What gets people excited? Money, pleasure, results, goals, food, sex, relaxation ... ? From my experience, it is all of the above. Every individual is turned on by different focus and achievement.
“If you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with much conviction or passion.” - Mia Hamm
I was travelling last week and had some time to hang out in bars and talk to people (when I wasn't staring at my smartphone). Our conversations were very direct about what motivated us and our goals in business and personal life. I spoke with a former investment banker on the career track to make lots of money. She ended up moving into the non-profit world to help starving children in Africa. What motivated her was obviously not money!
Later in the week, I met a few internet start-up entrepreneurs and was intrigued to hear why they were so enthusiastic about their projects. One start-up hopeful was motivated by the money-making potential of his innovative, industry-altering idea. Just across the room, another was over the top excited about his start-up - not because he was looking at a huge dollar exit but - because he was using his MIT degree to solve big problems with a giant data analysis. He approached his day like a child approaching a giant jigsaw puzzle.
This past weekend was spent with my brother, a school teacher from California. He is a creative type who wants to change the world by helping one kid at a time.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” - Harriet Tubman
I love hearing people share their stories, and you can tell in their voices what really motivates them to get up everyday and make something happen. In many cases, there are people who have not found that true motivation yet. Others find motivation in their hobbies or non-profit boards, rather than in their jobs.
I hope that everyone can listen to people, find out what really excites them, and help them recognize and follow their passion. An introduction, some advice, words of encouragement. There are so many ways that we can help people make great things happen.
"Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it."
- Hardy D. Jackson, Hurricane Katrina survivor
What is your big world goal, and what help do you need to get there? How can you help motivate someone else?
