Understand Why Internal Factors Can Be Some of Our Strongest Motivators | Dr. Henry Cloud

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Where does motivation come from? The answer is that it either comes from inside of us or outside of us. Where it comes from is everything. Dr. Cloud talks about how goals are important, but they’re not enough. When we’re looking for outside accomplishments to fulfill us, we’ll often be disappointed. Do your parents want you to get that degree? Or is there pressure from another group to accomplish something? These external motivators operate based on either reward or to avoid an external punishment so we don't feel rejection or anger. These external factors don’t hold a candle to internal motivations. Internal motivations could be to provide for your family, buy things that are good for your soul, put a roof over your head, go on a vacation or invest in things for your future. When our internal motivations and our goals are aligned is when we are firing on all cylinders. Who, and what you’re doing something for matters, but what matters most is knowing WHY.

[@ilovesunvalley]

Your story about the two different motivations really hit me. My dad wanted me to be a physician like him. I knew I did not want that from the depth of my being. I had the grades and the smarts but it was not MY dream. Gosh it was so hard to choose another path. I felt lost and like I fell from grace. Truly my dad was so disappointed. He never “blessed” my decision to be a flight attendant. But I did it for me, and I was great at it. Now I’m retired, and I volunteer my time in 12 step fellowships and creative artistic pursuits! So fulfilled!

[@wwd333bsp]

Wow, good for you, Melissa. And I don’t know how many Boswells are out there, but my first pastor’s last name in Ala. was Boswell…He was from Cali and I was so sad to learn he passed when I looked him up recently. He really was the big brother/mentor I needed in my late twenties.

[@Angel-cu5mf]

i love Dr Cloud. so much practical wisdom

[@ilovesunvalley]

These words are so inspiring. As I age, and I’m so grateful to be 56, I am feeling the calmness about the passage of time, and finding peace and joy about my life, and how I contribute with my time and talents. Ten years ago I was in a decade of depression. I find that miraculous, and evidence of God’s loving transformation. He never gave up on me. But I needed to change some things!! God’s greatest gift to me was finding a beautiful love later in life. We married 5 years ago. It has made all the difference.

[@wwd333bsp]

WTG, Dr. Cloud! 👏👏 looking good

[@jlea3032]

Looking pretty good for someone who couldn't walk for 2years. This is really good Dr. C

[@frankagliotti3626]

A defining message in wise counsel for a refining time in my life. Thank you Henry!

[@gratefultobehere]

❤love this message

[@stacybutler4924]

Congratulations

[@traceymccauley2909]

Well done on your weight Dr. Cloud!!! Great thoughts today. The right motivation helps so much when we hit obstacles. If superficial, obstacles are a stop, but the right motivation keeps us moving through obstacles. I have been so focused on my health and lost 45 lbs. I now have a severely herniated disc pinching my SI joint. Hurts to stand and walk. So my excersize program has to be modified but working though it. For so many years weight was about looks not health. Obstacles through me off course, but now so determined. Thanks for all you do to help us fight dysfunction!!! 😁

[@stacybutler4924]

Amen

[@margaretabuandaway6234]

So enriching Dr Cloud. Great questions particularly now that we are getting close to the end of 2022 and we really wanted to make sure only fruitful and productive activities are carried on to 2023; even evaluating relationships that may or may not be required next year vis a vis goals for 2023. Deeply grateful Dr Cloud for your deep insights! Cheers 😍🥰😘

[@elsagrace3893]

I’ve been watching him long enough to see him age. The boundary videos were a long time ago.

[@amybriley9904]

Dr. Henry Cloud, how do you change your motivations?