subject: Motivation And Purpose - A Lesson From Nazi Germany [print this page] Why is one person so motivated and driven, another not, even if given similar life circumstances? Is it an external driving force or something that is internal and natural?
TAMMY- Having struggled since pre teen years with being over weight and unfit why had I just not eaten less and exercised more, conquered that deficit I am told is all I need to lose weight?
Is that all that's needed to loose weight, get fit and maintain it for the long term?
There have been times where I've started a program and even finished a few, some got me close to my numerical weight goal, increased my fitness level, and gave a big boost to my self esteem, but none seemed to have staying power and I would eventually loose motivation.
THOR - I suspect that a lot of people assume that motivation is something separate, a kind of happy 'mood disorder' which comes over you and allows you to; get fit, go to the gym, and stay strong in the face of temptations?
This sounds familiar, and a lot like the good aspects of that underrated concept, discipline to me!
Motivation is something which sounds positive and yet negative circumstances can lead to huge motivated actions.
For example look at those who have survived concentration camps, or torture, and written about it afterwards.
These people have amazing stories of motivation and survival and when I read these accounts, (*Read Dr Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning) I am in awe, and even doubt myself and my motivation?
Many people throughout history have resisted torture, and yet kept vital information to themselves for example, now where does that level of motivation spring from?
Some people accuse me of being motivated just because I train regularly and hop out of bed before five most days... I say big deal!
Let's contrast this to Viktor Frankl deciding to crawl out of his wooden bunk in a death camp and go out to treat, love and care for the other camp inmates in his capacity as a Doctor - when his family had been gassed.
That is a motivated human being.
For people in those camps in his position, there was no obvious hope on the horizon, they didn't know the whole thing was going to end in 1945. They didn't have BBC news to cheer them up and help with motivation...
They dealt with brutal torture, the murder of their children and husbands or wives all around them. Who can say they could have maintained a positive or "motivated" outlook in this situation?
Yet, as Frankl says, paradoxically, if you didn't, you probably died.
Frankl concluded that life has no inherent purpose.
So for his motivation it was crucial to him that he created a purpose for himself, then decided to live that purpose every day, no matter what.
TAMMY - So, the initial positive feelings may fade, but the key is to ensure this fade is temporary, refocus on your internal purpose, and 'decide' to keep going.
THOR - Frankl certainly felt that the key to motivation is in the decision.
TAMMY - If I'm doing something I love or believe in it will be easier than using negative thoughts and "forcing" myself to complete an activity I do not enjoy.
I guess I need to understand that good results aren't going to be immediate. That's a tough concept to grasp. We all want immediate results today, and we give up if it doesn't happen straight away! We consider our internet connection faulty if a site takes 5 seconds to load!
So having a focus or purpose other than a number, oddly enough seems to be motivating, because the number will not be seen immediately but the feeling of fun or satisfaction are immediate and ongoing.
THOR - Yes, It is incredible how many people have a 'number' when it comes to their weight, and its like a magic number, the so called 'Ideal weight'?
Now, I'm not saying that can't be motivating, it's just that for a lifelong fit, slim and healthy result, enjoyment of the activities themselves and processes of eating a certain way - even having an overall 'self determined purpose' might be a key?
TAMMY - The satisfaction and pride I've felt when I've completed my one daily workout is gradually becoming more important and compounding.
I'm getting joy out of having energy, being strong and knowing I've done all I can to be around for as long as I can for my kids.
I've realised that the enjoyment of what I'm doing is more important than any other aspect of a great life, because without enjoyment and satisfaction all motivation will fade.
Viktor Frankl can be found on youtube or read "Man's Search For Meaning".com
