Learning a new language is a prized intellectual skill. We are immediately impressed when we learn that someone is “fluent in several languages.” These multi-lingual people instantly become more interesting. There was a time when I had a decent command of French, but I didn’t nurture the skill. So now, the only French I can muster is asking how someone is doing and whether they’d like to come on a picnic with me. But I do speak one additional language besides English; I speak fluent Marine. Yes, Marines have their own language: skylarking (mischievous behavior); pogey bait (junk food); catwalk (sidewalk); ladder well (staircase); chow hall (cafeteria); ink sticks (pens); garden party (cleaning the grounds of the barracks); and go fasters (tennis shoes). These were all terms that I mastered after landing on Parris Island. There was another word, though, that was constantly in use–“motivation.” Sure, it’s a common enough word and I was familiar with it before the Marines. But during those endless weeks of bootcamp, “motivation” was a mantra, a command, a running chant, an explanation for everything that went right or wrong. (Not much went right, by the way.) The order of the day was always: “Get motivated! Be motivated! Stay motivated!” During basic training and into my active duty years, I grew to appreciate motivation as a chief component of leadership. Leaders get things done, but nothing happens without the inner drive. Simply put, motivation is about getting fired up and staying fired up.
What I’ve learned over the years is that there are two types of motivation: internal fire and external fire. Internal fire is self-motivation. It is the desire and inspiration that springs from inside. Internal motivation is critical because no matter how many people are cheering you on, you’ve still got to run the race. We’re always working to keep the internal fire going. When I was slogging through bootcamp, wondering if death would be an easier way out, I pushed through because I couldn’t stand the thought of being a quitter. When I broke my leg days before graduation and had to stay on Parris Island an extra six weeks, it took every bit of guts that I had to maintain any level of motivation. But it was that internal flame that gave me the conviction to say “I’m not leaving this damn island until I’m a Marine.
External motivation comes from the people around you who encourage your success and elevation. External fire is important because when the internal motivation is waning, outside forces can push you through. This means that we should work to cultivated relationships with people who are interested in seeing us win. But know that the external fire, no matter how bright it burns, can do nothing if there’s no internal light. As it was put to me recently: You have to give a damn. And the people around you have to give a damn. And it has to happen at roughly the same time.
I have a number of projects in full swing, and these days it seems that I’m constantly over-scheduled. “When do I get to do nothing?” I sometimes whine out loud as I scroll through my calendar of deadlines and commitments. We all have those times when the motivation tank is on “E.” Here’s how I get mine full again:
- Call one of my fellow creators/entrepreneurs. Iron sharpens iron, you know. And I have a roster of awesome people who know how to help me re-light the flame. In the Corps we’d ask: “Who motivates the motivator?” My friends, that’s who.
- Focus on how it’s going to feel when all the hard work is done. Few things are more satisfying that seeing check marks in all the little boxes on the list.
- Plan a reward for yourself, once the project is finished. Fantasize about said reward frequently and in detail. My rewards usually are centered around elaborate meals and sparkling wine. I’m thinking of seafood fettuccine and prosecco this very minute.
Mastering self-motivation is a critical skill that stands as a hallmark of good leadership. Make sure that your list of friends includes people who understand your vision and can motivate you toward realizing it. Once the internal and external fires are burning in tandem, you’ll get tasks done and, hopefully, have more time for wine, pasta, and skylarking.
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