Hi Team. Guess what? Can’t tell you. But I can (and will) on Monday. I have some big(ish) news to share with you. I’m a smidge excited. It involves a hundred of you getting something (awesome) for nothing. I wanna tell you but apparently I can’t make an announcement on a Friday. Apparently. Pfft. Some kinda lame-arse ‘Johnnie rule’. Johnnie Schmonnie. No wonder I’m his only friend.
Who Motivates the Motivator?
That’s a good question isn’t it? In fact, it’s probably one of the questions I am most often asked. Along with….
(1) Why aren’t you married?
(2) How can I get a smaller arse?
(3) Can I have a job?
(4) How can I get a smaller arse?
(5) Do you own any other pants?
(6) How can I get a smaller arse?
(7) How can I become a highly-paid speaker in three months?
(8) How can I get a smaller arse?
All good questions. 
We’re All Motivators
When you think about it, we’re all motivators at some stage of our journey. If you’re a manager, parent, teacher, trainer, business-owner, coach or even a (garden variety) friend, then one of your roles will be to motivate people in your world to do (or perhaps, not do) certain things. As parents, we motivate our kids to live productive, passionate and positive lives. As bosses, we motivate our staff to reach performance targets. As teachers, we motivate our students to learn. As sporting coaches, we motivate our athletes towards winning or, at the very least, improving performance. As friends, we motivate those we care about to make smart decisions and to take care of themselves. And as trainers, we motivate people towards maximising their physical potential and embracing healthy habits and behaviours.
Yep, we’re all motivators.
The Messiah of Motivation
One of the challenges of being a Performance Coach, Motivational Speaker and Personal Development writer (I apologise for the wanky-ness of those terms – I didn’t invent them) is that it’s often assumed (by some) that I’m Captain Fantasmo all day, every day. The Messiah of Motivation. A self-help cyborg – of sorts. Fortunately for me (and you), I’m no cyborg. I experience all the regular emotional peaks and troughs and, to my knowledge, I am mostly human. Although, some might dispute that. Naturally, I have days where I feel more or less inclined to be Captain Super Duper and, natch, there’s the odd occasion when I feel compelled to consume my own bodyweight in cheesecake and/or poke the rude man at the checkout in the eye with a pencil.
There have been many times when I‘ve been minutes away from walking onto a stage to motivate and educate a group (that’s the plan anyway) and, for one reason or another, I haven’t ‘felt’ particularly motivated myself. The unmotivated leading the expectant. So to speak. Nonetheless, I have not allowed a momentary emotional state or feeling to impede what I was there to do or how I did it.
A Challenge
My biggest (recent) challenge was last year when one of my best friends passed away in a tragic accident – along with his two sons. The day of their funeral, I was booked for a speaking gig at one o’clock. The engagement had been in place for nearly a year and I was the only (professional) speaker at the conference. The funeral was at eleven o’clock. I reasoned that the service would be finished by twelve and I would have an hour or so to get to my gig, have a coffee and focus myself.
Good in theory.
At twelve-forty I was still sitting in the church with tears streaming down my face. So much for my plan. I arrived at the speaking venue three minutes late and took a further five minutes to get myself in a better ‘place’ before walking into the building. I apologised to the group, explained where I had been and what I was feeling (I wouldn’t normally do that but it was an exceptional situation and it seemed appropriate at the time). To my surprise, my open-ness and honesty paved the way for a very productive, positive and passionate session with the audience.
If nothing else, going from a friend’s funeral to a corporate presentation certainly provided an unexpected level of perspective and insight. While the session certainly wasn’t a loud, fist-pumping, high-fiving extravaganza (like I ever do those), our time together certainly proved to be a valuable, productive and enjoyable one.
What Leads to Lasting Change?
I guess when some people hear the term ‘motivation’ they visualise something that has a ‘Ra Ra’ element to it. For me, the Ra Ra approach has never been the way to go; either on a professional (my presentations and programs) or personal level. It’s been my observation that (as a rule) the chest-thumping, tear-inducing, emotion-fest rarely leads to life-long transformation. Sure, some people (very few) will have a ‘moment’ and their life (thinking, behaviour, habits, reality) will change forever in one day but for the majority, genuine change is something which happens progressively over time. Often, a long time. For most of us, transformation is not so much an event as it is an ongoing journey. A conscious, methodical and intentional process.
I think a better (more suitable) question for me is not, ‘who’ motivates me but, rather, ‘what’ motivates me. And perhaps a better term than ‘motivates’ would be ‘keeps me focused, grounded and proactive’. In my mind, the term ‘motivation’ typically represents a temporary emotional state. That is, something that (for most of us) comes and goes on a regular basis. “Last week I was in the zone, this week I can’t be bothered.” That’s what ‘motivation’ represents to many people.
So, what keeps me focused, grounded and proactive? Five things:
1. Perspective and Awareness. Compared to the vast majority of people living on the planet, I have almost zero problems and typically experience no (real) hardship. I am always mindful of this. I have nothing to complain about. Nor do I have any desire to complain.
2. Gratitude. My life is fantastic and I am eternally grateful for what I have been given. I am extremely fortunate to be in the position I am: sociologically, physically, financially, emotionally, practically and even, geographically – I happen to live in a great country.
3. Hunger and Curiosity. I am driven to learn, to explore and to develop what I’ve been given. I can’t change how much potential or inherent talent I have but I can totally determine what I do with it. I have a desire to be a positive influence in the lives of others and this website is a part of that.
4. Responsibility. I feel I have a responsibility to serve and to contribute to the greater good. Yep, it sounds fluffy but it’s what I believe. As a model for life, selfishness doesn’t work. Just take a look at our selfish world. I feel I have a responsibility to appreciate, value and use what I’ve been given, what I know and what I can do (with what I’ve been given).
5. Choice. I also stay focused, grounded and proactive by choice. I choose to be a disciplined, motivated and positive person. I choose to find the good. I choose to celebrate and appreciate. I choose to learn. And I choose to get uncomfortable and go where the lessons are.
Having said all of that, I am (and have been) inspired by many people. Some I’ve known personally, some not. For me, inspiration (unlike motivation) is something that dwells deep within and keeps my fire burning. For me it’s a (more) permanent thing, not a momentary thing. And for me, it’s a heart thing, not a head thing.
But that’s just me.
Some Questions for Your Consideration…
1. Who or what motivates (or inspires) you?
2. Who do you motivate?
3. What does (the term) motivation mean in your world?
4. How do you keep doing what you need to (to achieve your goals) when you lose motivation?
5. Is motivation necessary for success… or just handy (when it’s there)?
6. If motivation isn’t necessary (to succeed), then what is?
7. How do you motivate others (any advice, tips, secrets)?
*Answer as many (or few) questions as you like… or simply share your thoughts on the post 
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Good stuff Craig !
xo Leanne
I loved this post … especially the end when you talk about ‘What Leads to Lasting Change’. As always, thanks ()
I still think as i have ranted on here for months that the biggest motivator is, keeping in mind culture, society, morals, legal etc….but… to ignore everyone including hubby dear or wife or anyone when they tell you you cannot do x or y. Even if you said I am going to invent a magic carpet which is unrealistic (then again who can say we may not have one of those one day look at what has been invented) you try anyway.
1. In no particular order:
The amazing Jessica Watson – the girl who is nearly home from sailing around the world solo, unassisted. YOU ROCK JESSE!
My coach, Jason Shortis – who has just completed his 50th ironman triathlon in South Africa. He’s a great guy and has a lot of time for me.
Lance Armstrong. Lance the cancer survivor as well as Lance the Tour de France champ.
‘Fezza’ – a friend I am yet to meet in person. She is on a triathlon forum I read, and she’s battling cancer right now. She’s entered Ironman Western Australia. I’ve entered too and I WANT TO BE THERE WHEN SHE CROSSES THE LINE! Fight like you’ve never fought before babe. ELMO LOVES YOU and so do I
My precious family – Mum, Dad and my brother. They are all my rock. It’s only because of them that I am here. They have done so much for me, for so long that I don’t know how I could ever thank them. They’ve been there through my ups and downs and the ‘blah’ times.
1. Perspective and Awareness
2. Gratitude
Both paragraphs copied into my notebook. Thank you!
(and I also “happen to live in a great country” (Canada)
Everyday people inspire me … the ones who get out there and just do it! Those who follow their dreams, ignore what others say, those who smile!
Jules, sorry to hear about Fezza …. did PT course with her and your news was quite the surprise!!!
1. Who or what motivates (or inspires) you? Sounds really gay but my HP…. as well as knowing where I have been …..I am also motivated to Never Ever have the life I have had before… I have to keep moving.,. I am motivated to try and be my best soI can make a difference.. this is the main different between a coach and an instructor – one does it with you, the other tells you.. I know earlier in life I asked gym women for help and NO one would help me… very sad……
2. Who do you motivate? (who really knows)… I motivate my classes at the gym, my team at work, one of my Directors, other girls that go to the gym, people at work… and ex drug addicts… or people with eating disorders.. or what they may perceive as this..
3. What does (the term) motivation mean in your world? Motivation is the decision that no matter what you will… do.. it is desire.. it is drive.. it IS not some temproary feeling of excitement! People often get the two mixed up. If you are driven to achieve something you will… NO matter what.. but if YOU are not driven then chances are it will fall to the way side.
4. How do you keep doing what you need to (to achieve your goals) when you lose motivation? Well because motivation is based on a decision you dont loose it… I might NOT feel like doing it… but I go on.. trudging trusting that GOD is way TOOO PATIENT…. in the time he takes to give the gifts… hehe!
You just do the motion.. that is part of motivation it is not temporary people
5. Is motivation necessary for success… or just handy (when it’s there)? Necessary.
6. If motivation isn’t necessary (to succeed), then what is? n/A
7. How do you motivate others (any advice, tips, secrets)?
Haha you probably know them all.. Read them, everyone has a motivation/make up… what drives one, closes another down.
If I am going to teach and don’t feel like it .. I just say Kate this saved your life.. GIVE IT…
Old people who are hunched over walking down the street, they motivate me to take my calcium tablets and to do weights
My size 10 jeans motivate me to do exercise everyday, I love how they fit and how I feel in them.
My friends, my peers, my husband, all inspire and motivate me to be a better version of myself.
Celebrities also motivate me, gordan ramsy just ran the london marathon, as did richard branson, (with all the money they have, they still have to have the self discipline and determination to be fit and healthy)
i don’t know how you do it…if every second question someone asked me was ‘How do I make my arse smaller’ I think I’d be clocking everyone in the face and screaming at them to stop eating. lol
I have recently (last 2 days) motivatied myself to get back into running purely by focusing on myself for once and not worrying about everyone elses dramas/tragedies. Trying to make everyone else right made me feel very very wrong. So I would say sometimes it is alright to make everything about you. (Huge realisation for the worlds biggest people pleaser)
and no Craig…I don’t reckon you do own another pair of pants.
Dear Craig,
ear.
I am so sorry to hear about your friend’s passing. If it just so happens that you lose focus and motivation then I think that everyone would understand-or expect, this.
With regard to the questions that you posed:
1. People like yourself motivate me as they make me see the truth behind the many lies that I am living and have lived.
2. I try to motivate others. Such is the case when you feel like you cannot chenge anything about yourself but are more than willing to try and help out everyone else.
3. I am afraid that the term ‘motivation’ has become synonomous with ‘progress’ in my world. It mean to have the energy and the up and go to do the best that you can and should each and every day.
4. When I lose motivation I find it hard to keep going. I try self talk and rational thinking-which sometimes gets me into trouble really. I look to others and I try to read more. To tell you the truth the articles that you write tend to motivate me the most but sometimes I am scared to read them as I know of their effect and therefore of the consequent behaviour which I must institute.
5. I think that motivation is necessary for everything. This might be the wrong way of thinking but at least I’ve progressed from thinking that it’s somebody elses job to motivate and inspire me to assigning that task to myself.
6. Other things that I think are necessary for success are passion, desire, support from others, ambition and dreams.
7. I motivate others by being empathic, understanding and supportinve. There is always the tendency to try and project what you would do unto others but when you get down to the cracks of it it is essential that you regard the person as an entity that deserves to make their own choices. Some tips are to LISTEN and HEAR what others are saying. I believe that most of the time people are capable of making their own decisions but just need an extra push or just a friendly
Oh and buy the way “How ca I get a BIGGER arse?”
Great topic, has made me think
The term “motivated” for me tends to conjure up starry eyed evangelicalism about what I want to achieve. Athough, it’s a temporary state that can get me started, it’s an attitude of “just do it” or “don’t have to like it to do it” that gets me through the toughest day to day, this is sooo boring times
Hi there
I think without realising it I motivate others through talking the talk, being active, eating healthy most of the time, riding my bike to work, being passionate about health and fitness. Allot of people ask me for advice on losing weight and general fitness stuff. Some people have said remember when you said such and such that really helped me – and I can’t remember saying that and think Geez was that really me!
Continually setting new and challenging goals and achieving them motivates my friends and family to try as well. I say if I can run a 21km race than anyone can.
Motivation – to be and stay motivated you need to focus on the overall goal. You feel so much better if you just do it!! Get out of bed early, go for a swim when the water is cold it feels great! etc.
Queensland has a PH on monday so will have to catch the news Tuesday!!
Hi Craig, I believe one really GREAT advantage you have had is when you say you really have zero problems compared to others. I was always a teacher,a mother,a wife and great motivator for myself and others but when I ended up in a burn out situation I felt the ‘motivation’ part of me also died.
I believe motivation is also governed by how things pan out for you. You can keep trying, pushing but if you keep hitting a wall it sometimes because hard to stay motivated or standing.
A motivator will get up again and keep forcing their way through. But what happens when the motivator losers their strength (because of a crisis/incident) and they don’t have a motivator there for them.
It took me a while to stand again and in finding the ‘motivator’ within me was really really hard. I searched for motivational people and material to help me.
Everyone needs to have some type of motivation within themselves so we are all able to learn to help each other instead of always being the one depended on.
What will always inspire me is the endless beauty of nature.
It is the guiding force behind my lifestyle and philosophy.
What motivates me? ‘I want you to create amazing everyday of your life’
What do you do when you lose motivation? Sometimes i shrink into my shell and do nothing. Other times i suck it up and do it no matter how bad i think i am doing.
Is motivation necessary for success? No. Tough times don’t last; tough people do.
How do i get motivated? light your pants on fire then go for a run
Although I think of motivation as a “motive” for “action” I can imagine that inspiration is the more driving force.
Doesn’t the meaning of inspiration come from the breath of life-inspire?
Anyway, with my kids I motivate with encouragement, positive reinforcement, hugs, and occasionally candy.
Craig, that was quite an experience you described. Hard to imagine being in that position.
xo
Happy weekend!
Who or what motivates (or inspires) you? My heart. And those rare individuals who understand it.
Who do you motivate? I didn’t think I did. Then someone told me recently that they find me inspiring because they’ve seen that when I know there’s a change to be made in myself or my life I jump in and grab it by the horns and go for the journey, and with what I have and haven’t had happen in my life the fact that I still love to live and learn and grow amazes her. Being the person who has always been on the ‘outer’ – it was really touching to hear that I had given something positive to someone else quite accidentally by just being me.
How do you keep doing what you need to (to achieve your goals) when you lose motivation? When I know in myself that something needs to be done, there is a tiny (but sometimes gut wrenchingly powerful) little force inside me that does not let me stop or ignore it. Odd sounding I know, but it’s always been with me.
Beautiful post Craig xx
This is terrific as usual. What inspires me and keeps me motivated. When we choose Love Success and wealth will always follow.
Hey Craig !
What motivates me is people like my dear (internet) friend of 15 years, a lovely gentleman from Sweden who passed away on Tuesday after a 20 year battle with just about every type of cancer I’ve ever heard of. He fought each bout valiantly and with enormous positivity, and dedicated his website to detailing everything in hopes of helping others in similar situations.
But at 78 years of age, his frail body finally gave out on him, and to make it even harder on his family, his wife passed away the very next morning. They will be sadly missed.
Another great source of motivation for me is Nick Vujicic, “No arms, no legs, no worries”…. http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
{{HUG}}
Tina
Craig,
Again a gem of an article from the Guru….this has to go down as the best of the best.
I think you have summed up motivation in one line – “Nonetheless, I have not allowed a momentary emotional state or feeling to impede what I was there to do or how I did it” – now that to me is what motivation is all about. It is about doing things that are important (to you and everyone around you) and needs to be done anyway no matter how you are feeling. It is something along the lines of falling into the non negotiable list of things to do. I feel drenched in my own sweat and can feel my heart throbbing at million miles an hour before I am about give a speech or speak in public for that matter. No matter how difficult it is or how uncomfortable I feel I still do it realising this has to done no matter what seeing I represent my team and company when I do so.
Thanks mate you rock my world!
Live, Laugh, Love and Learn,
Dhillon
Again, a great piece. Touching, brutally honest and thought provoking.
My motivation is keeping in mind the emotions behind my goals. They are the driver of action not the goal itself. Want to lose weight? It isn’t the weight you want to lose it is the affection of your wife. Want more money? It isn’t the money you want, it is the security or freedom of choice it will give.
Keeping the emotion loud and proud drives me every damn day.
Harv
Hi Craig
I just found your site through an article you wrote for lifehacker. I LOVE your writings and will definitely be back.
Thank You for your honesty and for being so authentic, real, profound and humorous at the same time.
Regards
3. Hunger and Curiosity. I am driven to learn, to explore and to develop what I’ve been given. I can’t change how much potential or inherent talent I have but I can totally determine what I do with it. I have a desire to be a positive influence in the lives of others and this website is a part of that.
I wanted to put up a story regarding this after revisiting the board on one of my breaks while I read 30 papers!
I was in a virtual meeting with other students yesterday and I was asked how I was going. When I had said that to date I had read every single paper I was greeted with ‘you have no life” and “you are being foolish”. Instead of getting offended and worrying about being the butt of jokes, I went ok, and trotted off to read more of the fascinating articles students had written. Later, on another chat line, my ex friends called me my new name “Greenpeace” as I’m as fat as a whale. I returned to the paper reading not really that phased.
So the point is I will be the one to determine how far I will go in learning. I don’t apologise for wanting to learn both formally and informally and seeking it. People don’t like that, that’s fine, so I left them to their moaning about how hard things were to read on screen and in the other chat channel how I can rot in hell forever. I just brushed it off and I had not been able to be so dismissive in a long time of negativity. Craig you have taught me well. Thanks.
please helpme to get motivated. I need to get things accomplish