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Adam Smith | September 27, 2022 | 1 Comment

Motive Matters

I recently read this from Ryan Estis and it resonated with me. I think maybe to some extent we all can relate with his words. Earlier in my life I definitely did things at times because I had a chip on my shoulder and had something to prove. Now, I try to do things that make me happy and better the lives of others. Oh, and doing cool, big things is just fun.

The part I do struggle with sometimes is to give generously, while not keeping score. If I’m honest, doing good for those that have hurt me is difficult. Life has a funny way of reminding you of the things you need to work on. These ideas came up with Bob Goff back when he was on the podcast and now again with Ryan’s email newsletter that he sent out this past Sunday.

But most of all, these ideas remind me that motive matters. In our work, in our relationships. Maybe, at times, the motive matters even more than the work itself? The ‘why’ matters more than the ‘what’, because the ‘why’ drives the ‘what’ and even the ‘how’.

Why do you do what you do? Because you desire it or because competition has gotten the best of you and you feel the need to prove yourself to everyone else in the room? It’s a question to at least ponder, I think.

I’ve been quiet on the blog as of late because I’ve been trying to be a good dad and husband, while balancing my career, and everything else in-between. If the beginning of this post didn’t resonate with you, I know that this idea does.

We are all busy with life, racing for the pursuit of better, whatever that means to you. This will look different for all of us, but the idea is the same—that we are all headed in a direction, some direction. And on the road to your destination, remember that motive matters.

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Filed Under: Leadership

Adam Smith

I teach people how to have a greater impact through their work and their time. You can read more about me on my about page.

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Comments

  1. Hannah Powers says

    October 13, 2022 at 10:50 am

    Good morning Adam, your email kept bouncing back, so I thought I’d try to reach you this way!

    Would you be open to a paid blog collaboration with a popular consumer brand? Our client is a major website that features sites & stores such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. and just wants a simple mention of your choice of a specific product or brand (such as your book, The Bravest You) in an existing or upcoming post you’ve already got in the works.

    This typically only takes a few minutes to complete, and we’re quick on payments (via PayPal). Let me know if you’d like more information and examples of mentions from other bloggers we’ve worked with.

    Thank you so much!

    Reply

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Hi, my name is Adam Smith and welcome to asmithblog.com. I am the author of the new book, The Bravest You. Because of my work as an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and speaker, I have been named a top industry influencer by American Genius. I live with my wife, Jasmine, and three children in Shenandoah, IA.

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