What to Do When Motivation Isn't Enough

What to Do When Motivation Isn't Enough

‍

Earlier today, I had a powerful realization while working out. I was listening to David Goggins—retired Navy SEAL, ultramarathon runner, bestselling author, and arguably the toughest guy alive. I needed a little fire. I’d been sleeping in more than I wanted. Entrepreneur life has its perks and pitfalls.

That Goggins video reminded me that we all go through cycles in life. There are highs and lows. Times we feel unstoppable, and times we need something—anything—to help us move forward again.

So I started thinking deeply about this:

What stage am I in right now? What kind of fuel do I need today?

And that’s what I want to talk to you about. Because knowing the type of energy you need—and when you need it—is one of the most underrated skills in life.

Let’s break down the three types of fuel: Motivation, Drive, and Purpose.

‍

Motivation: The Spark That Starts the Fire

Motivation is the first type of fuel. It’s external. It’s the music, the speech, the video, the kick in the butt you get from watching a Goggins video or hearing a friend tell you the truth. It doesn’t last long—maybe an hour, maybe a day. Goggins calls this kindling. It gets you started, but it won’t sustain a long journey.

Motivation is a spark. It helps you break patterns. It gets you off the couch. It helps you take that first step. And that’s crucial. But too many people try to build their entire life around motivation, and that’s a mistake.

Motivation is not the solution. It’s the ignition.

So if you’re stuck or frozen in place, find your spark. Get moving. But remember, it’s just step one.

‍

Drive: The Fire That Keeps Burning

The second type of fuel is Drive. This is the big log. The 10,000-hour burn. Drive comes from within. It doesn’t depend on the outside world. It’s your commitment, your desire, your obsession.

Drive is what happens after the spark is lit. It takes over when motivation fades. It pushes you forward when it’s early and cold and no one is watching.

So how do you create Drive?

• Start with a big vision.
• Get specific about what you want in life—relationships, finances, health, lifestyle.
• Get clear, even if you can’t see the entire path.

Your vision should scare you a little. It should challenge your comfort zone. Because Drive lives outside the comfort zone.

When the dream is big enough, the facts don’t count.

Drive turns vision into action. And when you act consistently, your drive becomes habit. Your habits then carry you far beyond what motivation alone could achieve.

‍

Purpose: The Mission That Fuels Fulfillment

The third and most powerful type of fuel is Purpose. This is the fuel that comes from focusing on others. When your work becomes service. When your passion serves a purpose.

Purpose brings deep fulfillment. It feeds your soul. It sustains you through hardship. It aligns your talents with the world’s needs. It inspires others to join you.

Purpose is what makes it all matter.

True success comes when you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself. It’s not just about the hustle. It’s about meaning.

So ask yourself:

• What are my talents?
• How can I use them to serve others?
• What needs in the world could I help meet?

When you align your purpose with your drive, and light it with motivation, you become unstoppable.

‍

Where Are You Right Now?

You might need motivation to get started. You might need to develop drive to stay consistent. Or maybe it’s time to redefine your purpose and light your soul on fire.

Wherever you are, stop and take inventory. Don’t coast on autopilot. Choose your fuel. Use all three.

Motivation gets you started. Drive keeps you going. Purpose makes it all matter.

As Stephen Covey said, Begin with the end in mind. Start with purpose. Then build your drive. Then fuel it with motivation when needed.

This is how you create a rocket-like life:

• Motivation launches you.
• Drive takes you into orbit.
• Purpose gives you direction, momentum, and legacy.

‍

Final Thoughts

A good friend of mine, Dr. William Danko, co-author of The Millionaire Next Door, once said:

"You know what's better than being a millionaire? Being a happy millionaire."

That stuck with me. So I’ll leave you with this:

You are talented. You are capable. You are unique.

And it's never too late to start living the life you were meant to live.

Start today.

George Wright III

PS - If this message spoke to you, please share it. Text it to a friend. Post it on your social. You never know who might need this fuel right now.

‍