I suppose if we break it down, motivation is our fuel. It’s what moves us and keeps us going. But it is also individualistic. It’s not like going to a gas station to fill up a car. There isn’t a limited selection of pumps to choose from. On the contrary, there seems to be limitless options for each of us. So, how do we find the fuel that works for us? Here are a few suggestions.

Always keep a question in front of you. Something to figure out. Some answer to seek. Sure you should answer the question when possible but when you do, find a new one. Always be searching for something. If you get all the answers you are going to stop seeking. If you stop seeking you’re going to get bored. Keep thinking of questions to lure you along like a carrot on a stick. This will help you stay interested and interest leads to passion.

Passion is the ember of the soul. Questions will help you to always find something to be passionate about. Become an expert at one thing at least. Whether in knowledge or experience work on mastering something. When you do become an expert, work on something else. Feed a passion. Starve apathy.

Be sure to move and do. Don’t stop moving because stopping interrupts momentum. I’m talking long-term. Of course, you should take breaks and rest. This is more about always having a project to work on or something to do. Activity keeps the stamina from dropping. Once it drops it becomes more difficult to pick it up. Activity also can provide focus and keep worry at bay. Be sure to consistently be doing.

Strengthen one connection. Even a loner needs at least one connection. But a relationship of any type doesn’t just happen and it doesn’t just grow. Find at least one and foster the connection. Even if it’s just a neighbor that you say hi to over the fence. Find your tribe whether that be many or one. If you can’t find one person to connect with get on your knees and pray. That is a relationship that is always available with Someone willing to listen.

The point is to find something to be excited about. Not all of these things may be available at every given time but having at least one option open can help keep the tank above half. I don’t think I have to mention the danger of trying to run on an empty tank. Do what you need to do to keep the carrot in front of you.

What fuels you?