According records Sir Edmund Hillary was a 20th century explorer and mountaineer who became the first to reach the peak of Mount Everest, along with fellow climber Tenzing Norgay.1 If there were anyone who knew a thing or two about motivation and determination it would be Sir Hillary.
It all comes down to motivation
He was named one of the top one hundred influential people of the twentieth century. When asked about his accomplishments he said, “It all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it,”2 This should encourage you to trust that inner drive and motivation. You should not only trust it, but you should also seek to follow it, especially when it is generated by a spark within.
What if?
We’re referring to that spark of an idea that comes to you, sometimes from out of nowhere. We catch a glimpse of what’s possible, we write it down or scratch notes about it on our “to do list,” or even go so far as to research the viability or scope of the idea. Once that spark comes, it takes up residence in the back of our creative minds and every now and then we look at it and ask, “What if? What if I do something with this idea?”
For the few who take their ideas seriously, you work diligently to create a plan of action and look for ways to make it happen, to turn that idea into reality. For others, the idea just sits in the creative closet and waits for you to make up your mind on whether the idea is viable or not. Waiting isn’t necessarily a bad thing; unless you put off deciding to act for extended periods of time, too afraid that you might fail if you put your idea in motion.
What will propel you to go for it?
Maybe your idea seems a lot like Mount Everest, too daunting a task, requires a lot of planning, and involves high risks, or the adventure is too expensive; all valid reasons why you might not want to commit to it. But in the words of Hillary, “It all comes down to motivation.” How motivated are you? What is going to propel you to go for it, to take action on your ideas or dreams?
What will you gain?
Ask yourself, “What is it that you really want? How bad do you want it? If you don’t commit to your idea what will you lose? If you don’t decide to take action now, then when? How long do you keep that idea on your “going to get to it someday” list before you either decide to do something with it or remove it and forget about it? What is the cost if you keep postponing taking action? What will you gain if you pick that idea up and start working on it today? We know it isn’t a simple as “get it done,” or “give it up.” It’s more involved than that, yet it is still a crossroad every idea brings you to. Only you can answer these questions but we encourage you to seriously think about the answers you provide and how they impact your future.
We are certain that not only Hillary, but others too, stood at the foot of Mount Everest only after deciding they wanted to make the summit bad enough to do whatever it took to achieve their goal. Once they made that decision they committed to the climb and began taking the steps to make it a reality-despite the fear of the unknown, and despite the risks.
It takes personal drive
It takes personal drive and unflinching commitment to achieve your goals. Perhaps it is time to rekindle that spark, that idea, that dream, you’ve had for a while, make a commitment to do whatever it takes, and go for it!
The Project Crew at My Project Club
- history.com Staff, 2009, May 29, 1953: Hillary and Tenzing reach Everest summit, Retrieved June 18, 2017 From http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hillary-and-tenzing-reach-everest-summit, Publisher A+E Networks
- brainyquote.com staff, Edmund Hillary Quotes, Retrieved June 18, 2017 From: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edmundhill605785.html