When Yoda says MOTIVATED, you say DEDICATED!

The entities of motivation and dedication complement one another perfectly; they facilitate one another. With a rough definition of the term motivation being "the driving force by which humans achieve their goals," usually upon positively identifying that 'driving force,' we hold onto it tightly, reluctant to let it go. It is as if we have found our way, figured something out or been let in on a secret. Consider a mouse struggling to find his way through a maze, once, and then subsequently much more efficiently. A wise person would dedicate himself to the perpetuation of this "force," so as to facilitate the accomplishment of goals and ultimately, happiness.

I am no Star Wars nerd, but a discussion of "the force" is not possible without referencing these movies. For your perspective, check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Force_(Star_Wars). Most interesting to me and relevant to this blog is the concept of "force sensitivity," whereby an individual possesses a particular affinity for the force; they seem innately capable of expressing the force via special powers. It seems that in the Star Wars saga this ability is born and less often made.

I have seen people take hold of a kind of force, across the demographic, late in life and against significant odds. I have observed this repeatedly, outside of science fiction. Ordinary people are really capable of extraordinary things, after accomplishing which, they become extraordinary people, who show the way to others. Pay it forward. When people ratchet up to a new level of "force sensitivity," they understandably feel better about themselves, other people and the situations that life presents. A degree of wisdom manifests, as they pit the confidence of their successes against new trials. The individual seems to vibrate at a higher level and everything becomes easier to them. I have likened this to an avatar the person capably assumes; some video game icon like Super Mario who finds the magic mushroom and breezes through the game.

Sadly, some never find the magic mushroom, usually because they never look. In answer to the following exchange between Luke and Yoda: “[Luke:] I can’t believe it. [Yoda:] That is why you fail.” I have seen more than a few fall chronically short of their goals for lack of self confidence or belief in themselves. But courtesy a nudge in the right direction by someone who has been where the individual is trying to go; given the right mentoring and moral support, previously insurmountable obstacles are removed - prompting a mental and finally physical victory.

Watch, as Luke strains to raise the X-Wing fighter from the swamp. R2D2 and Yoda look on with excitement...they believe in Luke and know he can do it, but he doesn't believe in himself. His motivation is lacking and so he can't express the force. But after a sufficient period of hard training, Luke catches a glimpse of his full potential, which is essentially limitless. He then dedicates himself fully to becoming a Jedi and he's off to the races.

MOTIVATION <-------------> DEDICATION

More perspective from Yoda:  

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”