I’ve been thinking lately about motivation (or lack thereof). Living in this Web 2.0 space we see people like Gary Vaynerchuk and C.C. Chapman who seem to be hyper-motivated (especially Gary) and successful. You think “How, oh how could I ever be that motivated”? Especially if you’re not really a very driven person. In Gary’s case, I think he would say, “Do what you love and you’ll love what you do.” Of course, I am just simplifying what I take from him.

Anyway, I am trying to more apply this to my specific case. I haven’t always been the most motivated person. Between that and the reeling of my new life being forced on me, I am trying to figure things out. Before I wasn’t too motivated. I went to work at a job that I didn’t like and spent time doing things with my wife. My wife was what got me excited. To me, she was a joy to be with. She did many interesting things. Much of which I helped start her towards and still helped with her day to day. I had many ideas but lacked on the follow through. Then all of a sudden, BAM!, she’s gone. Now what do I do? I did what many people in this sitch do, I lay down and cried for WAY too long. After that I found a support network, threw myself into the 2.0 webspace and tried to get lost in that. Trying to heal but not getting anything accomplished. Through my support network (It was supposed to be about getting her back.), they teach that having it going on on your own is attractive. Sure enough, I bet it is. I am trying getting out more, doing different things and working on my business ideas to get out of my current job. Here is the problem, when she doesn’t even look back at me and the support thing isn’t working, I lose my motivation. I am back to just existing. Going through life but not really living it. I am working on finding motivation to go on making a even better life but it is hard.

Last night I was in the webspace talking to some people I know, and some I didn’t, trying to find out what motivates them. I got some answers but not as much as I would have liked. I got answers like: “My 5 kids.”, “My dog.”, “Overcoming challenges.”, “Addiction.”, “To seek knowledge.”, “Coffee.”, “Other people’s respect and esteem, and being helpful.” <– She thought that made her sounds like a pansy. What does a flower sound like?–, “Fear.”, “Just to see what happens.”. Now that last one was an answer to a related question, “What motivates you to get out of bed?”. All of those answers were good. Some may have been knee-jerk but still good.

While I am in search of my own motivation and trying to follow Gary V’s lead. I pose the same questions to you. What motivates you? What gets you excited about life so much that you can’t wait to get going in the morning. I’d love for you all to comment back. Throw a brotha a life preserver for Pete’s sake!

(Thanks to those of you that helped me with your answers. I really, truly appreciate it.)