Motivation Through Pain - Part 3

I have taken my time really listening, reading and taking in the different ideologies that have been presented in the last week from friends and those of you that have read parts 1 and 2 of this little series here.

The process has been eye-opening in understanding how impactful the views of what motivates us can really be in our lives. From pain to joy, to pleasure in just seeing or doing a certain want or dream, to knowing that a change is abound and taking that first step towards whatever that motivation might be for a greater joy.

As I stepped into this final part of MTP - I was struck by several philosophers: Epicurus - whose concepts contain and are not limited to all three philosophical basis, (physics, logic and ethics) to form happiness, but with focus on sensual pleasure and kanonika or epistemology. This is the idea of ones ability to distinguish between true and false conceptions through things that we sense - through experience and the natural conclusions drawn from said experiences.

His beliefs systems became cult like and outlasted those of his predecessors, through the birth of Christianity and in to today's society. His approach was almost minimalistic in its understanding; "hedone" or pleasure was the only feeling of value in a human existence. He believed that simplifying one's life was the main path to such success - take away large societies and make it a small one - a small circle of your closest peers and family. He stated, "Nothing is enough for the man to whom enough is too little...."

These concepts were pertinent for the path of Epicurean enlightenment and the main mode to a greatly fulfilled life.

As a follower of Epicurus, sensual pleasure was an objective measure to motivate. It was the concept that lead for those that followed this ideology. From a philosophical stand-point it was revolutionary for it's time, hence it's ability to last for over 3,000 years.

Epictetus had a different view point of the world - simply put; control what one can control and everything else becomes much more simplistic to manage. This free's the individual to navigate one's life with freedom of pain because pain is avoided by simply relinquishing those obstacles that are out of ones hands.

With this freedom and happiness, what can possibly be in ones way?

Either of these camps (which are only 2 of so so many), breakdown a path to an end result; each formulating in a foundation that leads to it's own unique style of motivation. This is where we have to deep dive into our own belief systems - what is our foundation that leads to the path of a greater self? A greater ability to stay motivated to a cause or purpose? Is it simplistic? Are we stuck in a mold that right now is not enough and, therefore, it never will be?

In these three parts; Pain can be a greater subject to motivation, self-talk is an inevitable precursor to what will allow us or hinder us to reach our own perceptions of success and, in this third part, a fundamental or foundational belief system that allows for that drive and/or motivation to succeed or fail.

Once this is established, are we then a fixed-mindset or a growth-mindset?

Our fixed mindset is one that states, "I haven't so then I won't...." This can be derivative of that fundamental belief system we previously discussed. Is enough not enough? Are we in a negative self talk addiction? Or, has the pain in our life allowed us to stray and skew the vision of what we once had, thus barricading us from what can be? Each mindset breaks down to what are we looking to control? We each have to answer that question, as it can not be answered for us.

Insert any of these reasons or your own; the fixed mindset will surely keep you in the same place - it will surely not allow for your time here to be intentional for anything other than stagnancy and, ultimately, failure. Each of us has a fixed mindset on one thing or another; the trick is to identify and then change, to lift that tarp off of your insecurities and identify what these failings really derive from. Finding were they bred and then set them free.

This segues into the growth mindset. This mindset is a drastic shift from the fixed as it's this simple belief, "I can't......... yet...." This belief system is rooted from a strong fundamental understanding of ones self. One can simply read that and feel the confidence behind the statement, "I can't...... YET..." It directly implies a change is on the horizon and that the individual might be down, but is, clearly, not out of the fight.

Growth mindset says that one will take control over what it can, let go of those things it can not and move forward inevitably.

The challenge I provide here as I close up "Motivation Through Pain", is identifying all of the indicators discussed - find your own, establish them and either release or utilize. But do not hold on as an anchor to your current station - this is a fixed mindset and it does not simplify the world around you.

Look at your peer group; are those around you pushing you towards your end goal or allowing you to wallow in your own mediocrity? Our closest people can be the first and, typically will be, the first to tell you "no" or that you "can't". Primarily because, they themselves are not willing to take that step or make that leap. So release, rinse yourself and move forward. This can be all three of the elements discussed that are not allowing you for a greater tomorrow.

Speak kindly of yourself - change your verbiage with yourself and allow yourself the opportunity to believe in your own abilities. Think of the target archer analogy in Part 2. "I can do this better next time...", "It wasn't where I wanted it, but with this......." Etc.

Pain is, as they say, temporary. The initial, but it can be long lasting if we utilize in the right manner - look in that rear view as means to an end that you decide. This pain can also be infinite if we stay fixated. IF we continuously try to move forward whilst looking backwards.

*This form of living reminds me of the 12 stitches I got in my lip when I was all of about 7 to 8 years old. While out riding my bike a pretty girl hollered my name, "JUSTIN!!!" Naturally, I looked back with delight as this beautiful neighbor girl had taken notice... Unfortunately, for me and for my lip, looking backwards while moving forward did not allow me to see the parked car directly in front of me - I was unaware because I was fixated on what was behind me and not on the massive obstacle in front of me...... It goes without saying what the end result was.... (The moral here is that women are ALWAYS trouble!! I kid, but that will be for a later blog.... HA!! I really do tease here...)*

In closing; I pray that in some way these three posts have struck a chord, that they have provided an opportunity for self reflection and the possibility for you to grab what you want.... Your career, your relationships, your family, any and all of those things that you hope to make for a better future.

I pray that you believe again, that your pretend again, and that in that pretense you speak your dreams again and that you allow them to breathe.

Live without fear, but within a fear of not truly living.

J.L. Copeland