My oldest daughter recently decided it was time to get her sea legs on the long-board. No. Not a long surfboard but a 42" long land-board. A big old skateboard.
I had tried in the past to catch her interest in boarding. Didn't take. In fact, over time my son even lost interest. But the other day she grabbed what we call the Magic Carpet Ride (check it out here), slapped on her helmet, then went for it. My son jumped in on the action. My five-year-old even joined in with our only skateboard. Of course I had to get in on it too.
It was awesome.
It was motivation.
Motivation is often seen as a creative phantom. A ghost-like mist that floats around waiting for you catch it, be inspired, and get to work. But it doesn't have to be so mysterious.
Motive. What's your motive? It's a simple question, really. Why do you want to do that? What's your end goal? What is it that's compelling you to act?
My daughter's motive was simple. She wanted to be able to say that she could ride a long board. Maybe not the loftiest of goals, but a tangible one. And the only way for her to fulfill that goal was to get on the board.
Regardless of what motivated her, she did it. Even more, her action spurred us all on.
Q. What mysterious motivation are you waiting for? Why not shoot for the practical?
Break the end of the project down to its most basic elements and outcomes and then go for it.