About 12 years ago, I was laid off for the second time in two years. I created a website and just started writing.
I had no idea what I was doing or what I should do. But I knew that I had to make it work.
I didn’t have TIME to make it work. My family depended on me. I fought through feelings of failure and fears of what would happen if I couldn’t figure it out.
It was scary!
But that fear was a great motivator. And these were some of the most inspired, most creative, and most accomplished days of my life. I was so proud to fight through those days and come out the other side.
It goes the opposite way, too.
When I felt safest and most accomplished, I was the least motivated, least creative, and least DESPERATE.
That safety net breeds complacency if you aren’t careful. For me, I lacked purpose.
Late last summer, I reached that next desperate moment. After 11 years, I was stuck in my ways — and those ways were no longer working. Things needed to change quickly.
I had no choice. It forced me to stop making excuses and fight through my fears.
It’s when I finally got started with short-form video. Not just to experiment with it, but to fully commit to it — BECAUSE I KNEW I HAD TO.
That desperation creates clarity of purpose and intention.
What motivates you?
