Being driven is quite different to being motivated.
Motivation is something which is described as extrinsic, which means we are influenced by the external rewards we might get. Whereas 'drive' on the other hand is intrinsic, it comes from a desire to deepen our knowledge or ability to something.
For example we can feel motivated to to go and play tennis when we watch Wimbledon. Or perhaps the motivation to do something is for the praise or rewards we might receive. But deciding to make a more permanent lifestyle change requires a different approach. This comes from a deeper internal perspective.
Whilst looking into this I read a really interesting piece on the Forbes website by a leading property expert in USA who explains why it's important to identify the differences between the two and how it can help us ultimately 'live a more full filling life'.
Ryan McGrath writes,
Common examples of what fuels motivation include wealth, reputation, or a sense of duty. While these factors influence decisions and action, they aren’t typically tethered to a higher purpose. Alternatively, intrinsic motivation is closely related to personal drive. When it comes to intrinsic motivation, the reward is the activity itself. For example, you may learn a new language because you like experiencing new things, not because your job requires it. This internal drive produces personal satisfaction or a sense of fulfillment when achieving goals—ultimately attaching oneself to a greater purpose and generating lasting results.
Here's the piece if you want to read more.
So in other words motivation alone can wane. If we can look at ourselves straight in the mirror deep inside our soul, we realise it's down to us. Only we can make decisions to change.
Life can often feel unfair and we can sometimes feel like we have no control but I feel this isn’t necessarily the case.
I feel if we believe that we are in control, then we have the power to change things for the better. For me this this is the difference between feeling motivated to something which may fade and making more permanent positive changes with an internal desire to drive.
The key is being prepared to put in the effort and enjoy the learning process.
It's the main message in the Bhagavad Gita 2.47 which I've referred to many times before. 'Being present to the journey', rather than the end result. And 'your duty to do the work'.
In other words it's the 'internal drive which produces personal satisfaction, or a sense of fulfillment' to the process, rather than the rewards, praise, or end result we hope to get.
To read more see this link. https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/chapter/2/verse/47
We are all on a 'journey' of which none of know the outcome. But being present to each step of the way is as important as it is realising it is all on us.
So, maybe it's something to think about at the start of September, a new season, and you're resetting intentions.
DRIVE.
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