Motive Power

Motive Power 

by Ken West

Motive power is the power of a powerful motive. Without motive things are meaningless. Motive is motivation. What is your motivation to do or not do x? Motive power is the power of an internal engine. This engine can create tremendous power OR it can refuse to start, OR it can only rev-up at lower power.

So what is it? It’s unique to you. Yes, humans have certain fundamental motives, such as food, shelter, sex, etc. When one of these motives is unmet, it nags you with hunger, discomfort, strong desire, etc.  Motive power, however, is passion mixed with purpose.

It isn’t some mystical power deep in outer space. It’s the power within your self, your soul, your very being. It keeps you focused on what you want. So the problem becomes how to tap into it. It’s actually quite simple. 

Close your eyes and imagine that it’s the end of your life. You’re on your deathbed, and have just five minutes to live. What, if any, are your regrets?

If you suddenly think of something, perhaps a big or even small regret, open your eyes and write it down. Close your eyes again and see if there are any more regrets. Don’t waste your five minutes of life on the mistakes you made or things you did that you can’t change. Instead focus on what you wish you had done (or would do if you had more time to live).

Once you’ve written down those regrets, prioritize them. Number one is where you begin—because suddenly you’ve been granted the rest of your life—now! 

Ken West is the author of Get What You Want. He currently works for an international training and consulting firm.