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.