deadline looming. Not just a self-imposed deadline, but a deadline in which I have to report and be accountable to someone else.
Desperation and my husband.
That’s easy. A three-way mirror……. (sigh)
I can honestly say that it does take a lot to motivate me. I am not happy about that. I can’t seem to get motivated to stick to a healthy work-out routine, or a healthy diet most of the time…..I get motivated easily, but then it doesn’t seem to last long. But one thing happened to a friend of mine 7 years ago that definitely motivated me to change for the good. A terrible accident took the life of my best friend’s 2 1/2 year old little boy. Since then I have not been the same. I hate to say that it took something so drastic to make me really take a look at life and realize what is important, and what isn’t. Until then I feel like I was somewhat “shallow” in a lot of areas. I was too tied up in material wants and jealously – which of course I would deny if you ever asked me. But still I came to realize through the gut-wrenching pain I witnessed up close and personal to my dearest friend that you know what – none of this really matters. Watching my friends grieve the kind of grief that no parent should ever have to experience, was so life-changing, that I can barely remember much of what happened that following year after his death……it is somewhat of a blur now, but the remains of what happened to me are very real……I appreciate everyone in my life, I love more I experience every moment, and I also have let go of a lot of petty little things that used to bother me. They don’t anymore. The strength and utter courage that I witnessed in my friend in the days and months and years since that accident I will never forget. Yes not all motivators are good – some, like “Pain, and loss” are bad ones, but nevertheless motivators. I never wish this type of motivator on another person…..but I am thankful that God is true to His Word and does not leave us nor forsake us……I am praying now that it won’t take any more motivators like this one to make me change in other areas that I still need to become more like Christ. Thank you for asking this questions, it really made me stop and think. God bless you for your obedience to the Lord…..
What motivates me most is to both picture (envision) and then to write it down in advance. I accomplish (and finish) way more if I think the night before, “Tomorrow, I am rising at 6:30, doing the shred with Chris then cleaning out the office. Then I shall sit and read my book.” These are always things that get done. Not sure why it works, but it does.
For tasks, little things, and daily to-do’s it’s putting it on a list and giving it a deadline.
For major things like working on my character or studying the Word, it is revelation. Revelation is my motivator because it goes beyond me just knowing something – revelation happens in the moment when I really get it, when I finally see it. Then, that causes action on my part.
God motivates me. Every since I started my first bible study written by someone with the initials BM-LPM, I’ve found God speaking right into my heart. He motivates me to have courage when I feel fear. He motivates me to take action when I want to crawl into bed and hide. He motivates me to be transparent when I want to be invisible. God motivates me. That should be a bumper sticker? Knowing God, He’ll motivate me to make one. 😉 I love my King.
Consequence.
Someone telling me I can’t…it’s impossible…then God’s Word telling me I can!
Fear brought on by insecurity or maybe insecurity brought on by fear… Chicken or egg? Pray for me. I’m in a valley, but thank God I know what it feels like to come out of a valley and by His merciful hand I will again.
“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:6-8
Becoming A Grandmother!!!
Something about seeing these little ones make me realize how precious life is and how “short” life is! Ever since holding my first grandchild, I have this strong desire to change what I can so I can be here for them & so they can carry memories with them of having a caring & loving Grandma! Somthing I was not able to experience as a child. God Bless all you Grandmothers out there:)
I love this and will say a hearty amen and amen. I wrote a tribute to grandmothers on my blog…Gran Jan’s JOY!
http://granjansjoy.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-grandmothers-yet-to-be-grandmothers.html
Thank you Bibby…
Being around people motivates me. Although I prefer to be alone while I’m working on something important, I have a really hard time getting started. If I’m alone for a long period of time, I wind up eating junk food on the couch and doing absolutely nothing productive.
The “desire for order” is the easiest way for me to state it… whether that manifests in a clean house :), a healthy body, a spiritual victory, a lived out calling or right relationships… I really love order! (Of course sometimes God chooses to shake up my order… which makes me cling to him all the more since sometimes order becomes an idol…) 🙂
Love!
Positive attention.
I would have to say that the approval of others encourages me! I live with a fear of failure and if I happen to succeed and someone notices, it encourages me to try again! I know that insecurity still lingers, it’s very frustrating!
A deadline.
Momentum motivates me. If I can see movement–Like okay, we’re starting to roll and now we’re rolling–then I go like mad. It doesn’t have to be major, small events get me excited, but the doldrums paralyze me.
My children when I was raising them; my grandchildren now.
I am crazy about the little lives God entrusts to me. I always think that He must trust me a lot to allow me to influence young lives for Him. What gifts!
Hmmm…what motivates me? When it all makes sense! In 2005, I was a brand new Christian but was still struggling in bondage to alcohol. I was working through Living Beyond Yourself and it was making sense to me! I used the model you gave, Beth, in Nehemiah 2:1-20 for God’s plan to “know the protection and daily victory of self-control”. I wrote a letter to two friends to ask for their help in being my accountablility partners. I gave up alcohol completely right then and there and have stayed free from that stronghold ever since. Thank you, Beth. Thank You, Holy Spirit! Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, my Abba!
The Lord’s soft voice motivates me. At several times of my life, I got too busy to read my Bible, etc. Well, the Lord has helped me to carve some time out of my day in the mornings, and I’m finding in response to my reading, He’s giving me Great Joy! I and others can see the change. (I Praise Him!!)
To be honest…..I’d have to say it’s approval from others. When I’m doing something, anything, I’m usually thinking in the back of my mind, will this get someone’s attention? Will this get someone to like me or respect me? Will I look good if I do this? I really do want to do the things I’m doing and to serve God but that thought is always nagging me in the back of my mind! Praying about it!
Love is my biggest motivator. Love for family, love for friends. I want to do for others.
The Holy Spirit’s conviction through the Word of God has a more lasting motivation effect on me than anything else. Sometimes this happens from personal devotion reading, sermons, a book, biographies, or maybe a blog post or writing of/from a friend. I’m very effected by what I read.
Fear. (Feeling like I have some health challenges, like Diabetes which runs in my family? Can change my diet! Think a review is on it’s way? I can accomplish the work of two people! Think someone’s after my job? I work more hours and improve overall output.)