Where Did That Come From

“There is only one success – to spend your life in your own way.” 
- Christopher Morley 

Photo by rightee(cc)

Hey there!  I’m glad you came by.  I was kinda hoping there would be someone around so that I could bounce a few things off of.  Maybe just get them off my chest, not sure at this point.  

What Keeps You Going 

I know, this is already sounding like some thing out of Terms of Endearment, or some horribly depressing chick flick…no..no..wait! Don’t leave.  I’m not bashing chick flicks, just horribly depressing ones.  

Whew, thanks. Take your hand off the mouse.  There we go. Thanks. I mean, who doesn’t like Ghost, right?

Anyway..I’ve kind of had an off day today.  Not overly emotional or anything, though I did almost have a bit of a set back, but, it turned out ok.  And maybe “off” is not the right word I should be using.  The thought that’s been playing hide and seek with me today is where is my motivation?  More specifically, where does it come from?  It has really kind of bugged me a bit.  I think I know where mine comes from, but do I really?

Natural Motivation

Today, during one of my 5 minute stop and listen sessions, I took a second and asked myself, “Scott…”, (you’ve noticed by now I talk a lot to myself huh?) “Scott, what keeps you going?”

I soon began to notice the birds,  I could hear the tiniest bugs, and I wondered about “natural” motivation.  You know, the kind that is just built in to nature.  The kind that birds of the air and beasts of the land have. 

Do we mere humans make this life out to be way more difficult than it really should be?  Is it really as easy as just surviving?  Isn’t that all the birds, dogs, cats, fleas, cockroaches, butterflies, isn’t that their only motivation?  Well, that and mating, but that’s not for this post.  

“Ok..OK..bring it on home Scott…Puhleeaaasss”

I don’t have THE final answer, nor will I probably ever.  I’m not even going to pretend to, but my initial thought was yes.  It should be that easy.  Don’t you think?

I know, I know, animals and rodents live in a tough world of their own.  Having to fight the next bird that comes by for a moth, and those birds issue now seems a bit minor when you compare it to the one the moth is currently undergoing.  And whose to say, that the birds won’t be in the same situation after they’ve eaten the moth, and Mr. Tommy Cat sees Mr Bird?  

Like the animals, we live in a dog eat dog…er….human eat human world.  Yet, how much lack of motivation is brought upon ourselves?  I think our “natural motivation” is just to do what makes us happy.  We are naturally motivated to do the things we want to do.  I am anyway.  Washing dishes…not motivated.  Cleaning the house…not a chance.  Writing this blog?  You better believe it. Couldn’t wait to start.  

No, don’t run out and quit your job.  No, don’t go punch your neighbor because his dog just dumped in your yard.  Both of those would probably make you happy, for a moment.  But is it in our minds that “washing dishes” can’t be fun?  Is it drilled into us that we have to work 1000 hours a week, to be happy?  Is that our motivation?  What is yours?  Where did that come from? 

I’ll probably be pondering this for quite sometime, unless YOU have the answer I’m looking for.

SC