Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.
Stephen R. Covey
MEANING OF THIS QUOTE
Motivation is a key ingredient to the success of any endeavor. However, it is a fire that others may kindle inside of you, but one that only you can keep ignited long enough for it bear fruit. People seem to have forgotten this simple, age-old principle in an age where success gurus, motivational speakers, and become-rich-quick schemes reign supreme.
DOES IT MEAN THERE’S NOTHING SUCH AS MOTIVATING OTHERS?
Absolutely not. That being said, there’s one big caveat here: there’s a world of difference between motivating someone who knows what to do with that motivation and someone who doesn’t. With the right motivation, a receptive and creative individual can make mountains move, so to speak. For him, it is just the spark he needed to put all his plans into action and accomplish his goals. That’s because this motivation serves as fuel to a fire that is already burning bright within him. On the other hand, people who think of motivation as some shortcut to success, a magic potion that will get them from point A to point B on its own, fail more often than not. Motivating such individuals is almost akin to forcing it upon them. Needless to say, such “motivation” usually doesn’t last long.
CONCLUSION
While the people around you can stir you into action with their words, it is solely up to you to keep that flame burning. Unfortunately, for most people, this fire dies out shortly after. Very few individuals are actually able to capitalize on this encouragement and use it as a launch pad to fulfill their dreams.
Stephen R Covey was an American author, businessman, and motivational speaker. Globally renowned for his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, one of the most inspiring quotes by Stephen R Covey goes as follows: “Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.”