Motivation involves things like ambition, desire, and drive. It’s what makes the difference between failure and success. With it, you have the strength to achieve your goals. Without it, not so much. In addition, it’s important for you to know that there may be sacrifice and pain involved. By that, I mean both physical, emotional, and economical. Equally important, your relationships may suffer. My advice is to be sure you really want whatever it is that’s motivating you. It will become your passion.

Do you have the courage to follow your dreams?

To find out if your motivation, desire, and drive are strong enough, ask yourself these two questions.

1. What is your passion?
2. Do you have enough motivation for all the effort you’ll need to put into achieving it?

What is your passion?

If you’re reading this blog, your passion might be ballroom dancing. So, let’s use that as an example of how to use motivation to get what you’re after. After all, it’s no secret that ballroom dancing is my passion.

Why do you want to learn ballroom dancing? Maybe you want to date someone who loves to dance. Perhaps you feel awkward and you figure dance lessons will help you become more coordinated. Or, it could be that you heard that ballroom dancing is a great way to meet people and have a little good, clean fun. Whatever your reason to learn ballroom dancing, you’re right.

Why not start with a free or discounted lesson at a studio or with an independent instructor. Since they’re experts, I promise they’ll inspire you. Here’s a Dance Safari post, “What to Expect on a Free Lesson at Ballroom Dance Studio.” You may be bitten by the dance bug right away or it might take a few lessons. Either way, there’s a good chance you’re gonna fall in love with it. If becoming the best ballroom dancer you can be is important to you, that’s your passion.

Do you have enough motivation for all the effort you’ll need to put into achieving it?

This is where motivation comes in. Just like any other learned physical skill, you will need instruction and practice to master ballroom dancing. That may mean any or all of the following:

• Dance lessons; both private instruction and group classes.
• Practice parties so you can dance with many different people.
• Dance meet-ups at clubs around town to practice in real-life situations.
• Showcase recitals, competitions, and other extra-curricular activities. They’re the type of motivation you need to reach your goals.
• Coaching sessions with professional competitors and performers for personalized training with ballroom dance superpowers.
• Practice shoes and clothes because everything is easier with the right tools. See more at Dance-America.com‘s online store.
• Some students choose to invest in performance costumes.
• At some point you’ll want a dance partner.
• …in other words, you’ll need plenty of money, lots of time, and, if your dance partner isn’t your life partner, an extraordinary amount of freedom and support from your better half. Ya better be ready with that motivation.

Keep in mind, the good feelings that come with success will give you more confidence and better self-esteem. It’s easy to see how that will make you a better person, both for yourself and others, so stay motivated!