Category: Boot Camp for Creators & Dreamers

How do dreamers and creators stay motivated? As previously discussed, a person’s level of motivation involves several factors, which generally are far from being intuitive.

We wanted to inspire, encourage, and motivate creators and dreamers to keep pursuing their goals and aspirations, no matter what obstacles they encounter along the journey. We’ve all heard “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Sound advice — but the “escape route” can vary: one should run toward their dreams and destiny, not away them.

We realized, however, if we hoped to keep creators and dreamers on the right track, always moving forward, we needed to equip them spiritually for the storms of life. Hence, we started this Spiritual Boot Camp, and throughout its numerous “sessions” we’ve shared many Biblical principles that are key to facilitating — and staying motivated in — the pursuit of dreams and goals. Principles such as:

• The discipline of “Abiding” in the Lord (John 15:5) (Boot Camp 4) and….

• The importance of prayer and a daily quiet time with God (Boot Camp 5)

• Organizing and wisely managing one’s time, mind, and words (Boot Camp 8; 10; 12)

• Discovering the “one thing” that impassions and drives a dreamer or creator, and Staying focused on it (Boot Camp 17)

• Above all, the need to find purpose in life; through developing a Judeo-Christian Worldview (Boot Camp 18.2)

Perhaps you’ve realized the vital connection between these spiritual steps. It’s the principle of RIGHT THINKING, and it’s absolutely essential when it comes to reaching our goals and achieving our dreams. In fact, no one has ever accomplished anything worthwhile and of lasting value without “right thinking.”

On the other hand, you may personally know someone with toxic “stinking thinking” — but you’ll never hear or read about their achievements, because it’s impossible to be a winner if you think you’re a failure, or a problem-solver if you dwell on your problems. To paraphrase King Solomon, You are what you think. (Proverbs 23:7; See Boot Camp 8)

“Science is finally catching up with the Bible,” according to Dr. Caroline Leaf, author of Switch On Your Brain. “Breakthrough neuroscientific research is confirming daily what we instinctively knew all along: What you are thinking every moment of every day becomes a physical reality in your brain and body, which affects your optimal mental and physical health.”

Dr. Leaf continues, “These thoughts collectively form your attitude, which is your state of mind, and it’s your attitude and not your DNA that determines much of the quality of life. …If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought. (Switch on Your Brain: the Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, pp. 14-15)

Food for thought? Frankly, nothing saps your creativity, energy, and motivation more than a negative, faithless, I-can’t-do-it mindset; a pessimistic attitude that chooses to see the worst in every person and situation — the “glass half-empty” and never half-full. Such stinking thinking is counterproductive. It’s a dream-killer, and it can also lead to hopelessness, deep depression, shortened life-expectancy, and even suicide. (More on this later.)

Everyone has moments during which they lack motivation. But dreamers and creators can’t afford to linger in these unproductive times. So, whenever you find yourself feeling unmotivated, evaluate your thoughts, and if necessary, adjust your attitude. As stated in Boot Camp 9, ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

Your attitude (your state of mind; your perspective; your personal worldview of God, people and life in general) will determine specifically how you respond to challenges and, in general, your quality of life. You’ll either live in victory, despite whatever disappointments, delays, obstacles and setbacks you encounter in the pursuit of your dreams; or you’ll live in defeat, eventually giving up on your hopes and aspirations — and abandoning your dreams.

Scary? Yes. But the choice is completely in your hands … uh, in your head, actually. “…Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … but as for [us] we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 AMPC)

The best way to stay motivated is to develop a “mind for motivation”: a positive, optimistic, faith-filled attitude; one that truly believes the promises found in God’s Word: “I have chosen the way of truth and faithfulness; Your ordinances have I set before me.” (Psalm 119:30 AMPC) We think the Message translation of Psalm 119:30-32 says it all:

I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse! [i.e., NO MOTIVATION!] Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember? …Train me well in your deep wisdom. Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders. …Build me up again by your Word. Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation. I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner. I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me…. I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how.

Become positive, optimistic, and faith-filled by following these basic steps to Right Thinking:

• Begin with God. As we pointed out in the last two sessions of Boot Camp, EVERYTHING starts with God, including our goals and aspirations. Again, God gives meaning to every facet of life; but He also bestows to each of us special dreams and the gifts and talents needed to achieve them. Start with God, stay with God, and finish with God. (See Boot Camp sessions 2 – 7.)

• Fuel on God’s Word. The Bible is the ultimate source of inspiration and motivation. Read it, study it, meditate on it. Accept its truths. Claim its promises. Keep “your tank topped off” with the scriptures and you’ll be well fueled for the pursuit of your dreams — no matter how long the journey takes. (See Boot Camp sessions 8 – 11; and 18.)

We can summarize these two vital steps with this verse: “Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” (Joshua 1:7-9 MSG)

Remember, you are what you think. Want to live in victory? If so, then think victorious thoughts — you’ll find them in the Bible. Want to be motivated? Then devour God’s Manual for Maximum Motivation.

“Here is a last piece of advice. If you believe in goodness and if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good. Model your conduct on what you have learned from me, on what I have told you and shown you, and you will find the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8 PHILLIPS)

“…What happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments … able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.” (Galatians 5:22-24 MSG) Hmm, all this sounds like maximum motivation!

Join us next session, when we Meet Some More Motivators!

Last session: There’s a clear link between one’s worldview and sense of purpose (meaning), and one’s level of motivation.

Where does maximum motivation originate?

Once you realize you were created by a loving God, who takes a personal interest in every aspect of your life, and an active role in the pursuit of your goals and aspirations, you’ll quickly discover the motivation to always do your best; to become all God created you to be. Once you understand the value God places upon you (and all people), and realize that you share your Heavenly Father’s creative DNA, you’ll begin to see yourself in a positive, can-do light — which has the power to shift your pursuits into maximum gear.

Once you realize God put you here for a reason — to make a difference in your home, workplace, and community; and that your life truly matters, you’ll experience a deep sense of purpose which will bring new meaning to everything you do. Once you understand that your God-given hopes and
dreams are part of His divine assignment for your life, you’ll discover the inner conviction that won’t allow you to quit until you cross the finish-line. This is the mindset that generates maximum motivation to invent, innovate, and implement; to create wonderful works of lasting value; to achieve even the most seemingly impossible dreams.

Now, catch your breath. Before we continue, we need to be sure you know HOW to acquire the highly-motivating Judeo-Christian Worldview. (Hint: You can’t grab one at a convenience store.)

The Judeo-Christian Worldview is a keen awareness of God, His identity, His position, His power, and His authority on earth; all of which leads to a God-centered life that puts Him (and His priorities) first; and which never excludes Him from any area or facet of life (including our goals, dreams, and aspirations). In a nutshell, the Judeo-Christian Worldview is (doh!) seeing the world from God’s point of view.

Some of today’s greatest creators and dreamers share this worldview; and history is filled with men and women who changed the world with their art, music, writings, research, accomplishments, discoveries, inventions — and willingness to please God and keep Him first. But … you can’t please God if you don’t know what He wants.

HOW can we dreamers and creators acquire God’s point of view? How can we gain His divine perspective on life, love, and everything in-between?

Our Heavenly Father shares His perspective in a long “love letter” called the Bible. It’s the most influential book of all time. It’s God’s Instruction Manual for Life on Earth. And it’s the greatest source of inspiration and motivation our world will ever know.

The Bible is also one continuous story: His story! It includes the “Old” Testament and the “New” Testament, but don’t let these descriptors throw you. The Bible is a supernatural book and every last word of it is still relevant today. It reveals God’s principles and practices — the wisdom and guidelines necessary to enjoy healthy relationships with our Heavenly Father, and with other people.God’s standards and guidelines are the absolute and eternal truth; and not up for debate. Every last word of it was issued by God Himself, through the divine agency of the Holy Spirit: “All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the [people] of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16 AMP)

The phrase “God-breathed” explains the significance of the Holy Scriptures: breath signifies life or essence. Hence, God’s Word is Living. And it embodies the very nature of the Creator of the Universe: love, hope, faith, and above all, truth. “The Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]….” (Hebrews 4:12 AMPC)

God’s instruction manual is like a spiritual Swiss Army knife; it’s useful in so many ways:

• It’s a moral and spiritual compass, pointing the way to God and eternal salvation;

• A roadmap for our journey through life, helping us stay on the right path;

• The Guidelines for handling every issue our world faces;

• An energizing fountain of encouragement;

• A source of comfort in times of trouble;

• Daily spiritual food for growth and good “grooming”; as well as …

• The secret to Maximum Motivation (and so much more.)

If you’re involved in some creative endeavor or pursuing a dream, you’ll definitely need this multipurpose tool. “Don’t leave home without it!” (Sorry, American Express card.)

Psalm 119:1-2 begins, “Blessed are those whose lives have integrity, those who follow the teachings of the Lord. Blessed are those who obey his written instructions. They wholeheartedly search for him.” (GW) This particular passage of the Holy Scriptures is called a “wisdom psalm.” It’s main theme can be summarized thus: God’s Word contains everything humankind needs to know. 

In its entirety, Psalm 119 (depending on which translation you read) uses such terms as the Word; precepts; statutes or decrees; commandments; instruction or revelation; testimonies; and (one of our personal favorites) path to describe the Scriptures. We encourage you to read it — yes, all 176 verses — because it will bless you. It also provides some excellent pointers:

• “Your Word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11 AMP)

• “I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me and given me life.” (Psalm 139:93 AMP)

• “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 AMP)

• “Establish my footsteps in [the way of] Your Word….” (Psalm 119:133 AMP)

• “You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth.” (Psalm 119:151 AMP)

Fellow creators and dreamers, what are your aspirations in life? Got goals? Need some motivation? How about a little PUSH in the right direction? Then dive into the Bible. Start seeing things from God’s perspective. Discover His plan for your life. Follow His guidelines. Claim His promises. Acquire and maintain a Judeo-Christian Worldview.

Embrace the Truth of God’s Word — it’s an endless, empowering wellspring for MAXIMUM MOTIVATION.

“So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” (Philippians 3:15-16 MSG)