Finding encouragement that motivates

Encouragement comes from others, those who believe in you and support your goals. These are the people who push you to be your best. They pick you up after you try and fail. They’re always there for you.

Motivation comes from you. Others can encourage you to exercise, for example, but if you don’t have the motivation to exercise there’s nothing they can do to get you on a bike. You have to look to yourself for that.

I didn’t get the encouragement I needed when I was in school. Because I have dyslexia, most people believed it would prevent me from achieving my goal that, at the time, was to attend college.

I was in learning disabled (LD) classes and my teachers, based on their experience, didn’t believe I was going to be able to attend college. They discouraged me from applying to the college of my dreams and instead encouraged me to attend a school that offered special programs for those with similar disabilities.

My parents believed my teachers and what they said about my academic abilities, or inabilities. Like any parent, they didn’t want to see their child disappointed. Many of my friends also discouraged me. Who wants to see their friends fail? They all were doing what they thought was best for me based on what they knew.

But, there were a couple people who encouraged me, even when I didn’t appreciate it. My grandmother’s way of encouraging me was to continually push me. She never let me get away with feeling sorry for myself.

My seventh grade teacher also encouraged me. He shared with me that he also had dyslexia. Here was someone who understood what I was going through and was willing to work with me—to encourage me. He told me that I wasn’t stupid, like others did. He helped me believe in myself and that I could achieve my goal, but it wasn’t going to be easy. It would require hard work, dedication, and, of course, motivation. Even though he was encouraging, I still got angry at him. He also pushed me! I quickly learned that sometimes what I needed most—encouragement—wasn’t always what I really wanted.

I had to begin relying less on others’ encouragement. That didn’t mean I stopped looking to others for support, but, over time, I had to look more to myself. I focused on my goal and what I needed to do to reach it: doing my absolute best in high school; doing the extra work necessary; and staying motivated.

I wouldn’t have graduated from high school and my chosen college without both encouragement and motivation.

I still look to a few trusted people in my life for encouragement, especially my mentor. I have found ways to stay motivated. It can be very difficult at times, but that’s normal for everyone.

I read stories about how others succeeded, especially those who overcame difficulties. I want to know everything about how they achieved their success. I read magazines that feature these individuals and listen to motivational CDs, which is particularly helpful for me, because then I don’t have to read.

Seek individuals and organizations that will encourage you as your motivation grows. It may be your parents, a teacher or guidance counselor, your pastor or a friend. You may also find other sources of encouragement, like a favorite song that speaks to you; a peer group of like-minded people, or inspirational quotes. Listen to the stories of how those who inspire you succeeded.

If you have only a bit of motivation, make it count. Find that first source of encouragement and build from there. Eventually, you will find your motivation and look more to yourself.

It’s time for you to step up. Stay motivated!