Finding myself RIDICULOUSLY tired today, mostly because I’m in the middle of “Tech Week” for the musical I’m in, and it is exhausting — I decided to spend some time meandering the internet for motivational quotes. This quest didn’t so much push-me-forward as glue-me-to-my-chair, questioning what people have said, in the name of motivation.
Here some examples of what was served up, but kept me down (at least, in my chair) today:
“Motivation is simple. You eliminate those who are not motivated.” – Lou Holtz
Pttthh. This is motivational? More like a slogan they might have used during the Crusades.
“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” — Wayne Dyer
Some cheerleader this guy, eh? Rather like a bad mommy who says, “You wanna cry? I’ll give you somethin’ to cry about.”
“People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.” — Andrew Carnegie
So, what you’re saying is, one can NEVER get to Carnegie Hall without practice, practice, practice (no matter how good or supportive your teacher may be during your once-a-week lessons).
“Motivation is everything. You can do the work of two people, but you can’t BE two people. Instead, you have to inspire the next guy down the line and get him to inspire his people.” – Lee Iacooca.
Alright. This was a step up. This has the “Rah-Rah! You can do it!” encouragement I kind of need in my motivational cup.
“Motivation is like food for the brain. You cannot get enough in one sitting. It needs continual and regular top ups.” — Peter Davies
Speaking of cup, it is tea time. And I’m inspired to have a shortbread cookie while I’m at it. He didn’t say anything about health food for the brain.
“We know nothing about motivation. All we can do is write books about it.” – Peter F. Drucker
Well, honest is as honest does, Mr. Drucker.
“Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower
Wha?! That Tom Sawyer kid did this very thing with his fence whitewashing/brainwashing scheme of his. Awesome Jedi mind trick, that.
“Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.” – Anonymous
Yup. Motivation and money will most certainly always beat talent. Happens every bloody stinkin’ day.
“Laziness, indifference and lack of ambition are the results of lack of motivation.” – Anonymous
Hold on there, Anony (may I call you Anony? After all, I see you everywhere) – You’re going to have to convince me, that this is the cart before the horse, and all that.
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” — Jim Rohn
That and caffeine. Motivation, habit and a full mug in my hand, THOSE are words to live by, right there.
“Motivation is the electrical power that activates the engine of success.” – Anonymous
Again, I say a full mug is good propellant, too.
So, my friends… here we are. The week is half over and the day… not quite half over. I didn’t find all of the motivation I need to go onward and upward, but go I will thanks to the words of English actor, dramatist and director Sir Arthur W. Pinero, who once said, “Where there is tea there’s hope.” Thank you, Sir. That’s all the motivation I need.
– – –
“Poor Mrs. Benefer,” Heather murmured. “Well, a nice cup of tea and she’ll be right as rain.” “Oh, puh-leeze, Heather. A nice cup of tea, indeed. A nice cup of tea, two Prozac, and sleep for a week, maybe…” — C.C. Benison, Death at Sandringham House
Hello! I just came across your blog yesterday, so I’ll hope you’ll excuse this question turning up months after your original post.
I’m currently thinking about motivation myself, and trying to collect anecdotes that might hold a helpful thread, rather than succinct quotes that don’t work much for me. So given (I am reading between the lines) you were suffering a lack of motivation at this point, and have since continued doing your work and hopefully finished the project that sent you quote searching – what kicked you over the line?
Was there a moment, or a build up of pressure, or just the gradual passing of time that led to things getting done? Or did they not get done? I’d love if you’d be willing to share your story. (It’s not for anything, I don’t have a blog to repost your words sorry, just private curiosity). Thank you!
Amanda, It is never too late to open a door to conversation!
Being motivated comes and goes like the tide, for me. There are some days that fatigue seems to get the best of me and makes it hard to find one’s get up and go. Other times, emotions come flooding in the door and make it difficult to organize my thoughts into marching order. Lack of motivation is often a matter of figuring out what’s clogging the pipeline — Do I need inspirational motivation? Do I need spiritual motivation? Or, am I just in need of hydration-motivation (tea, electrolytes, etc.)? Determining all of that helps me figure out what’s going to push me to the next step. And, yes — things DO get done. Eventually. Projects come and go, results vary and the threads that finish the fabric aren’t always the ones I initially pictured. [In fact, one glimpse of bad reality television can often be the push I need to put on a ball cap, lipstick and a smile to face the day/project. As I realize, “If they can do THAT, I can do this (whatever THIS is).”]
xo – t.
*grins* Reality tv as motivational sustenance – that one never made the pithy quotations book.
“If she can build a fifteen storey crokenbush with cherry glaze and three types of caramel in five hours and win with second degree burns to half her fingers, I can clean out the car.”
Thank you! I actually found you through a competition on facebook and thought, literary teas?? Genius! Unfortunately I’m in Aus so can’t enter, but believe me I love the idea =)
Australia?! Well, I will have to come up with something that I can pop in the mail for you!
Oh, I love mail! Mail makes the world wonderful. Want to be penpals? 😉
Snailmail might not work – but words across the miles via electronics works.
[Tho’ I apologize for my own snail’s pace at replying to this – life got overwhelming for a bit.]
:^)
Remember…You are always pure potential until you are caught in the act of doing. doing must have a sense of direction based upon a premise that is sound, in which the conclusion is irreproachable.
Sorry life got so hard – I do hope you are holding on to your hope and sense of humour in an awful time. It has been a long time, now, since I lost a loved one. Silent companionship, tea and hugs and sympathy. It can’t help, but I’m happy to sit and listen if you ever want a stranger to talk to. My thoughts are with you. Xxx Manda
Hugs gratefully accepted, Amanda.
And know that my tea today will be sweetened by your words.
xo – t.
I just love it all and all is fine with me. Teaster’s is a gas and full of a lot of good steam. Teaster’s is so entertaining I forget that I am entertained. She is so good at advice that I forget she really knows what she is talking about. She comes highly recommended and would make a good philosopher or psychologist. Her acting may be cherry as well. I think she knows what she is talking about to but then what do I know?
Be Good
-Jim Hebert