Motivation is different for everyone

For some people, motivation comes and goes naturally and needs the standard fill up every once in a while. For others, it's flows 24/7 like 7-Eleven. Also, there are some whose tanks are usually running close to empty.

One thing that connects us is that we all need motivation to get moving towards what we want. Generally, I feel like I'm riding with a healthy dose of motivation on cruise control. I'm not moving too fast to where the "Misery Police" clock me on their radars and pull me over. Also, I'm not so slow that I cannot help to pick up the pace for others around me.

Wherever you fall on the spectrum, I want to offer some helpful tips to get you in the gear that you're searching for.

Also, there's something about the right song that puts a pep in your step. I've included a playlist of songs to help you on your way towards finding motivation. Enjoy inspirational tracks from DJ Khaled, Christina Aguilera, JAY Z, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, and more. Press play and share with your friends.

1. Set Goals

When we give ourselves a goal to reach, inherently, it makes us want to achieve it. It helps to keep our minds looking towards something to gain or attain. When we make a decision to act upon something that we want, that goal-setting activity gives us something to strive for.

Goals gives us a sense of purpose. Imagine playing a sport and running around the court or field with no intention of scoring. You might have tons of hustle and it's quite the workout, but to what end? Where are we going and why?

2. Trust process and track progress

A former soccer coach of mine told me something that I'll never forget, but before I tell you what he said, let me give context.

As a college athlete, we were held accountable for many things. One of those things was our fitness. To play the game at a high level, we needed to be in shape. It's as simple as that.

We had fitness testing throughout the year to measure it. We were expected to come to campus early in August for preseason training already in condition to pass our tests. Throughout the fall season, it was clear if you were in shape or not as you trained and played in matches. Also, in the off season, there were workouts and various tests to ensure you were equipped to perform on the pitch.

What my coach made clear about the purpose of training and testing was this: "Inspect what you expect."

This stuck with me because it taught me the importance of knowing how far I've come and having a purpose in order to persevere through the tough times. Not only did I believe in what I was doing to begin with, but I had the numbers to reinforce my purpose throughout the season.

There should be purpose for your endeavor. Know that the road may be long, but the process is worthy to be undertaken. Don't look to skip steps, but understand the value of each one. When we track our progress, we can see the levels we continuously reach and that evidence drives motivation.

Stay faithful to the process. Keep going.
— Darren (@Darren_Gooden) February 7, 2017

3. Treat Yourself

Man shall not live by intrinsic motivation alone. Intrinsic motivation refers to the motivation that comes from within us because it's personally rewarding or satisfying. You know what...that's cool and all, but you deserve! Use external rewards to boost motivation, sometimes, but don't engage so much that it takes away from your internal drive.

Also, don't forget to treat yo self.
— Darren (@Darren_Gooden) October 19, 2015

4. Build Your team

Encouragement from others is invaluable when you are seeking motivation and are on the way towards achieving your goals. Take the initiative to seek out people with similar interests and goals in your local community.

Don't stop there, though. Hit the E-streets. You won't believe how many people I have met via social media that I remain in contact with on a daily basis. The relationships formed are on different levels, but I have gotten in touch with and continue to grow with some who I consider my inner circle. These people not only push me to strive for more everyday, but they hold me accountable for the goals I set for myself.

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A post shared by Darren (@darren_gooden) on May 12, 2017 at 2:20pm PDT

5. Be thankful

Sometimes, when I'm feeling down, I tend to be ungrateful. It causes me to become upset about little things and lose sight of the bigger picture. I forget about how far I've come and all the places I am destined to go.

Even though I'm striving for more and working to make it to another level, I need to take time to give thanks for what I've achieved and received. When we put that into perspective, it gives a positive boost. You're literally recounting what you have done in order to reinforce your confidence and drive. Think back on past successes, not to dwell on them, but to let them catapult you forward towards the next win.