Embracing Growth and Motivation

Today’s a special day for me—it’s my birthday, and as I turn 37, I can’t help but reflect on the rollercoaster ride that’s been the past year. Every year, I jot down some personal insights and plans for the future, and honestly, this year has been a doozy. There’s a lot to unpack, especially when you think about motivation, which, let’s face it, plays a huge role in how we shape our lives. So, what’s really going on here?

Well, this year marked the conclusion of my ambitious Foundations project—a journey that started last year and wrapped up just in time for my birthday. I got to travel to some amazing places like Mexico and North Macedonia, and yes, I ran my first marathon. But more importantly, I’ve found a solid work-life balance that didn’t come easy. With kids in the mix, I’ve softened my ambitions. I’m reminded of a quote I once heard: “At the end of your career, the only people who will remember you worked overtime are your kids.” Ain’t that the truth?

Let’s be honest, the balance we seek in life can sometimes feel like a luxury, especially in today’s chaotic world. I’ve got friends hustling hard in their businesses, some facing tough decisions to downsize. It’s a stark reminder that while hard work and smart moves matter, a sprinkle of good fortune doesn’t hurt either. I’m grateful my work has remained steady, but I’m also painfully aware of how unpredictable this ride can be.

Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

Looking ahead, I’ve got big plans for the upcoming year. I’m launching the second session of my Foundations course and creating a supportive book/journal to accompany it. It’s all about making the journey smoother for my students, and honestly, it’s something I wish I had when I started out. The last thing I want is for my course to feel like a last-minute scramble. But let’s shift gears a bit and talk about motivation. What drives us to get out of bed and tackle hard things?

It’s something I’ve been pondering a lot lately. The reality is, motivation can be a slippery beast. You might be super talented or have all the resources in the world, but if your motivation’s lacking, it’s game over. I’ve come up with this mental model—think of it like a formula: Motivation = Value x Probability x Return on Effort / Distance. Let’s break it down a bit:

1. Value: This is about how much we desire what we’re going after. If you’re gung-ho about a goal, you’re way more likely to chase it down. 2. Probability: How likely is it that your efforts will pay off?

If you believe you can succeed, it fuels your drive. 3. Return on Effort: This is where it gets interesting. Sometimes, we might value something like success, but it feels so far out of reach that it takes a back seat. 4. Distance: The closer a goal feels, the more likely we are to throw ourselves into it. If a deadline looms just around the corner, you’re more likely to kick it into gear.

Real World

Real-World Application. Now, here’s where it gets real: you might find yourself stuck due to not having clear goals. If you’re unsure what you want, that lack of clarity can kill your motivation. It’s like wandering around in a maze without a map. And if those goals aren’t personally meaningful?

Forget it. They won’t inspire you to put in the work. Let’s not gloss over the confidence angle. Sometimes, we simply don’t believe we can do the thing, which can spiral into a cycle of discouragement. If you’ve ever felt this way, start small. Set achievable goals and celebrate those victories, no matter how tiny. And then there’s procrastination—my old frenemy. It’s not always about being lazy or anxious; sometimes, it’s just that the task feels like a mountain to climb. The trick?

Break it down. Make it feel immediate and manageable. If you need to write an essay, just get started on a single paragraph. Trust me, once you get the ball rolling, the momentum can work wonders.

The Road Ahead

As I stand here at 37, I’m excited about what’s ahead. Alongside launching new courses and continuing my running journey—hey, I’m looking at a half marathon in Vancouver!—I’m setting out to read more broadly. I’ve been so focused on specific projects that I’ve missed out on some good books. Let’s face it, life is all about growth. I’m grateful for the support from people like you who keep me inspired to share my experiences. So here’s the bottom line: keep pushing, keep growing, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride. Whether you’re launching a new project or just trying to get through the day, remember that motivation is a puzzle worth solving. So, here’s to another year of lessons learned and goals chased. Let’s keep each other accountable and share in this wild journey together!