Finding motivation and direction in life can be a daunting challenge. When asked what advice he would give to someone struggling in this area, Dave offers a unique and thoughtful perspective. Here’s what he has to say, blending practical steps with a powerful reminder of personal choice and self-worth.

Question: What advice would you give to someone struggling to find motivation and direction in their life?

Dave: The go-to answer would go something like this: 

1. Know your reason why. 

2. Set clear, specific goals aligned with your values. 

3. Understand what is gained and what is lost as a result of reaching your goals.

4. Establish the resources and relationships you need to reach your goals. 

5. Have a vision for what it looks like to achieve your goals. 

All of these are great answers and ones I’m sure I have given and will continue to give. They are part of a continual process we can work on to improve ourselves, should we choose to do so. However, I’d like to point out something else for you to consider. You don’t actually have to do any of this. The fact of the matter is that what you do or don’t do is completely and totally up to you. The choice is always yours to make. Of course, the absence of personal growth comes at a great cost to how we value ourselves. I’m not telling you that it’s not important to grow, only that your growth is completely up to you. You’re the one that sets and lives by the standards for your life. 

As far as we know, this is the only life we have to live, and we don’t need to live it for the approval of others. You don’t need to offer a reason for what you do in this life as long as you’re not doing anything to keep someone from living out their life. There will always be a benefit to showing up, making an effort, and getting back up when you stumble. Know that all positive changes have collateral benefits. Remind yourself that while you’re never going to be perfect in the eyes of others, the imperfections we all have are the very thing that makes us perfectly right for this life. 

I hope that when you struggle with motivation, you can be reminded that the choice is always yours to make. For what it’s worth, not that it’s my place to impose my approval, but I offer you the permission to live your life to the fullest. The permission to fail as many times as you need to learn. To love for the sake of making that your greatest contribution to others without the fear that you won’t be loved back. Most importantly, I want to express to you that you’re worthy of love and joy. Everything else, you best get off your ass and work for it if it’s what you want. The choice is yours!

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