The Hustler’s Playbook: How to Be Motivated

There are a lot of speakers who can inspire you, but none that can motivate you. There are also great leaders who can inspire you, but none that can provide you with motivation. You are already motivated, even though that motivation may be directed to things that don’t serve you. The truth of the matter is, you are getting exactly what you are motivated to obtain.

• Want Something: To be motivated, you have to start by wanting something you don’t have. Some will be motivated by money (though not many). Others will be motivated by importance, wanting a certain image, a certain status. Still, others will be motivated by making a difference. If you don’t want something you don’t already have, then you can’t be motivated. Sadly, no one can want something for you enough that it motivates you.
• Be Willing to Pay the Price: Everybody wants something. Wanting something does not make you motivated. If “wanting” was enough, everyone would have everything they want. Being willing to pay the price necessary to have what you want is what makes you motivated. You know someone is motivated when you see them taking action.
• Give Yourself Over to What You Want: Action isn’t enough to prove real motivation. Real motivation requires that you give yourself over to pursuing and acquiring what you want. Motivation means consistent action. It means you dream about what you want when you are sleeping, and wake yourself up to go back to work getting it. Motivation is like being consumed in a flame of desiring something you don’t have.
• Persist Longer Than Expected: Some people only look motivated. The want something. They are willing to pay the price. And, for a short time, they give themselves over to the pursuit. Then, because success isn’t fast coming, they give up, give in, and go home. Real motivation requires an impatient patience. You keep working for what you want, no matter how long it takes.

If you aren’t producing the results you want, you may be motivated by comfort. You might also be motivated by being entertained or distracted. You might be motivated by things that feel like work but produce only busyness. Whatever it is, you are motivated, and that motivation is producing results exactly in line with your efforts.

If you are truly motivated, you will find a way to get what you want. That’s how you know you are motivated.