In a rapidly changing world –technologically, socially, or even personally– motivation also changes. What has inspired us in the past may no longer inspire us, and new situations may require new sources of inspiration. We can think of this process as “Motivations Nieuw” — the transition to finding or finding again what drives and moves us today.
Why Change Motivations?
Motivation is arguably the unseen force behind action. It gives purpose to our routines, helps us plan and create goals, and compels us to find a way to survive adversity. However, as we shift through transitions and various life stages of our life cycle, move to new jobs, or face large-scale societal events such as a pandemic or economic collapse, the internal driver often needs to be examined anew.
New motivations emerge from:
- Life transitions (e.g., graduating from school, becoming a parent, relocating )
- Burnout or stagnation in work or professional development
- New ideas or cultures
- Desire for authenticity or deeper fulfillment
Signs That You Might Be Ready for “Motivations Nieuw”
- You don’t feel any excitement for things that used to inspire you
- You find yourself repeating thoughts around doing something different
- You are envious or admire others who are living more in alignment
- You find yourself introspective, asking “What’s next for me?”
Sources of New Motivation
Here are a few of the ways people are finding new motivation today:
- Purpose before profit: There are more people that want to be part of something meaningful rather than just collect a paycheck.
- Creative and expression: Fresh motivation often comes from the desire to create anything: art, music, content, or even a business.
- Health and well-being: Mental, physical, and emotional health, as motivators for new directions, are growing rapidly among motivation sources.
- Community and connection: After years of watching each other digitally, many are now finding motivation from the need for real human contact.
- Learning and growth: The growth and learning has become a big driver for motivation, and people see this is good, whether formal schooling or self-discovery.
How to Find Your “Motivations Nieuw”
- Regular self-reflection – Taking time to journal or practice mindfulness, you will be able to uncover what truly motivates you.
- Be experimental – Engage in new hobbies, career paths, or environments with low stakes.
- Seek feedback – Friends, mentors, even a coach may provide you with a different or useful perspective on what might motivate you now.
- Set small goals – Use short-term objectives as experiments in order to learn what energizes you.
- Embrace change – It is natural for motivations and desires to change. If you find yourself letting go of earlier aspirations, take it as part of the process of growth.
Final Notes
Motivations Nieuw is not an event; it is a process. To be able to re-discover what motivates you as the world continually shifts is not a sign that you are lost; it is an indication that you are awake! Let the world change, and audit yourself for what direction you feel curious or transitional towards! Give yourself permission to engage with what you find most inspiring in a new space.
