jennifer-roberts “What’s my motivation?” You probably have heard this question asked in jest by a high maintenance actor in a movie or sitcom. But have you ever pondered the question yourself?
Last year, I looked at why I was having trouble in two areas of my life: my weight and my spending habits. I asked the Lord to show me why I had had trouble controlling what I ate and why I had a hard time controlling my discretionary spending. I wanted to know the root causes.
The Lord answered my prayer in a non-condemning way. He told me that both troublesome areas were rooted in a lack of self-discipline and that if I did not get them under control, I would not be able to fully actualize my life’s purpose. This revelation and its consequences were sobering.
I immediately accepted the Lord’s answer and started focusing on becoming more mindful and disciplined in my eating and spending habits. This mental and behavioral shift was not easy, and it certainly wasn’t exciting, but it was necessary. In my case, bringing these strongholds under subjection was a key component in fulfilling my life’s purpose. And I want to fulfill my life’s purpose.
The why was important to know because knowing the real reason behind why I think and behave a certain way helps me to stay present and remain focused especially when I am having a hard time staying on track. Knowing why gives greater meaning to the work of becoming more disciplined because I know that my moment-by-moment obedience honors God. Knowing why does not mean that I will never make a mistake. But at least I can get up and keep striving.
I recently became acquainted with a wonderful social media star, Tabitha Brown. Tab is the kind of person that I would have in m sister-friend circle. She comes across as loving and authentic. She is a Christian woman, wife, mom and actress. Tab is also vegan. One of the take aways from her videos that I carry with me is “Know your why.” She encourages viewers considering the vegan lifestyle to consider their true motivation. Tab says that if you know your why and it’s strong enough you are more more likely to maintain the lifestyle. I agree.
I urge you to examine why you do what you do in your daily life? Why do you love the way you love? Why do you parent the way that you parent? Why do you eat the way that you eat? Why do you work the way that you work? Why do you exercise the way that you exercise? Take the time to find out why. This knowledge of why you do what you do is important because it can help you make healthier and more informed decisions. It can also help you establish and focus your life’s goals.
So I ask you, “What’s your motivation?”
