Losing motivation: Do you get inspired?

2015-06-12T11:53:03-04:00

So i know its been a long time since i been out and i know life goes on. Heck i knew that when i went to basic. But atleast then and throughout my army life i would be inspired;either by a cadance, my fello soldiers and in the rare very rare occasions by my leaders. Now i find it very difficult for me to be inspired at all by alot of the selfhelp book guru's and so on. I was just wondering if anyone else is having this issue and how do i get it back?

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jun 12 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-06-12T12:03:39-04:00

Having served 28 years to date, I find moments uninspiring, but not hours. Soldiers always bring it back, especially if you help or assist one and get a smile or thank you. However, having so many friends retire and seeing the PTSD and its effects, there are a lot of folks struggling with what you speak.

I am reading books written by Simon Sinek and daily motivational words he post on facebook and instagram. He wrote "Start with Why" and "Leaders Eat Last". They are quick reads, but check him out and see if his view of things can help.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 12 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-06-12T17:28:05-04:00

I served 37 years in the military and have been retired since February 1, 2012. I'm still inspired every day! Its call self-motivation. I work out of the home now and you have to have a lot of discipline and self-starter motivation to keep on track and earn those dollars. I don't know if reading self-help inspirational books will do the trick. You have to be inspired from within. You have to find those hobbies and those things in life that inspire you to excel (a job, getting your degree, playing music, running 5K races, walking, joining a club or groups). CPL Hayward Johnson there are many things that inspire me since the military. I started a business, I sold a business, I moved to San Diego, CA, I became a landlord with my property in Colorado, I joined a band called "The Hickory Wind Band", I'm going to Sturgis this year on my new motorcycle, and the list goes on.

He'll I get inspired reading some of these discussions and some of the replies. There is good stuff out here on RP.

I get inspired by answering some of these questions and hopefully shining a light on someone or something that will make a difference. I hope that I've inspired you today!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 9:31 PM

2015-06-12T21:31:52-04:00

I remember the Poem that the guest speaker at my high school graduation read. I kept a copy in my wallet since then. When I got to feeling down or felt a loss of motivation, I would pull it out and read it.

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown –

Response by SGT Jennifer Rixe made Jun 13 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-06-13T00:27:59-04:00

I felt that way for awhile. It's been almost 10 years since I got out and what helped me get inspired again was to find something I was passionate about and "running" with it. I was injured when I was in so I felt defeated and useless because I couldn't do my job as a Soldier any longer. I saw a counselor and figured out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life - planning is one thing but pursuing is another thing. You have to dig and find what drives you and work at it day by day. Self-help books are great for getting ideas but it takes a lot of self reflection to find out what truly drives you. Good luck!!!

Response by TSgt Jack Manigold made Jun 13 at 2015 9:01 AM

2015-06-13T09:01:24-04:00

Use social media to follow some of your old "battles" or leadership. After I retired, motivation was hard to come by, especially in a brand new world. Getting in touch with a lot of my guys through social media renewed bonds and brought back a feeling of the "old days". I stay in contact with a lot of people who help me stay motivated. You would be surprised how much another person can still inspire you even if you don't wear the uniform anymore with one phone call or text.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 13 at 2015 12:50 PM

2015-06-13T12:50:19-04:00

Yes at one point I lost all my motivation. What helped me was acknowledging what and who I loved every day, and made self affirmation thoughts; then it became easier to appreciate others aspects of life.

It works as I chaptered 4 soldiers who made mistakes like DUI and testing hot on a urinalysis. I gave them pep talks and ordered them to say good things about themselves every day, as I would be remiss for not sending a confident person back into society. When they left they were not broken.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Jun 13 at 2015 5:27 PM

2015-06-13T17:27:35-04:00

I make an effort to keep in contact with many guys that I served with via FB,both subordinates and bosses, and they keep me connected with the Air Force, something that I miss dearly everyday, even though we as a family are trying to move forward. One thing that I would like to get involved with when I can is the USO, an organization that gave me a lot during my 24 years and I can see motivation in helping others in that capacity.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 14 at 2015 9:50 AM

2015-06-14T09:50:48-04:00

I guess my kids inspire me, but mostly I'm just not inspired.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 14 at 2015 5:34 PM

2015-07-14T17:34:17-04:00

You must set goals and work on achieving them. I have PTSD and I am just numb, so I have to force myself to accomplish things.