By Adunke Olatunji
Life itself as a phenomenon drives me every day. I am amazed by the whole concept of Life, and how every being on this planet strings across a unique story between the conception of life and death.
I believe that I have had the privilege to experience it and I should create a story of my own the way I want it to be. I am the author of my own Life!
This thought drives me to be a better person each day, to do a little more to spread happiness and joy in the people around me. To try to fill it in with love, care and affection for my folks and get loads of it back from them.
If we break it down to the barest level from the dictionary, “drive” is defined, ” as the willingness to strive vigorously toward a goal or objective; to work, play, or try wholeheartedly and with determination.” It seems elusive to really understand as it is not tangible. I really think of it as motivation. You have to dig deeper and for me it was helpful to ask another person. If you think about others that are close to you, it might be possible that you could identify what drives them based on the actions and words that come from them. This ties closely with recognizing what motivates you and what motivates those around you. Identifying this will help to understand myself and the others that I have close relationships with both personally and professionally.
It is hard for me to find what drives me in my internal world, and “family” was not the first thing that came to my mind. It pleased me that perhaps my actions and words that my friend saw and heard connected to that.
I wanted to dig a little further as I contemplated this and found a good listing of factors that could motivate a person from, Audrey Marlene in post called, “Motivation”.
Ambition
Money
Independence- To feel in charge of your own life
Security- job security, financial security, peace of mind
Status/Power/Prestige
Self-esteem/The good feeling you get after getting the task done
Opportunity to improve, to grow and become more capable.
Recognition and respect from others after a job well done.
Making a difference/ the feeling you get inside
You are competitive/ you have to feel that you are gaining ground and winning every time.
You have a point to prove
As I looked through the listing, I bolded the one that I connected with the most. I connected closely with five of them, but I really wanted to pinpoint the one that I truly feel the most motivated by: “Opportunity to improve, to grow and become more capable.”
In another book I read this summer, it was pointed out that as humans we have natural drives that we may be aware of, such as our hunger drive, thirst drive, sex drive, but we also as humans have a learning drive. A deep desire for learning. This really hits a big part of what drives me. When I’m looking for opportunities to improve, to grow and become more capable it all comes down to learning and seeking out new challenges for more growth. When I have a moment of free time, I’m searching and yearning for more information to fill my mind, solve a problem, or move me to the next learning point. Having recently watched Sir Ken Robinson’s talk, “Finding Your Element”, it made me start reflecting on my recent discussion about what drives me and also what my “element” or passions in life were and how they connect. As I watched it, he kept coming back to what you feel talented at.
My drive is to make a difference. I can only hope that my impact in the education space leaves a mark and makes it a little bit better than before I found it.
If there are moments that make you feel unsure and you do not really feel that you are worthy, always have the time to reflect. That means you need to talk to your inner self and ask some several questions only you can answer. Please always remember that all people are worthy of great things, so are you. Bad experiences in the past may be part of your history but do not let it define what kind of life you should have right now! Future is sweeter if you will see it that way!
Connecting to your passion is all about finding freedom. Well, passion is a special kind of freedom that every individual necessitates to be drawn by the inexplicable pull of what they truly love and care. If you want to connect with your passion, then you must work at it.
To be passionate, there is no need to lose the sight of fun. Innovation and creation – are the two things that you need to keep in your mind when it comes to your passion.
Olatunji is Managing Partner, Bamy-Rem Consulting.