Motivation: What Really Matters at the End of the Day – A Lesson From Walt and Many Others

Motivation: What Really Matters at the End of the Day – A Lesson Learned From Walt and Many Others

Today isn’t about planning so bear with me a little bit.

I’m a firm believer in the fact that life truly is what you make of it and what you strive to do and make of not only yourself but also your passions in life are perhaps some of the greatest decisions you’ll ever make. I’m also a believer in the fact that when you are at your absolute worst and nothing seems to be going right that it is the single greatest opportunity you’ll have in life to try something new. So many people go through life with an inherent desire to do something or to fuel a passion and try something new but never entirely take the time to make it happen or turn their passion into motivation. 

I recently listened to a speech by Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson where he shared the mind blowing reality of his past and a certain circumstance before his career took off where he had $6 and a little pocket change in his wallet and that was all he had to his name. I share this not to say, look how far he’s come, but rather to share the motivation that ultimately fuels so many decisions in life. When your back is up against a wall and you refuse to look back at what put you in an unfortunate circumstance or resulted in a less that stellar outcome, you can’t help but focus on anything and everything that stands in your way of future success. You know you cant let life get worse, you have to make the most of every minute, and you know good and well that you’re going to out work anyone and everyone that stands in your way of that success that you’re working day in and day out for. Failure isn’t option.

I share this not because it’s the perfect advice but rather to share the fact that no matter where you are in life, no matter what your past looks like, or whatever you think stands in your way, it’s never too late to try something new. This is kind of my soap box, for lack of a better word, but so many people go through life feeling like they have to punch a clock that they forget to chase the things that really drive them in life.

Walt Disney was and is the perfect example of this concept of chasing your dreams in action. So many people on the outside looking in assume Walt Disney was an overnight success with theme parks and films. That’s the furthest thing from the truth. When Walt started out he was fully broke after trying new ideas and as soon as his films gained traction Charles Mintz ultimately stole the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. As soon as that situation unfolded Walt found himself on a train from Manhattan to Hollywood with no idea as to what was next. He and his brother were ultimately facing the end if nothing changed and Walt knew it. Instead of squandering in self pity Walt first and foremost sent a telegram to Roy and simply stated the he shouldn’t worry and that everything was okay. In those hours of travel, Walt developed and slowly but surely refined what would become Mickey Mouse. 

I share this story because, at least to me, it means something and shows that no matter what life throws at you and whatever you think is the worst possible thing that could happen, there is always an opportunity hiding in the shadows. It doesn’t matter if it’s a business opportunity or a chance to follow your dreams or if it’s just a life scenario that makes you feel like your world is falling apart. There is always something positive hiding in the worst of situations. Making the most of those seemingly hopeless situations is that motivation and that drive that will help you rise above everyone else and give you that push to be better that all the rest. 

It’s not a matter of arrogance but rather a matter of heart and using your past to help you frame your determination and to genuinely make the most of your future no matter what it may look like. Life isn’t perfect but there’s something to be said for motivation and true determination that tends to get overlooked. The people you may perceive as overnight successes or vastly happy individuals that “have their life together” have more often that not fought a battle that you can only imagine in your wildest dreams. The “overnight success” is the exception rather that the rule, but the journey that gets you to success is what really makes all the difference in the world. Chase a dream, live a positive life, and some how some way find a way to make each day better that the last. 

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