Where Motivation Comes From When Life Pulls Us Down

What makes people wake up in the morning? What helps us move forward, grow, or succeed — even when life feels heavy?

If I had to choose one word, it would be motivation.

But motivation isn’t magic. It doesn’t appear out of nowhere. And it certainly isn’t the same for everyone. Motivation grows when we feel seen, valued, capable, and unrestricted — when we understand ourselves and have space to breathe.

I’ve lived most of my life under pressure: running a start-up in the IT world, working in health care, and raising four children. These experiences taught me how to handle stress, how to recognise burnout, and — most importantly — when to step out of environments that drain me instead of lifting me.

And I’ve seen how different people lose and regain motivation in very different ways.

Leaders and Managers: The Weight No One Sees

Leaders carry responsibility that most people never witness. They hold the team’s performance, deadlines, results, conflicts, and wellbeing — all while trying to maintain their own personal life, if they even have space for one.

But where can they turn when they need support?

In most workplaces, there is no safe space for managers. If they show vulnerability upward, they fear being judged. If they show it downward, they fear losing authority.

More organisations are finally recognising that managers need wellbeing support too — not because they are weak, but because they are human. Without motivation, creativity, and self‑confidence, leadership becomes survival instead of guidance.

Co‑Workers in High‑Stress Environments: Burnout That Spreads Quietly

Working in care homes, I saw burnout up close. Staff were exhausted, undervalued, and often felt replaceable. When people feel unseen, motivation disappears. And when motivation disappears, so does safety, patience, and compassion.

Twelve‑hour shifts at full capacity are impossible to sustain. Burnout doesn’t just affect performance — it affects humanity.

I noticed something important: Carers who joined activities with residents or accompanied them to appointments were less burned out. They had moments of connection, creativity, and purpose.

When I offered group meditation sessions for staff, 80% wanted to join. They were desperate for something that recharged them. Leadership refused — ironically because too many staff were interested. A missed opportunity. A simple wellbeing project could have reduced turnover and increased motivation.

Elderly People: Motivation Hidden Beneath Fear and Loss

Working with elderly people through holistic therapy was one of the most beautiful surprises of my life. Many were more open‑minded than younger people — but their motivation was buried under layers of fear:

• fear of failing

• fear of being a burden

• fear of embarrassment

• physical limitations

• cognitive decline

• loss of identity

They played safe because life had taught them to avoid risk.

But with gentle encouragement, creativity, and connection, something shifted. They began joining activities, rediscovering old hobbies, learning new skills, and showing real achievements to their families.

People often see elderly individuals as vulnerable and diminished. I saw people with rich histories, deep knowledge, passion, humour, and resilience — and my work was simply to bring those qualities back to the surface.

The results were real: slower cognitive decline, better fitness, more laughter, more life.

So Where Does Motivation Come From?

Motivation grows where people feel:

• seen

• valued

• capable

• safe to express themselves

• connected to purpose

It dies where people feel invisible.

Whether it’s a manager carrying the weight of a team, a burned‑out carer running on empty, or an elderly person afraid to try again — the root is the same.

Motivation is not a personality trait. It is a relationship.

A space.

A feeling.

A spark that grows when someone believes in you — or when you finally believe in yourself.