Motivology Matters

Over the weekend we took our pontoon boat out for a ride. The boat is new to us, we just got it from our in-laws a little over a week ago. When they brought it to us they told us that they had put some gas in it for us. Do you know where I am going with this? Well, we had taken it out a couple times around the lake last weekend and now had it out this Saturday. On the second time around the lake the motor just stopped. I knew immediately what the problem was, we had run out of gas.

There we sat, bobbing up and down on the lake. It was time to assess the situation. Here I was on a pontoon boat in the middle of a lake with my wife and two children (4 and 1). Those of you that have boats are probably aware of the various options you have. First, switch over to the back-up gas tank. Great option, if you have a second tank. Second, use the paddle. (Note to self: purchase paddle for new boat). Third, call a friend who as a boat on the lake. We will be remembering to take cell phones and have some phone numbers on board for future trips. Fourth, put on a life vest, tie a rope to the front of the boat, and start swimming. Yes, it was a nice day for a swim.

As I look back on this adventure I realize that there are several lessons to be learned.

First, do you have enough fuel? In your daily life, in the projects you are doing, do have the fuel, the energy and drive, to keep you moving forward? This is very important. Our daily fuel, what keeps us going, is our passion and desire. Some will want to say it is your motivation, but your motivation is just the why. Motivation is the motor and the motor isn’t going anywhere if you don’t provide with the fuel of ambition. Take time to truly examine your goals to insure that you have the passion and desire to keep moving forward.

Second, are you prepared to paddle? Have you given yourself the tools to assist your forward progress? In our daily lives these tools might be an education or a budget. The tools required are different for each person and each goal. What tools are you using to reach your goal? If you don’t have the tools figure out the tools that you need. If it is an education, get it. If it is clearly defined goals, write them down and/or create a vision board.

Third, is there someone you can call? Do you have a mentor or a trusted advisor you can reach out to when you need help and guidance? You don’t have to go it alone. There are others that have gone before you and can help you. Even if it isn’t a mentor, find others in your industry or similar industries that can provide assistance and knowledge. It is always good to have someone out there that will support you when you need it and congratulate you when you are doing great.

Fourth, are you ready to swim? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to succeed? When you look at your goals you need to be committed to reach them. You need to change your language from “I want” or “I wish” to “I WILL”. You have to have the commitment to keep moving forward no matter what. You can’t just sit around and float hoping that you will reach your goal. You have to take action.

The fifth lesson to be learned here, in a way, comes from my four year old. As we were about half way to shore he came to the front of the boat and looked at me and very sincerely asked “Dad, when are we going to get to where we are going?”. The lesson here is to clearly define your destination and the timeline. Things do not happen overnight. They take time. If, however, you know where you are going and know that it is going to take you some time to get there you are more likely to succeed. Take time at the start of every day to review your destination and your plan to get there and at the end of the day take time to review your progress.

The final lesson is that when you take action and help yourself others will be willing to help you. Shortly after my son asked his question another boat came along and asked if we needed some help. If we had just sat on the boat drifting along there would have been no indication that we needed assistance. The fact that I was in the water dragging the pontoon behind me indicated that I was either working out or that the boat broke down. With this gentleman’s help instead of getting the boat to shore, we actually got towed to our final destination.

As you go through your day, keep these lessons in mind. Check your fuel level, have the right tools, don’t do it alone, be prepared to do what it takes, clearly define what it takes to get where you are going, and do not expect anyone to help you unless you are willing to first help yourself.