How I Stay Motivated

I was asleep…for about twenty years, watching others make something out of their lives, while I was content with going nowhere. My heart didn’t know how to dream; I had no goals nor aspirations; I had no idea that life was passing me by. I had to learn how to make goals and to dream.

After years of no progress in my life, my motivation thirst awakened. I took a good look at where I was and realized I had to make a change…a big change. I had to push past “stuck” and take action.

Zechariah 4:10: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin

I enrolled in a technical college, in a medical administrative program that had nothing to do with my quiet reserved personality. After one job assignment attempt upon graduation, I left that field and didn’t look back.

Then I enrolled in a community college to become a quiet-type library assistant. It suited me, but was it really me? I volunteered in two different libraries and enjoyed it, but inside I felt restless. Was this a wrong turn too?

Not giving up, I enrolled in a theology school with controversial teachings. Yes, this was more like it. I started a page on Facebook that contained my deep theological meditations.

I Had to Learn How to Make Goals and to Dream

Zachariah 4:6-7: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. 7: Who art thou, O great mountain?

But what did I do whenever depression struck, and I wanted to give up? How did I find the motivation to keep going? First, I diligently watched motivational preaching and teaching and took notes. I had to learn how to make goals and to dream. Now I know that God delights in giving us the desires of our hearts.

1 Corinthians 14:40: Let all things be done decently and in order.

I also discovered that without a plan, I make little effort to accomplish anything. If I don’t see where I’m headed, how can I move toward it? So, I plan out my month, week, and each day in specific time slots ahead of time. I love the joy of checking off accomplished goals at the end of each week.

I analyzed my daily priorities and goals and determined what changes I wanted to make to my weekly schedule. Then, I typed out those changes and sought to implement them, complete with days and time slots.

I decided that every day should be designated to specific tasks, so I made Monday my paperwork day, Tuesday my housework day, Friday my organizing day, Sunday I focus on the Lord, and so on.

Hosea 10:12: Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Whenever I face challenges, such as passing difficult exams or undertaking new projects, I type out extensive petitions to God and insert scriptures to back up my cries for His help. Then, I fast and present my petitions. I also lean on other saints for intercessory prayer to take my concerns powerfully before His throne. These actions always get me through, every time. God cares. And God answers.

I Found Ways to Serve God

Not only did my desire to succeed awaken, but also my thirst to achieve, to serve God, to be a blessing. I started a blog and a Facebook group on schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety, and am writing a memoir about my journey with mental illness.

Although these may seem like baby steps, to God be the glory. He has brought me 180 degrees from where I once was to where I am now. And this is only the beginning. According to Him, He is taking me to a glorious future, complete with open doors and dreams coming true. He said in a prophecy that my vision was too small for His plans for my life. We serve a God Who is able, and with Him, nothing is impossible.

Romans 12:10-11: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;