Find your motivation

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast.”

–James 1:12 ( NIV)

I noticed the lack of sunshine filtering through my bedroom blinds made me unmotivated to get up and face the day.

There’s nothing like the feeling of motivation. It is critical to our well-being. Like many of you, I’d like to feel motivated every day, but the desire comes and goes, and that’s normal.

I believe motivation is a God created emotion; but staying at it takes some work.

Motivational drive was needed by men and women of ancient times. The prophet Elijah used all his energy reserves to defeat his opponent in a showdown. After days of passionately calling God to bring down some fire from heaven to burn up the wooden idol, God’s lightning struck and his opponent went up in flames. But it wasn’t long before another battle was on the horizon. This time, when Elijah was being chased, he felt fearful and exhausted and went into hiding. He had no motivation left to fight. After napping under a shady tree and eating, his motivation returned.

There are many factors that affect our motivation, and when a boost of motivation is needed it’s important to recognize what motivates you.

Rest and nourishment are two important motivators. God created our minds and bodies for rest. Medical experts advise us to get around eight hours of sleep so we can perform our best. When we’re tired and emotionally drained we can’t think as clearly. In our tired state, we can feel negative and insecure, and lack those positive vibes that motivate us.

Most of us are motivated because of our practical needs, like the necessity of paying the rent. A little love and romance can move us as we fill our heads with thoughts of that exceptional someone.

Special causes or occasions can arouse one’s enthusiasm. Working toward an important goal can keep us moving as well, and turning on an upbeat tune can give us an emotional boost to keep going.

On the flip side, we can't stay motivated all the time or we would burn out. Also during times of grief or medical depression we may need some professional help.

Yet, on any given day, to remain motivated, we should remember to take a break, get some nourishment, shake off negativity and say a little prayer to keep us going.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.