What makes you want to get up in the morning and get going?

2014-08-21T08:17:08-04:00

It was told to me many years ago, that as long as you can wake up in the morning and tell yourself "I am so glad I GET to go to work today" instead of saying "I HAVE to go to work today" then you are doing the right thing.

Personally I love what I do. Leading Soldiers and having the opportunity to be a leader in the Army is a truly rewarding experience.

So what is it for you? Even if you are now retired and are a civilian, there has to be something that keeps you doing what you do.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 8:40 AM

2014-08-21T08:40:18-04:00

I agree that if you love what you do, it makes the job a lot easier. I get up every morning excited to go to work. I know that everything I do may not be the most glamorous or exciting things in the world...even the 4 hour meetings that were supposed to be only an hour will teach me a thing or two(Majority of the time). I think just having a postive outlook on what is to come has a huge impact on getting up and going to work.

Plus the best part of my day is getting off of work and my son telling me how much he missed me, and him starting in on what he did today.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 21 at 2014 8:40 AM

2014-08-21T08:40:19-04:00

My alarm clock, and if that doesn't do it, my wife does! LOL!
But seriously, I wish I could say that I looked forward to work each day, but I'd be lying to myself if I did. Not that I don't enjoy my job, I do, very much, but the frustrations of dealing with the VA on a daily basis on behalf of veterans does seem to take its toll. I do mitigate this somewhat with strategically planned 'mental health days'! Despite the frustrations, my job is a very rewarding one and I am happy to be doing it.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 21 at 2014 9:29 AM

2014-08-21T09:29:16-04:00

When I was in the Army, that actually was my attitude. Now, what keeps me going is the money. I gotta tell you....it's not as rewarding as you might think.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 21 at 2014 9:31 AM

2014-08-21T09:31:13-04:00

Not much unless its Saturday. I'm about to be laid off with no job prospect on the horizon, so going to work is a challenge not knowing if each day will be my last work day. I just remind myself of my responsibilities, get up and go to it. PMA-positive mental attitude coupled with some good psychotropics can get you through anything!!

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Aug 21 at 2014 9:53 AM

2014-08-21T09:53:06-04:00

Coffee and lot's of it!!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 10:20 AM

2014-08-21T10:20:21-04:00

I tell myself it's time to HIT THE IRON, after that my day goes pretty spiffy.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-08-21T11:34:35-04:00

I love what I do. I'm passionate about web development and doing that for the govt to serve the citizens better. Yeah I probably sound like a geek but love talking mobile application development, digital services and responsive design.

Also when my work day is over I get to go punch and kick at kickboxing! I can't sleep good if I don't get my kickboxing in!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 12:17 PM

2014-08-21T12:17:56-04:00

I wake up knowing that my rest at the end of the day must be earned. I have to seize the day and attack with everything I got. I have to have something to show what I did or I feel it was wasn't. Knowing that I get another chance to seize the day is a challenge I accept everyday knowing that not everyone is as fortunate.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 1:28 PM

2014-08-21T13:28:11-04:00

Two things:

1) I am the DCA of USS Cole (DDG 67). When I remind myself of that awesome responsibility to a ship of such significance to our history, I see going to work in the *very* early morning every day as a privilege.

2) I have a little sister who practically idolizes me because of what I do. When a little kid sees you as their hero, finding the motivation to succeed isn't the hard part.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Aug 21 at 2014 2:04 PM

2014-08-21T14:04:09-04:00

As a military retiree and civilian, I am more challenged these days. However, I enjoy getting outside before the birds sing. Yes, I have 2 parakeets and they have a habit of barking like dogs. This Friday, I will be fitted for a new pair of hearing aids, so its up in the morning before day, driving up to the cities and VA. Also, Sunday comes early at 2am for my new paper route job.

Personal leadership and old habits carry me over to a new day.

For those in between jobs. I hear ya. Take anything, even if you have to flip burgers.

Out here in the civilian world, the ultimate job is survival, as there are a lot of veterans in the obituaries these days. Take care...You can do it!!!

Good luck out there.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 2:08 PM

2014-08-21T14:08:27-04:00

What makes me "want" to get up in the morning? The need to pay bills, what facilitates that is copious amounts of coffee.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 4:04 PM

2014-08-21T16:04:20-04:00

The wife shoves me out of bed before my alarm wakes up the kids. After that i'm with SFC William Swartz Jr : coffee.

Response by Sgt Evan Proctor made Aug 21 at 2014 6:15 PM

2014-08-21T18:15:04-04:00

I get up every morning knowing I get to help find veterans a career after their service, as it was done for me. I remember how lost I felt when I exited active service, and being able to assist those that might be in the same mindset find employment is the most rewarding feeling! That's what gets me out of bed every morning.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 6:15 PM

2014-08-21T18:15:19-04:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member "Folgers in My Cup"

Oh and Dancing Bear on Captain Kangaroo!

Those were heady days my friend.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 23 at 2014 7:48 PM

2014-08-23T19:48:35-04:00

Java Juice...Liquid Life...NCO Fluid. Then, the desire to see what is coming next in life. I'm always up for a challenge.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Sep 9 at 2014 7:19 AM

2014-09-09T07:19:31-04:00

Ribbons and medals...and sometimes coins. :)

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 7:26 AM

2014-09-09T07:26:51-04:00

Liking what I do.

Coffee also helps!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 10:11 AM

2014-09-09T10:11:28-04:00

What gets me up in the morning, besides the coffee is the opportunity to train and leader soldiers. The chance to push them and myself in morning pt and teach them what I know about maintenance so that one day they can run their own motor pool.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 12:17 PM

2014-09-09T12:17:03-04:00

I love being a leader of soldiers, that my family and PT help me get up and out of bed everyday.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 12:27 PM

2014-09-09T12:27:35-04:00

I get to do what I love to do on a daily basis.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 1:52 PM

2014-09-09T13:52:23-04:00

SFC, I appreciate your question, it gives me the chance to puff my chest out a little. I get up every day willingly, and I put on the uniform willingly, and I do this job, no matter what it may entail on any given day, willingly, so to ensure that those I love will never have to do it, or anything else UNwillingly.

I'm grateful to those who wore the uniform before me that I was able to grow up and make my own choices in the safety of knowing that I was safe, both from the tyranny of enemies, and also involutary military service. I get up every day to provide that same safety to my progeny. I will voluntarily put myself in a situation where it is possible that I may be called upon to see, experience or even participate in events that hold the potential for life long scars, both physical and mental, so that no one I love will ever have to. Bless them iof they choose to, but let it never be forced upon them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 7:28 AM

2014-09-16T07:28:52-04:00

Honestly ? Coffee. After that pride.
I have had the great pleasure of serving this nation and it's people for more than half a century and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Each day when I put this uniform on and look in the mirror I realize that I am part of the 1/10th of 1% who has the privilege of serving.
I know that I am teaching and mentoring tomorrow's leaders whether they make a career of it or get out I hope I have instilled some sense of purpose, mission accomplishment and a willingness to strive for success in all they do.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 8:14 AM

2014-09-16T08:14:15-04:00

What makes me get up is seeing that I make a noticible difference in the healthcare of our servicemembers and their familys. Also there isnt a better feeling then geting a uniform out of the hangers in the morning and putting "US Army" name tape right next to mine, along with our flag on the shoulder.
Anyone else agree?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 16 at 2014 7:14 PM

2014-09-16T19:14:21-04:00

The simple prospect that one day Publisher's Clearinghouse or Heidi Klum will be knocking on my door (the latter HOPEFULLY when the Mrs. isn't around) :-)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 8:00 PM

2014-09-16T20:00:06-04:00

Folgers in my cup.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Sep 16 at 2014 11:36 PM

2014-09-16T23:36:06-04:00

Well, being retired, I really don't WANT to get up mornings and usually don't, having spent over 20 years working nights, I've found it a very hard habit to break.
Otherwise, I pry my old ass out of bed to accomplish all the things that need done before the Apocalypse arrives.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Sep 17 at 2014 12:05 AM

2014-09-17T00:05:49-04:00

Dad... dad... dad... dad... dad... Daddy!!!! You awake yet?

Response by SFC James Barnes made Sep 17 at 2014 1:25 AM

2014-09-17T01:25:25-04:00

I love both my military and civilian job but on the really tough days when coffee wont due it really boils down to my children

Response by MSgt Guillermo Ybarra III made Sep 17 at 2014 4:28 AM

2014-09-17T04:28:27-04:00

A whole lot of coffee is what gets me out of bed in the morning!

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Sep 17 at 2014 1:02 PM

2014-09-17T13:02:19-04:00

My Grand Daughter! It's "Poppy let's go, it's morning time!"

I work for the Gov., so it's definitely not that!

Response by Cpl Robert Masi made Sep 17 at 2014 2:15 PM

2014-09-17T14:15:22-04:00

Carnal Knowledge of the woman I woke up next to.
....or Coffee with a Bacon Egg and Cheese.

Response by SGT Dan Knispel made Sep 17 at 2014 5:11 PM

2014-09-17T17:11:03-04:00

An ice cold Pepsi and joy I get knowing that there will always be someone out there somewhere just waiting for me to come along and piss them off (this is usually an inmate but occasionally I get a staff member that gets caught in the cross-hairs). :-)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2014 7:42 PM

2014-09-17T19:42:37-04:00

What gets me out of bed? .....My Boys crawling into my bed, my Daughter waking up, but most definitely need the coffee to really get moving.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 2:03 AM

2014-09-18T02:03:17-04:00

For me, it's the hope and foresight that when times are tough they will eventually get better, and when times are good they're, of course, good. Truthfully, the mandatory nature of getting up early, going to PT, going to work actually really helps me out. I know that my Soldiers, my leaders, and my peers expect me to be there and to be an example and that's all the motivation I need to jump out of bed and get to work early.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 7:46 AM

2014-09-18T07:46:09-04:00

The opportunity to positivity influence and develop other individuals. The opportunity to help others. The opportunity to protect the citizens and the rights of the US from harm to the best of my abilities. The opportunity to pursue a career that I truly love (which nowadays is very rare). The opportunity of self sacrifice in return of making something in this world more positive (regardless of how big or small of an impact it makes).

Response by SSgt Robert Clark made Sep 18 at 2014 11:46 AM

2014-09-18T11:46:43-04:00

I have a family to feed and provide shelter for, and coffee....that pretty much sums it up.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 24 at 2014 6:58 AM

2014-09-24T06:58:12-04:00

Now that surgery is over, I look forward to rehab and get my leg back. Then, the sky is the limit, and hopefully pain free! Back to couneling my brother and sisters! Japan? Okinawa? God will show me the way....,,

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 24 at 2014 7:06 AM

2014-09-24T07:06:02-04:00

Gotta check that RP score :-)

But seriously to catch up on all that banter I missed on RP overnight and strike back with some pinpoint witticism!

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Sep 24 at 2014 8:10 AM

2014-09-24T08:10:45-04:00

Since my brain injury I have a drive that makes me want to get up and be better than I was the day before.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 24 at 2014 9:14 AM

2014-09-24T09:14:05-04:00

I want to say why I wake up in the morning, but everyone else has said so much of why I do that I just find it a vinyl record stuck at the end of the LP going pop, pop, pop until someone moves the needle. Know what I mean?

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Sep 24 at 2014 11:43 AM

2014-09-24T11:43:28-04:00

The 1st and the 15th, just being honest.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Sep 24 at 2014 2:07 PM

2014-09-24T14:07:17-04:00

Life.

Two accidents on the same deployment left me paralyzed for a short period. Enough to change my outlook in life. Three things were on my mind after the nerve was pinched; (1) will I be able to dance with my wife, (2) will I be able to walk my daughter when she get married, (3) will my son and I be able to camp with the scouts.

The doctors could never figure out how come I am alive or yet, moving mostly normal. A 27-month medical board did not beat me.

So when I wake up in the morning... I am glad to be alive, and still serving:)

Response by SGT(P) Kenneth Jones made Sep 25 at 2014 1:41 PM

2014-09-25T13:41:57-04:00

Waking up motivating those half my age.showing even at 44 can still push just as hard if not harder then them and make it a little fun competition to show me up. Always a motivattor to kick ass and take names of those half my age Hooooah.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2014 11:36 PM

2014-09-25T23:36:52-04:00

My alarm clock... :(

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 1:58 PM

2014-09-30T13:58:10-04:00

Definitley coffee. I like it black. No sugar and cream. Then I think of my children. Wonder how they are? Usaully in school by then since I work evenings now. I then get my uniform on and go to work after all the preping. Putting all my hidden instruments away on me, lol.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 2:02 PM

2014-09-30T14:02:45-04:00

The things that wake me up in the morning, are the ability to talk to my family, no matter where in the world I am. And secondly being able to put on my uniform everyday helps me to get out of bed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 10:32 PM

2014-10-07T22:32:17-04:00

I agree with SFC Swartz. COFFEE! And of course my wonderful family. I do what I do because of them. They are my biggest supporters.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 8:19 AM

2014-10-10T08:19:48-04:00

My Alarm clock

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Oct 10 at 2014 10:51 AM

2014-10-10T10:51:05-04:00

My babies

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Oct 10 at 2014 2:30 PM

2014-10-10T14:30:02-04:00

This little girl. FYI, I did not put that beret on her head...besides:

(1) she's not wearing it with the proper uniform
(2) she's not wearing the edge binding 1 inch above eyebrows
(3) it's not straight across her forehead
(4) the flash is not centered above the left eye
(5) ...and she's not old enough to drive!

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 10 at 2014 2:38 PM

2014-10-10T14:38:18-04:00

We are supposed to get out of bed? I am retired!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 12:26 AM

2014-10-13T00:26:16-04:00

The reminder that not only am I serving my country ,but most importantly, I get to serve others with the goal of seeing them advance.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 9:35 AM

2014-10-15T09:35:27-04:00

It's hard to motivate yourself to get and go to work when you really don't want to be there. I enjoy my job, but where I'm at, I'm not really doing much of anything. It makes it hard to get motivated when you believe there's not much worth going to work for. So, what I do, is take solace in the small things. Like $1.00 all day coffee at the geedunk. The stuff's road tar, but I love it.

Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Oct 16 at 2014 10:13 AM

2014-10-16T10:13:02-04:00

Well, while serving in the military, it was; my wife, my family, the enjoyment of serving my country and protecting the people their rights and freedom set forth by the founding fathers of the United States.
Now that I am retired, my wife, my family and the love of living the rights and freedoms I fought so hard to preserve.

Response by LTC Mark Gavula made Oct 16 at 2014 11:22 AM

2014-10-16T11:22:26-04:00

When I wore the uniform, I got fired up for the day, knowing what I did, said, or wrote would affect Soldiers. Therefore, I had to be my best. Though I failed miserably at times, probably most of the time.

As a card carrying member of military retirees, I am grateful I wake up breathing everyday and then try to live life to its fullest. After the death of my wife, I realized how valuable life is and if you are living it legally, morally, and ethically, why not enjoy it? For me, as Forest Gump said, "life is a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get". Therefore, I try not to get upset or be negative. I don't shoot people the finger when in traffic though they may deserve it, I don't complain much, and I smile.

Response by SFC Melker Johansson made Oct 16 at 2014 11:39 AM

2014-10-16T11:39:53-04:00

Me? Chronic insomnia.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 11:52 AM

2014-10-16T11:52:00-04:00

The realization that I'm one day closer to watching football again...

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 17 at 2014 3:13 PM

2014-10-17T15:13:37-04:00

Q: What makes you want to get up in the morning and get going?

A: The alternative.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Oct 19 at 2014 8:45 PM

2014-10-19T20:45:46-04:00

The Sun. I have been a sun worshipper as long as I can remember. I love the sunshine. Probably why I liked/loved Dodge (Diego Garcia) so much. Can't bitch too much. Other than Adak and several years in Seattle. I was mostly in sunny locations.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 21 at 2014 2:57 AM

2014-10-21T02:57:52-04:00

My desire to obtain financial freedom makes me get going.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 12:58 PM

2014-10-21T12:58:51-04:00

Bills and taking care off my family

Response by Cpl Robert Masi made Oct 21 at 2014 2:55 PM

2014-10-21T14:55:48-04:00

Coffee, a cigarette, and the fact that business needs to be taken care of. A man defines himself by his work.
Plus, alcohol isn't free.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 3:45 PM

2014-10-21T15:45:26-04:00

Lots of answers here about what gets us going (coffee being the favorite), but what actually makes you WANT to get up?

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 21 at 2014 3:52 PM

2014-10-21T15:52:12-04:00

Ok, honest answer.....because there are so many people I have to piss off!!! Hehehehehe!!! \m/

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Oct 21 at 2014 4:01 PM

2014-10-21T16:01:27-04:00

The alternative...

Also, I have met and married a wonderful woman and we are making a life together, I have had the opportunity to fix myself when broken while many sadly cannot, I have the ability to work and make a living how I choose to as I am healthy and intelligent, and I get to do all kinds of things that I enjoy (even though sleep is one of them).

I may grumble about having to drive to work through traffic and sit in a soul crushing job eight hours a day, but at least I get to get up, walk, and do things that I want to do, when I want to do them. That says a lot for me.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 6:00 PM

2014-10-21T18:00:01-04:00

To be honest in an AIT environment getting to laugh at the strange faces the 11 other people make at me while i wake up 10 minutes before them in order to get a hot shower with good water pressure. and then wake all of them up when im done so we can get to formation on time

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 8:16 PM

2014-10-21T20:16:28-04:00

The coffee I have waiting in the pot.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-05-20T13:03:36-04:00

As of recent for me, I have many things to look forward to. Upcoming PCS, baby on the way, new house to work on (when I'm home) so lot's of things to keep me motivated, especially the PCS. Super stoked about that.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 28 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-05-28T13:54:58-04:00

Knowing full well I'm gonna kick some @$$ and get paid for it -- there's no greater motivation

Response by 1LT Jonathan Cowan made May 28 at 2015 2:36 PM

2015-05-28T14:36:50-04:00

only my wife... I want back in so bad...boarding OCS next month hopefully I can get back in...fingers crossed

Response by SSG Ray Strenkowski made Jul 22 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-07-22T13:44:11-04:00

Coffee - and making yourself valuable to the team. When people count on you it's one more reason to get moving.

By the way, 'Climb to Glory' MSG.

Response by SrA Tony Schamberger made Jun 4 at 2019 6:05 PM

2019-06-04T18:05:44-04:00

Serving Veterans and feeling as if I’m serving my country again.