Mirriam-Webster defines effort as "a conscious exertion of power" or "a serious attempt to do something." This definition implies that when someone puts effort into a decision or an action, it is done on purpose. There is something that has occurred in the mind of that individual that has helped them to determine what their next step should be. While I believe that most human beings are good by nature and driven by the idea of doing the right thing, I also believe that we make mistakes periodically in how our effort is carried out. We are not perfect. Wouldn't we want others to consider our effort and original purpose for doing something, even if the result is not exactly as expected? Is it possible to take a step back before we judge, to consider that person's effort and what they meant it to represent?
Mirriam-Webster defines motivation as "the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something." Motivation can drive us to do good or evil. There is plenty of both in this world. If you truly believe that a person's motivation is good and has been good for the majority of the relationship, but one particular act went wrong, you decide what is the best course of action for you. Can you make that decision if you are not clear as to what their motivation was for their decision? Discussing what happened and what you perceived from that action is important for the other person to know and could change the future of the relationship. Being open and honest about what your motivation was and helping the other person to grasp that concept is time well spent if the relationship is important to you.
In conclusion, I challenge you to become more aware of what your efforts and motivations are as you go through your daily routine and make decisions. What drives you to make those decisions? Can you identify your own efforts and motivations, should you ever be asked? I also suggest that you take the time to question the efforts and motivations of others if you feel you have been wronged. Did they truly mean to hurt you or did they just make a judgment error? If you struggle in working through these issues, give me a call and we can work through them as a team.
As always, I thank you for looking at the idea of effort and motivation.......From The Positive Perspective.
