We might say, “I’m fixin to.” In our mind’s eye, it is not yet action, but it’s more than a lingering thought. It is the mental preparation and gathering of our energy. Motivation is present here as we prepare to step forward. There is a moment before action, a gateway where clarity gathers.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, motivation is the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. It is the general desire or willingness of someone to do something. Motivation is often cloaked in excitement or adrenaline. It is the alignment of external energy with internal values. It is the fuel that translates vision into momentum. With it, intention becomes a call to action.
We all know what motivation is. Some people’s motivation is overflowing, and others struggle to get out of bed in the morning. People who are motivated have a reason to get out of bed. They open their eyes with a plan, knowing what they are going to do and why.
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
Motivation stems from both inner and outer forces that influence our decisions. Joy, curiosity, and the satisfaction of personal growth, such as learning a new skill, sustain intrinsic motivation. Our actions are meaningful because the movement feels meaningful. Exercising because it feels good, or it is fun. We know it makes us healthier, but it is not always the healthy aspect that makes us want to exercise.
Throughout my life, my intrinsic motivation to exercise has been driven by a desire to dance, run races, roller skate, or the pure joy of walking. The feeling of movement makes me feel alive. Intrinsic motivation is also reading a book for pleasure and not for a class. Learning how to play an instrument because you love the challenge. Our intrinsic motivation may be driven by our passions.
Intrinsic Motivation: How Internal Rewards Drive Behavior, by Kendra Cherry
Intrinsic Motivation Explained: 10 Examples & Key Factors, by Maike Neuhaus, Ph.D.
Extrinsic motivation is external. The motivation comes from receiving rewards, recognition, meeting deadlines, or fulfilling social obligations. All of which can push us forward toward action. We are motivated by these compelling forces, but they often fade once we have won the prize or met the social obligation.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: Implications in School, Work, and Psychological Well-Being, by Elaine Bontempi
Harnessing your motivation is about intentional living; it involves balancing both. External motivation can provoke momentum; however, our intrinsic motivation sustains it.
Preparing for movement
Question yourself: What will aid my preparation for the movement? Planning and resources alone are not enough for preparation. It is also about preparing your emotional and mental resources to reach your vision. It could be a ritual, journaling, prayer, or a morning walk. Sometimes it is the visual reminder, a quote on your wall, a keepsake that anchors your values. Preparation is the art of reminding yourself why the vision matters.
Choosing your path
Motivation answers the question, What path will I take? The journey is not always a straight line. It sways, shifts, and sometimes repeats. But motivation keeps you moving forward. Choosing your journey means coordinating your daily actions with your beliefs and values, so that each step feels like progress. It has to have some meaning to you.
Sustaining the spark
Finally, motivation asks: How will I keep myself moving toward the vision? Motivation is not a single spark. Right now, motivation is key, and this series will focus on discipline later. Celebrate your small wins. Revisit your vision often. Surround yourself with reminders of why you began. When your motivation dips, your values can revive your drive.
Motivation is the step between clarity and movement. It is when “I’m fixin to” becomes “I’m doing.” As you prepare for 2026, let this spark guide you. Care for it, direct it, and allow it to guide you to the discipline and consistency that will support your dream.
Final Thoughts
Motivation is an internal and external force in our daily choices and success. Doing something for internal rewards (joy, passions) as opposed to doing something for external rewards (money, grades, avoiding punishment).
Extrinsic motivation is essential to our material and financial successes. Intrinsic motivation is more sustainable than extrinsic motivation, which is based on rewards. It develops into greater focus, clarity, creativity, and perseverance, which support our happiness and mental health.
The reward comes from the activity itself. The joy of playing music, building something, or traveling to a new place. We gain a sense of control over our choices and actions. We are driven by a genuine desire to learn or explore.
Intentional living is about managing ourselves and finding balance. Extrinsic motivators generate momentum, where intrinsic ones sustain it. When we align external goals with inner values, discipline transforms from a necessity into enthusiasm, and progress becomes deeply fulfilling.
Motivation can be the driving force behind achieving our goals. According to James Clear, a self-growth author, it can be unpredictable and short-lived. Michele Schaefer’s book, Rewiring Your Brain for Happiness and Success, states that while motivation can change based on our mood, environment, and circumstances, discipline is the ability to stick to a plan or routine regardless of how we feel.
Stay focused; become your own cheerleader.
December 19’s blog will be about discipline. Follow me. I post every Friday at 3:00 p.m.
Recommended Reading
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
Rewire Your Brain for Happiness and Success: A Neuroscientist’s Step-By-Step Approach to Master Your Mind, Transform Your Life, and Achieve Your Highest Aspirations, by Michele Schaefer
MINDSET SHIFT to SELF-TAUGHT MOTIVATION: How to Find Your Drive to Break Bad Habits, Overcome Obstacles & Establish a Successful Path Forward, by Peyton Brooks
Master Your Motivation: A Practical Guide to Unstick Yourself, Build Momentum and Sustain Long-Term Motivation (Mastery Series), by Thibaut Meurisse
Motivation Myth Busters: Science-Based Strategies to Boost Motivation in Yourself and Others (APA LifeTools Series), by Wendy S. Grolnick, Benjamin C. Heddy, Frank C. Worrell
Citations
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