Motivational Teachers Don't Exist

As your teacher, as your friend, as your confidant, I cannot motivate you. I can guide you, support you, and certainly believe in you. But I cannot give you the drive or the power. There's no magic pill, magic switch, or secret formula that will create motivation. The truth is, real motivation has to come within.

When a student begins their lesson journey with me I have a full questionnaire of things I ask to get to know them deeper. I want to understand what makes them tick, I want to understand their mindset and learning paths. Whether you're coming into violin as a brand new-don't-know-anything-about-music type of student or as a seasoned musician, I want to get to know you deeper. One of those questions is "what motivates you?" I ask it because I want to know not only how you define motivation but how you cultivate it from within. Where does it come from in your world or how do you seek it and hang on to it? It is crucial to understand that I cannot motivate you in the way you might hope. The essence of true motivation is deeply rooted within each individual, and it is a personal journey that cannot be handed over or manufactured by someone else.

While I can provide guidance, support, and encouragement, the drive to pursue your goals must originate from within you. I can share strategies, offer insights, and present you with opportunities to inspire your growth, but ultimately, the spark that ignites your passion and propels you forward is yours alone. Relying solely on external sources for motivation can lead to a fragile foundation; when those sources wane or disappear, so too can your enthusiasm and commitment.

There is no magic pill that can instantaneously create motivation or a relentless drive to achieve your aspirations. The reality is that motivation is a complex interplay of emotions, desires, and personal values. It is cultivated through experiences, challenges, and the pursuit of meaningful goals. It can also show up in extrinsic and achievement-based motivation. Two big extrinsic motivators for me is coffee and money. Yours might be achievement motivators like getting an A on an exam or receiving an award for high performance at work.

A friend and I were joking the other day because she's often referred to as a 'Motivational Speaker' and she hates it. Mainly because she, solely herself, cannot motivate anyone. If you look up the definition of motivation in the dictionary, it states: motivation is the internal drive that compels an individual to initiate, direct, and sustain goal-oriented behavior. Key words: internal drive. We sat there chatting and laughing about how silly that sounds in anyone referring to themselves as motivational speakers and the fact that there's a whole world of "motivational speakers" that exists but it truly makes no sense. Instead, we could claim ourselves to be "inspirational speakers" or "action-driven speakers" to be more appropriately defined.

To find true motivation, you must engage in a process of self-discovery. Reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your passions? What goals resonate with your values? When you identify these core elements, you begin to cultivate an intrinsic motivation that is far more powerful and enduring than any external influence. This self-awareness allows you to set goals that are not only achievable but also aligned with your personal aspirations, thereby fostering a deeper commitment to your journey.

Motivation is not a constant state; it ebbs and flows. There will be days when you feel invigorated and ready to conquer the world, and other days when the weight of challenges seems overwhelming. [And, for anyone going through hormonal changes, these fluctuations can feel particularly catastrophic at times.] In these moments, resilience becomes paramount. Building resilience equips you with the tools to navigate through periods of low motivation. It teaches you to push through obstacles, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain your focus on long-term objectives despite temporary setbacks.

As your teacher, friend, and confidant, my role is to create an environment that nurtures your internal motivation. I will always be here to encourage you, to celebrate your successes, and to support you through your struggles. The journey of motivation, however, is a deeply personal one that requires introspection, resilience, and a commitment to self-growth. While I can provide you with the tools and support necessary to embark on this journey, the true drive must come from within you. Embrace the process of discovering what motivates you, and remember that the power to change your life lies in your hands. You are always one decision away from a completely different life...

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