All things in life require focus, dedication. But from where does that come? In my opinion, the sources are innumerable, and some are better than others. The "best" depends on the person, at least in my experience. Some work for themselves, others work for a greater good. Another important thing to consider when selecting the "best" source of drive for the situation is what requires attention. For instance, your inspiration would come from a different place when creating art than studying for a final exam. Now I'm not gonna try to sugarcoat this, I lack drive. I rarely put in enough effort, and quite simply waste my abilities. However one thing has remained fairly constant in it's ability to demand my attention: Fitness.
People choose to start getting in shape for a myriad of reasons. Maybe they are given a particularly worrisome checkup by their doctor, maybe they want to feel in control. Or, as it's been in my case, maybe they had someone they wanted to impress. Now, this has not always been my sole source of inspiration, rather the most prevalent one. Now I won't go into detail, but several years ago, there was a girl I fancied, and I thought to myself, how attractive am I? Upon looking in the mirror, I realized that by my reckoning, the answer was: Not very.So, I set out to change that. Looking back, I find my methods just plain funny, my workout routine was simple: A hell of a lot of crunches. Back then I thought all I had to do was get abs. Well, I started to figure out that first off, I needed more than a six pack, otherwise I'd have some odd proportions. I also found out that I could do as many crunches as I wanted, and still I would never get abs. That's because crunches make your abs stronger, and sure that gets the rock hard feel you here about so much, but there was still a layer of fat over them, so they were invisible, I had to lower my body fat percentage. So then came running. Now, it didn't take me long to figure out that I HATE running. It's just hugely boring to me, and takes too long. So, I got into weightlifting.
Some people have trouble getting into a workout routine. But I found it easy, I had something, someone, to get fit for, so it was worth all the pain. However, I eventually came to the harsh realization that this girl I had worked so hard to please, would never feel about me the way I felt about her. Then came the anger phase. I was an angry young man, pissed at her, me, pissed at the world. So I worked out to burn off some steam. While the intensity of my workouts was perhaps greater, i.e. faster plyo. The length was reduced, because while I was working on trying to impress someone, I could lift larger weights, and put in more reps/sets. As I began to mature, I realized as well that being in shape would do little to affect my attractiveness. I needed something else, something you can't build the way you can muscle. I needed swagger, confidence. I was naturally a reserved kid, and not very extroverted, though I had for years sucked it up and smiled, and to many appeared extroverted. But as I got into shape, I began getting compliments on my physique. This actually worked to boost my confidence. I began to actually enjoy new settings and new people, I had no problem talking to someone I'd never met, and finally had become truly extroverted.
So I think what's most important to understand is that everyone's drive, they're engine, must come from a different place. This place also changes with time. So if you are starting a routine, or trying to keep one alive, I suggest finding that place of inspiration, and making a point to remember that during your workouts.
