How to find your true motivation? Motivation is what makes us get out of bed in the morning, go towards our goals and achieve results. But here’s the problem: sometimes we just don’t know what we really want. It happens that we seem to be moving forward, but still feel empty. Or, on the contrary, we constantly put off important things because we don’t see the point in them.
How to find your true motivation? The one that will energize you, and not just force you to do what “must be done.” Let’s figure it out.
What is true motivation?
There are two types of motivation:
External – when we are pushed by circumstances, other people’s expectations or rewards. For example, studying for a grade, working for a salary, sports for a beautiful body.
Internal – when we do something because we really want it. This is what brings pleasure and a sense of meaning. For example, you write poetry because you like the process itself, and not because you are waiting for a reward.
True motivation is about internal drive. This is what gives strength even in difficult moments.
Step 1: Understand your desires
Often people think that their motivation is what they “should” do. But if you remove the word “should” and ask yourself the honest question: “What do I really want?” – you may find that you are going in the wrong direction.
Exercise: “My True Desires”
Take a piece of paper and divide it into two columns.
In the first column, write what you really want (even if it seems stupid or weird).
In the second column, write what you want “because that’s the way it’s done.”
For example:
✅ I want to study art because I like drawing.
❌ I want to become a lawyer because my parents think it’s prestigious.
Look at the list. Is there anything on it that you’re not doing for yourself? Maybe you’re living by someone else’s expectations?
Step 2: Find what gives you energy
Motivation and energy are two related things. If an activity fills you with energy, it means it is really important to you.
Exercise: “What gives me energy?”
Think of 3-5 moments in your life when you felt inspired and full of energy. What were you doing at that moment?
Maybe you were speaking in public, writing stories, working in a team? These moments are clues to your true motivation.
Step 3: Define your values
Motivation is closely related to what is important to us. For example, if freedom is the most important thing for you, then working in a strict office will quickly “eat up” your energy.
Exercise: “My Main Values”
Look at the list of values and choose the top 5 that are really important to you:
✔️ Freedom
✔️ Family
✔️ Creativity
✔️ Development
✔️ Wealth
✔️ Influence on the world
✔️ Friendship
✔️ Spirituality
✔️ Adventure
✔️ Respect
Now ask yourself: do your current goals correspond to these values?
Step 4: Deal with False Motivation
It happens like this: you seem to be moving towards some goal, but there is emptiness inside. This may be a sign of false motivation.
Examples of false motivation:
“I want to earn a million” – but you don’t even know why you need it.
“I want to become popular” – but you don’t like the process of work itself, which leads to popularity.
True motivation is not only about the result, but also about the path itself.
Exercise: “Why do I need this?”
Take your goal and ask yourself the question “Why?” 3 times.
For example:
Goal: I want to earn more.
Why? To travel.
Why should I travel? To feel free.
Why do I need freedom? Because it is important for me to live by my own rules.
Then your real motivation is not money, but freedom. And perhaps there are other ways to achieve it.
Step 5: Take action even without motivation
Even if you find your true motivation, it doesn’t mean you’ll always be enthusiastic.
✔️ Sometimes you won’t be in the mood.
✔️ Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re moving in the wrong direction.
✔️ Sometimes you’ll just want to do nothing.
The main rule: motivation comes with action.
Tips to help you stay motivated:
Mini-goals. If a task seems too big, break it down into small steps.
Tracking your progress. Write down your successes. Even if they’re small.
The “2-minute” rule. Start any task for at least 2 minutes. Often after that, it becomes easier to continue.
Step 6: Surround yourself with the right environment
The environment we are in greatly influences our motivation.
✔️People. Surround yourself with those who inspire you.
✔️ Content. Read books, listen to podcasts, watch videos that motivate you.
✔️ Environment. Create a space for yourself in which you enjoy working and creating.
Step 7: Accept that motivation changes
What motivated you 5 years ago may not inspire you today – and that’s okay.
Revise your goals every few months.
Allow yourself to change course – if you feel like the old path is no longer bringing you joy.
Don’t be afraid to search anew – motivation doesn’t always come right away, sometimes you have to taste it.
Finding your true motivation is a process. It’s not just “deciding” what you want, it’s feeling like your path brings pleasure and meaning.
Understand your true desires
Determine what gives you energy
Identify your values
Distinguish false motivation from real motivation
Act even without motivation
Surround yourself with the right people and environment
Embrace change and look for something new
The main thing is not to be afraid to try. After all, true motivation is when you don’t just go to the goal, but enjoy the journey itself.
