Why does it matter? Why am I doing it? These are the most powerful question you can ask yourself. Without a good enough answer you will struggle with lack of motivation, even depression. The good news is you can save months of frustration and heartache by focusing your attention on just one idea.
The Japanese call it IKIGAI. Ikigai means that which makes life worth living. What would you crawl over broken glass, risk your life, and give up everything for?
When you know the answer to this question everything else is simple. Motivation is never a question. The bigger your Ikigai, the more motivation you will have. But how do you find your Ikigai?
For many people, the answer is simple. It's their spouse, their parents, their children, their grandchildren. Look closely. Motivation is not a problem, long range plans are clear, and action steps are gladly taken.
But it is the rest of us who struggle. The problem seems to be lack of motivation, but the real problem is not having Ikigai.
In my life, I have had two opportunities to learn about Ikigai. The first was easy. I had the opportunity to qualify to compete in the Olympic Games in rowing. Just the challenge, self pride, and adventure of the concept was more than enough for me to do unthinkable amount of physical training and personal sacrifice. It was amazing.
The other opportunity occurred after a car accident. My body was smashed, and brain injured. My world turned upside down in so many ways. I curled myself into a fetal ball in the middle of my living room and for two years contemplated these questions: What is the truth? What does this all mean? Give me one good reason to stay here on Earth.
I teetered on the edge of suicide. I felt first hand the importance of needing to know Ikigai: That which makes life worth living. I had no spouse, children or parents to consider. Thank God for the dog. At least he needed me to take him for a walk.
One day a friend commented: Just think of all you will learn from this experience that you teach others. Bingo! Ikigai! I finally knew what made my life worth living again. Even though it took 10 years of crawling over broken glass to get back on my feet, I knew exactly why it was worth doing. I had Ikigai.
Without guidance you can squander precious resources and get lost. So be sure to find your Ikigai first. If you do, the speed with which your fist success will come may completely surprise you.
Linda_Schaumleffel
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