Photo credit: Helene Anne Fortin

Motivation comes cloaked in many disguises. Some of us can recognize it with little effort; others, not so much. I’ve learned over the years that I’m motivated by discomfort. If my gut is screaming that I’m on the wrong path, I’ll do everything in my power to get off of it. I’m also motivated by naysayers.

Oh, you know them. They walk among us with their noses held high and their spirits kept low. Actually… I love them. In fact, I can’t get enough of them, because they light a fire within me that mirrors an olympic flame.

Go ahead. Think that I can’t do it. Think it’s a passing phase. Tell me I’m making a fool of myself. That’s right, believe it and stoke the embers.

And it’s not so much that I need to prove them wrong. It’s more that they’re a physical manifestation of self-doubt, and I’m determined to prove myself right.

I’ve been asked on more than one occasion how to achieve self-esteem. It’s solely by doing the things that impress yourself; not others. If you think you can’t do something, get off your butt and try. When you succeed – and, in most cases you will – you’ll feel like you can climb Everest, and the opinion of others won’t amount to squat.

Do a little research. Figure out what motivates you, but don’t expect your motivation to present itself cloaked in joy. Instead, be alert to the fact that it may drive you to it.