Blog: Hungry and Motivated (05/31/22)
“Stay hungry and motivated, not arrogant and entitled.”
H3 Leadership by Brad Lomenick is in my top 5 reads. Much like Extreme Ownership, H3 Leadership is full of interesting insights and thoughts that can relate to anyone, regardless of title or position. I believe the quote above sums up how we should all look at life and the current position we find ourselves in.
“Stay hungry.” No, that doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself. Hunger refers to the desire to push yourself to become better; be more than you are now. Too often we start to feel hungry and become complacent or apathetic, giving us excuses and lack of growth. It is difficult to always want to improve, but it is essential for our personal and professional growth. The only way to stay hungry is discipline. Discipline changes our attitude from “I’m too tired to do this” to “even though I’m really tired, I’m going to do it anyway”. Don’t let apathy and excuses keep you from staying hungry.
“Stay motivated.” Motivation is fickle. It is never guaranteed and can be lost for a long time. However, motivation can be found, but we must be willing to seek it. The other day I was listening to a short video of Jocko. He was discussing a comment someone tweeted at him. The comment read, “Jocko, can you yell at me to motivate me more?” Jocko simply said, “No. Yelling is not a motivator. In Navy Seal training, instructors yell at you to get you arrested, not to motivate you.” Motivation is a matter of personal will and choice. Again, however, motivation is unstable and can be lost. This is why discipline is essential for personal and professional growth and success.
“Not arrogant.” I like Google’s definition of arrogant: “Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or ability.” Arrogance is the poison that destroys good character. When we think we are more important than we really are, we tend to have an inflated sense of ourselves that alienates everyone around us. We begin to see others as less than they are worth and place more emphasis on OUR gain and OUR position. Instead of encouraging others and walking with others on their professional and personal journeys, we tend to look at ourselves and complain when others don’t give us the attention we think we deserve. We must challenge the urge to be arrogant and strive for humility. We think more of others and less of ourselves.
“Not authorized.” It seems like a pandemic in today’s society. There is this blatant lie sweeping our country that people deserve special treatment or should have special privileges. Nobody is entitled to anything. We came into the world naked, and nothing says we deserve anything. We are blessed with life. What we do with it is our choice. We have no say in the cards dealt to us in the life given to us. We have to create the best opportunity with the cards dealt to us. No one owes us anything, and none of us deserve special treatment. It is our responsibility to take the life that has been given to us and make it the best life possible. Remember that you are not entitled to anything. If you want it, pursue it.
The quote from this blog is a good reminder of how we should live our lives: “Stay hungry and motivated, not arrogant and authoritative.” Work hard, be disciplined and respect everyone.
As always, stay humble and serve well!
