The Myth of Motivation

Paul Bauer

"Motivation is an external, temporary high that pushes you forward. Inspiration is a sustainable internal glow which *pulls* you forward." - Thomas Leonard

Many years ago, I visited a therapist because I couldn't seem to get my life going - in my career, in my relationships, even the way I felt each morning as I woke up.

Let's listen in on a conversation I had with a therapist who changed my life. His name was Dr. Jensen.

"Hi Doc - how are you doing today?" - I said with a smile.

"I'm fine Paul - how are you"

"Well - I wish I could say great - but that's not the case."

Dr. Jensen was in his late sixties/early seventies and had a kind of a grandfather demeanor - yes a bit older, but so very wise.

He leaned forward and in his older voice said: "So what seems to be troubling you?"

"I answered -"I just can't get myself to get motivated"

"Hmmm...." he said slowly... and I had no idea what he would say next - but a small part of me that felt vulnerable was hoping to hear something comforting - maybe something magical that would "fix me" - if only for a day, or maybe even a week...

Dr. Jensen asked me" "What can't you motivate yourself to do?".

I answered - "I'm having problems with my job - I can't get myself to make cold calls and it really bothers me."

"Ok", he replied in his calm and understanding way - "Why does it bother you".

"Well - I should be able to just make cold calls - and just do them - but I feel torn - I really don't like doing it."

"All right" - So, what got you into sales? In other words - why did you go into sales rather than another field?"

"Uh-oh" - I felt inside - "Now he's really tapping into some primal stuff", but I knew I remember saying to myself that I was committed to getting past this suffering in my life, so I replied:

"Well - I was graduating from college and the job market was a bit tight. I knew I didn't want to be an accountant or a lawyer, or any of the "sit behind a desk jobs" that existed. So I looked to my Dad for advice - and he was always in sales. A sales job seemed simple enough and I was told by many people that I was "good with people", so I chose sales."

Dr. Jensen replied, "So your father was in sales for all his life?" (I knew where he was going - but I trusted him and I continued).

"Yes", I replied...

"And how does he deal with cold calling problems?"

I said to him - "He doesn't seem to have that problem - in fact, he's got so much motivation - he could teach it to people. I've never known anyone who has the kind of motivation and energy that my Dad has."

"No one?" - he replied - "No one" - I said back.

"Hmmm" he said... you could tell he was sensing something now, and my vulnerable feelings were coming to the surface.

"So do you feel you can have that kind of motivation?"

"I don't think so - he's so driven - I don't think I could ever have that much"

He leaned forward and shared one of the most profound lessons with me that I have ever learned in my forty plus years.

"My friend, motivation is not your problem - all you need is focus and direction."

I sat back in my chair and wanted to respond - maybe argue with that wisdom - but I asked him: "What do you mean?"

"Paul - I've helped a lot of people in my times - and if I felt you weren't motivated enough, I'd tell you.

I was flabbergasted.

(By the way the name of his clinic was called "The Institute For Motivational Development").

"Doc - help me understand something here. You're saying motivation isn't my problem? That I need focus?"

He leaned forward in his chair again and said in his gruff old voice: "Yes, focus - and direction."

"Maybe this sales job isn't the one for you" he said.

For a small moment (about 5 seconds) I felt relieved. My "psychic wound" was that I saw my Dad never give up. So that was planted in my subconscious - almost "down to my genes" And that wound boxed me into little traps like:

"If I can't do well in this job and I can't quit, them I'm trapped"

or "If I fail at this project, I can't just let it go".

Letting go was very difficult for me to do back then. But the love from this old fellow - Dr. Jensen, his patience, his consistency - was inspiring to me.

"Paul - find something you enjoy doing, and then focus all that energy you have within you - the rest will take care of itself", he shared with me.

I smiled back at him - knowing deep down that he was right - even though my ego wanted to hear otherwise (try harder, not enough, 6 more months of therapy, etc).

So nothing was really wrong with me? "What a stretch", but I was willing to let go of my preconceived notions of "not being motivated enough" and move forward.

Can you see why I have such a disdain for motivational stuff?

Remember the old quote by William Blake that reads:

    "We've been led to believe a lie,
    when we see with and not through these eyes"

"Old habits die hard" they say...

When we see with old conditioned eyes, we'll see the lack, the problems, and the suffering in our lives.

But when you wake up to your brilliance - your genius within, the feeling is unmistakable - like sitting on the edge of the most inspiring mountain, watching the sun set in the distance...

And you realize that you've been part of creation all the while.

Never separate - never less than powerful and capable of genius and greatness...

And it dawns on you that you have plenty of energy and motivation - all you need is to tune into your inner compass - the direction, the clarity and the passion (love) will spring forth like a waterfall of energy... And when you're ready - it's there within you...

And So It Is...

Our passions are our "homing beacons" that provide us energy and inspiration. I created Dream-Minder because I knew that all any of us really need is something to help us tune back into our inner guidance and authentic power. If you have Dream-Minder, today - take 10 minutes and with new eyes, go through the Dream-Guide and ponder what your true passions are - and what you'd love to create (or be). And share that feeling with people on your Dream Team (Your Mastermind Group). If you don't already have Dream-Minder, join what I call the "Successful Dreamers" in over 72 countries who now realize that your Dreams come from the most sacred part of you. And that inner power is all you really need to feel alive, with clarity, focus and confidence. For more info on Dream-Minder, click here.

For more Paul Bauer articles and resources, click here.

• Affirmations • Creative Visualization • Goal-Setting • Releasing Blocks
• Emotional Intelligence • Prosperity Laws & Principles • Meditation & Life Purpose • Feng Shui for Wealth

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