Motivation

The question came up this week about what motivates you.

Success is an interesting term! It has so many different meaning for different people. Many great athletes are very success in their field, and yet complete failures as mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives. Many would argue that if this the case they are not successful. Many fathers look for financial success at the cost of their families. I'm sure that when they started out their family was number one. My father could be another example: A brilliant man who passed up money to teach. Success can be found on many different levels and yet to understand what motivates us you must understand your personal definition for success.

My personal definition of success for myself or mission statement is something to the following: Always have the time and resources to help others!

I'm convinced that a successful life is being close to lots of people. Life's joy is when we are surrounded by all we love and they are happy, and healthy. Perhaps we need each other to all be happy!

1) I'm motivated by my family heritage. I came from a history of loyalty, love, respect and hard work. A heritage full of successful and great lives all sharing similar principles. Principles that are the essence of this entire blog and my personal search for happiness.

2) My present family- We share a level of morals or ethics. I'm motivated by keeping in good standing with these morals and ethics. Creating a family name that stands for something. And keeping those with whom I share this family name proud that I'm a part of it.

3) My future family- Career, hard work, striving to be obedient to personal standards and moral, saving money, schooling etc are all in in my mind designed to provide the best situation for my posterity. I think at this moment in life I would be happier on a beach in some unknown island surfing and exploring than I am right now working hard, living at my moms house, saving money and driving an old rundown car. And yet I'm motivated to stay in my situation with the hope that 20 from now my situation will be better and allow a better life and situation for my future family...

My personal happiness comes from the word Family. All three dimensions of the "family" bring me joy and motivate me to be better. I am convinced we are all somehow connected!!! Perhaps in some sort of human or spiritual family. Therefore, for me to be truly happy, I need you to be happy. I think I can be a better neighbor, friend, citizen, and person. I can better help and serve my fellowman. The weird part is I know in my heart that even when I help others I too am helped.