The title of this message is “The Gap Between Knowledge and Action”. Have you ever wondered why obstacles often appear in your life, even though you know how to succeed? It seems that there is a disparity between what you know and what you actually do. Many people who feel frustrated and stuck in their personal growth have reached out to me through my website, Motivation for Dreamers.
Many individuals have stated that they have consumed various personal development and motivational resources throughout their lives, gaining a substantial amount of knowledge in the process. Nevertheless, they encounter obstacles when attempting to implement this knowledge and embrace the desired lifestyle. Frequently, this frustration arises from questioning the efficacy of these methods for their particular circumstances. The gap between comprehending what must be accomplished and understanding how to execute it contributes to challenges in actualizing it.
Over the years, I have attended numerous seminars and listened to insightful information. Sadly, many attendees failed to put that knowledge into action and instead left the seminar materials untouched on their shelves. Although initially enthusiastic, their daily routines eventually hindered them from acting upon what they learned. It wasn’t until a coaching session when I finally uncovered the underlying reason for this discrepancy.
The primary reason for being trapped in a specific routine is usually a lack of clarity, which can be traced back to three elements: fears, feeling powerless, and lack of focus.
One’s fears act as significant barriers to taking action. These fears can either be conscious or unconscious. For instance, you might have multiple business concepts and dreams of starting your own company but find it difficult to move forward.
There is a hindrance that must be acknowledged in order for you to move forward. Allow me to share a tale of someone who encountered a comparable issue. This individual made several attempts at starting businesses but did not achieve success. Nevertheless, during a coaching session, she discovered the underlying reason behind her lack of progress. It transpired that in her youth, her parents’ divorce had an impact on her life. Consequently, she resided with her financially unstable mother while receiving extravagant presents and material assistance from her affluent father.
Through coaching, she discovered that she was actually hindering her chances of success because, to her, achieving wealth meant becoming similar to her Dad. She believed that by attaining wealth, she would be betraying her non-wealthy mother. Hence, despite appearing outwardly and logically focused on making money in her business, she harbored a fear of doing so as it would align her with the person she did not desire to become-her father. It is crucial to identify and understand your fears as they pose the greatest barrier in advancing and achieving success.
Understanding the origins of our fears is crucial for effectively addressing them. Although we may be conscious of our fears, comprehending why we experience them can be challenging. By engaging in coaching and counseling, we can uncover the underlying cause of our fears and develop a deeper understanding of how they relate to ourselves.
Feeling powerless is another obstacle that may arise. This sensation occurs when our power diminishes, resulting in decreased energy levels and a tendency to attribute blame to ourselves or others. Additionally, being judgmental towards both ourselves and others, as well as occasional outbursts of anger, are indications of feelings of powerlessness.
The state I would describe as feeling weighed down, with a heaviness in the chest or heart, especially when contemplating the future and plans. It can be exhausting and each step requires great effort. To release this burden, it is crucial to learn how to let go of negativity. By doing so, one can progress towards a state of greater empowerment. In this empowered state, one abandons blame, judgment, anger, and negativity.
By releasing burdens and freeing yourself from constraints, you can feel revitalized and lighter. This allows for easier progress without negativity. In this empowered state, your wisdom and intuition are more accessible. Letting go of judgment, blame, and negativity doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming; it just requires focus and intention. Coaching can greatly assist in this aspect, and there are self-coaching tools like the Brain Walk that can help.
By incorporating the Brain Walk into your daily routine for just five to ten minutes, you can effortlessly energize yourself and achieve a heightened sense of empowerment. Your spirituality also plays a significant role in attaining this state. Often overlooked are the simple yet effective methods of prayer and reading God’s Word, which provide an affordable way to eliminate negativity, self-blame, and judgment towards oneself and others. Reflecting on God’s word and praying wholeheartedly are essential practices mentioned in the Bible: “the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” These actions will supply you with the necessary power while enabling you to progress without fear or burden.
In order to transition from knowledge to action, it is crucial to have focus. Once you have let go of your fears and reached a state of higher power, adding focus becomes important. Focus means having a clear vision for your life and knowing what you want to achieve. If there is no specific direction or goal pulling you, the knowledge you possess may not be utilized. For instance, if I share information about investing in real estate today, you might be enthusiastic about it. However, if I introduce the concept of multilevel marketing tomorrow, you could also become excited about that opportunity.
The text emphasizes the importance of acting consistently towards a clear purpose in order to avoid being pulled in different directions and staying stagnant despite scattered efforts. It suggests determining one’s vision and purpose, clarifying life aspirations, and then rejecting things that won’t be beneficial. By doing so, it becomes easier to reject distractions and focus on obtaining the necessary knowledge to achieve goals. The title of today’s message is “Life is hard” and it explores strategies for living a fulfilling life despite challenges.
Every individual shares a common desire for happiness and an ideal life. This may include accomplishing success in their profession or business, discovering a perfect partner, and nurturing exceptional children. Moreover, we all seek loyal friends who offer unwavering support, attain material possessions, and effectively resolve our issues. It is worth noting that the definition of a fulfilling life may differ from person to person. For some individuals, satisfaction lies in simple necessities like having three meals per day and a place they can call their own.
In addition, a good life can be interpreted differently for each individual. Some may view it as owning a large mansion and having several million dollars in their bank account. The concept of a good life encompasses various levels and meanings. However, no matter how one defines it, there is likely a common aspiration shared by many – to lead a stress-free existence. It is desirable to attain this state without having to exert excessive effort or face significant challenges. This expectation is intrinsic to human nature, as no one enjoys enduring hardships throughout their lifetime. Regrettably, this very desire for an exceptional life may also serve as a hindrance in achieving it.
Many people find starting tasks or projects to be discouraging due to the extensive work and planning involved. The overwhelming challenges and resistance they face often lead them to question whether it’s worth the effort. This feeling is akin to the mental exhaustion one experiences when contemplating running a marathon. Even before reaching the starting line, the thought of all that running can be daunting and mentally draining, causing many individuals to give up without even trying. This difficulty brings to mind one of my beloved books, “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck.
The book’s opening statement asserts that “Life is difficult,” but Peck emphasizes that once we accept and understand this truth, it no longer becomes a major concern. Life is filled with obstacles, making it rare to achieve anything without effort. Even winning the lottery requires buying a ticket. In life, your boss may not always be agreeable, your job may present unexpected challenges, and your coworkers can be frustrating. You may not always receive the recognition and compensation you desire at work, and dealing with clients may not always be pleasant. Your children might occasionally fail to meet your expectations. Ultimately, life is full of challenges.
Life is full of imperfections, including unmet expectations in marriage and homes that are not perfect sanctuaries. Even if you try to be a perfect partner and provide excellent products, running a business can still be difficult. There are many other situations where life can bring challenges. I understand that you need a break and it is understandable that you are dissatisfied. I sympathize with the difficulties and moments of confusion you have experienced, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and home. Unfortunately, things have not gone as planned or desired.
When facing life’s challenges, it is common for humans to feel like everything has gone wrong and not understand why. By acknowledging that life can be tough, individuals can find solace in knowing that others also experience difficulty. Instead of perceiving one’s situation as unique or negative, recognizing it as a shared human experience can prevent self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy. It is important to always remember that you are only human.
Although no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, it is crucial to not give up. While recognizing that life can be difficult, this does not mean accepting every situation without taking action. There are two perspectives to consider – one side acknowledges the phrase “life is hard,” but on the other side, there are five impactful words: “You can make it better.” This demonstrates a remarkable aspect of life – you have the power to enhance your own existence.
You have complete responsibility for your actions and how you handle life’s challenges. As the saying goes: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Acknowledging the difficulties in life involves recognizing your role in making it better. It is not just your obligation to improve it, but also something you are capable of and have authority over. You can improve it – by becoming a more skilled employee and demonstrating your worthiness of increased responsibilities at work. This will naturally result in promotions and higher salary. You can improve it – by acquiring effective parenting skills and creating a happier environment at home.
To enhance both your personal and professional life, concentrate on becoming the ideal spouse and improving your business skills. Remember that you can only control yourself and not others. Rather than attempting to change your partner into an ideal spouse, focus on being the husband or wife you aspire to be. This will create various opportunities for interaction with your spouse.
Initially, as you become an almost flawless partner, your significant other may observe the transformation and choose to change themselves or may naturally undergo a change due to your altered demeanor. Nevertheless, if they remain unchanged, you might reach a level of maturity where you find satisfaction and embrace their true essence without being disturbed by their imperfections. In more severe situations like abusive or detrimental relationships, you could develop self-acceptance and courage to depart from such harmful or disloyal companions.
Regardless of the circumstance, this example emphasizes an important aspect about the challenge and responsibility of life: people always have choices. Irrespective of the current situation, individuals possess the ability to make decisions. No matter how bleak things may appear, there is still an opportunity for choice. Despite any perceived limitations or capabilities, a choice remains accessible. Granted, this decision might not be simple in any manner; it could prove to be exceedingly difficult and result in a challenging journey. It has the potential to push individuals far beyond their comfort zones and initially exacerbate their already arduous lives.
However, it is still a decision you have to make. Often, the choices may not be as difficult as initially believed. You might have closed your mind to these options and opportunities because you believed there were no other choices available. Once you accept accountability for your own life and acknowledge that choices do exist, you will realize that being trapped is not inevitable when facing life’s challenges. Despite the hardships, ultimately, you are in control. Your life gains greater significance and purpose.
Motivation Speech “Dare To Be Different”
To achieve the same results as others, it is necessary to imitate their actions. Tonight, I would like to speak to Mr. Toastmaster, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, about the significance of being unique. This subject holds great importance for me as it has transformed into a personal philosophy that I strive to embody every day. THE WALK symbolizes the commencement of this journey when I was 18 years old and in my first year of college. It was at this time that I began observing people’s behaviors and contemplating the meaning of life. One particular day, while walking alongside two friends, my mind was consumed with profound thoughts.
While they were chatting, I was not paying attention. However, suddenly I expressed my disappointment with the adult world by stating “You know guys, I am pretty disappointed with the adult world.” One of them asked why, and I explained my expectations when I started attending campus. I anticipated a significant change in behavior and attitude from the adults around me. I always believed that being an “adult” was very different from being a child. However, after spending several months on campus, it became clear to me that the adult world did not meet my expectations. It seemed like everyone just continued acting as if they were still teenagers.
Nobody stood out in any way. I couldn’t see any difference between the 18-year-olds and the 50-year-olds except for their age! Where was the wisdom and excellence I expected? Nothing had changed! At that time, I didn’t know why people don’t change, but now I understand that it’s because they are afraid to be unique. What does it mean to be different? It means: not being scared to challenge the norm, taking risks, asking why, forging their own path instead of following the well-known one, determining their own destiny and becoming the person they were destined to be. | | I believe that everyone is born with their own uniqueness, but as time goes on, we strive to be like everyone else. We conform to what society considers “common sense,” which unfortunately doesn’t always mean it’s good sense. THE ABSURDITY OF EDUCATION. If I were to consider just the people in this room, it’s probable that most of you have spent 15 to 20 years pursuing an education in order to secure your current jobs.
Many individuals fail to recognize the irresponsibility of not actively working towards personal development, despite the significant time invested in obtaining an education. It is common for people to believe that once they have attained a qualification, they have reached their pinnacle. Consequently, their growth becomes stagnant, comparable to being stuck in an eternal state of being 18 years old. The majority of us do not engage in reading unless compelled to do so for an exam. However, every day presents an examination in the form of life itself. Each day offers an opportunity to either pass or fail this test. Furthermore, each day serves as a chance to transcend current barriers and circumstances and become a better version of oneself.
The unfortunate reality is that a majority of individuals are unaware of this truth. If their lives were to be evaluated, the grades would be abysmal – primarily D’s. Astonishingly, they believed they were progressing admirably, solely basing their performance on society’s conventional wisdom. My suggestion? Allow me to impart one valuable piece of advice: Embrace literature. Society excessively praises mediocrity, making it effortless to distinguish oneself. Engage in a consistent habit of reading materials that challenge and provoke introspection. Personally, I have committed to consuming at least one book per month, and the outcomes thus far have left me astounded.
MY FINAL WORDS
In closing I’d like to say to those of you that are skeptics out there, those of you that are saying “oh, he is just drunk with the omnipotence of youth. He’ll get over it, and then he’ll be just like everyone else.” My words to you are: “I ain’t going out like that. I know that I have an abundance of potential within me and I will bring it out to fruition. Why?” “Because…I’M DIFFERENT!”
Motivation Speech “24 Hours to Live”
This motivation speech was written for presentation at a Toastmasters club meeting. Enjoy it.
Death is something most of us would rather not think about.
The concept of death can evoke feelings of darkness, mystery, sadness, finality, loneliness, and coldness. However, as a doctor, I have discovered that there is much to be learned about life from death. This became especially apparent during one particular incident while I was on duty at a nearby hospital. I received a call to attend to a patient, an unconscious middle-aged man in the acute bay. Based on his attire and overall demeanor, it was evident that he had a comfortable financial status. Aside from his shallow breaths, there were no other signs of life present in him.
He had a blank stare into the air and never blinked. I noticed there was no one by his bedside. Quickly looking through the notes by his bedside I learnt he was diabetic and had recently started taking medication for HIV. I don’t know why exactly, but somehow I felt a lot of empathy for the man. Perhaps it was the perception that everyone seemed to have given up on him. The nurse had left me by now – she’d gone to attend to other patients who still had a fighting chance. As I worked to put up an I.V. line and gave him drugs and oxygen and try to figure out what the problem was I couldn’t help but think about his life.
I questioned the whereabouts of his family, friends, and relatives. I wondered who had brought him here and why he was alone during what was likely the most desperate moment of his life. I pondered how he had contracted HIV and what circumstances and decisions had led him to this point where his life teetered on the edge, seemingly unnoticed by anyone. Occasionally, he would let out a groan, which struck me differently from the groans I had heard from unconscious patients in the past. It was as if he were silently pleading, “help me, please help me.” Finally, after about one and a half hours of doing everything I could, I reluctantly left him, hoping for the best.
Despite still thinking about him, I returned to check on him less than half an hour later. I noticed that his breathing had improved and that his half-open eyes followed me. This provided encouragement. Just as I was about to leave, he reached out and gently grabbed my wrist. He mumbled something, but I couldn’t understand what he was saying. In response, I moved closer to him and asked, “What’s the problem?” After a pause, he took a few breaths and whispered a grateful “Thank You.” I replied, “You’re welcome,” before walking away. I was deeply moved by the encounter.
With the odds against him, this man expressed gratitude despite his circumstances. Unfortunately, his story did not have a happy ending, and I did not have the opportunity to learn more about him. Regrettably, he did not receive another chance. He spoke to me shortly before his passing; two hours later, I officially pronounced him dead. It was a moment of personal disappointment, although I had already done everything within my power to help him. Throughout my career, I have witnessed numerous deaths, prompting me to contemplate how individuals would have chosen to spend their last day if they had known it was their final opportunity.
What would they have done with those last few precious moments? LIVE EACH DAY LIKE IT’S YOUR LAST. A saying we’ve all heard before, but few of us have actually given it any thought. Living each day like it’s your last: – Forces you to think about your priorities. – It forces you to quit the things that waste your time and energy and to concentrate on the most important things and people in your life. – If you live that way you make better choices, you treasure each moment and suck the life out of every hour. – It removes the clutter and garbage that so often chokes our lives.
Living each day as if it’s your last means seizing every opportunity, avoiding procrastination, taking action today rather than postponing it until tomorrow, pursuing your dreams immediately, not letting any moment slip away, and fully embracing life. It entails living in such a way that when it’s your time to depart, someone will feel the impact of your presence and say their life has changed for the better because YOU were there. This is the essence of the motivational speech titled “The Evolution Fable.” So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, let me begin by presenting a can of coke.
Let me share an incredible tale about the origin of this can of coke. Billions of years ago, a massive explosion resulted in the creation of a large rock. As the rock cooled down, a delightful brown liquid emerged on its outer layer. Over time, aluminum took shape to become a can, a lid, and a tab. Many millions of years later, red and white paint descended from the sky and arranged itself into the words “Coca Cola” on the can’s surface. This is why we can savor a can of coke today. Naturally, my narrative belittles your intelligence because you are aware of how the Coca Cola can is manufactured and that someone bears the responsibility for its creation.
Furthermore, prior to its creation, someone had to design it. So why do the scientists of our time wish to insult our intelligence in the same manner I just did with this can of coca cola, by asserting that we are merely a result of evolution? Evolution can be described as “A gradual process in which something transforms into a distinct and often more intricate or superior form.” Essentially, it is nothing more than the coca cola theory I just explained, with the only difference being that you substitute the can of coke with… yourself. This motivational speech questions why anyone would desire to embrace the concept of evolution.
The question arises as to why anyone would want to believe in this “grown-up fairytale,” as one prominent scientist described it. There are three potential explanations for this belief: a) the individuals in question are highly intelligent, b) they have a hidden agenda for denying the apparent truth, or c) they are foolish. Before addressing these possibilities, it is important to highlight what some people have stated regarding intelligent design. Renowned statistician George Gallup supported the idea of God’s existence by stating, “I could prove God statistically; take the human body alone; the chance that all the functions of the individual would just happen, is a statistical monstrosity.” Albert Einstein also acknowledged a superior spirit present in the laws of the universe, surpassing human capabilities and making us feel humble.
Returning to the answers to our question: The first possibility, that these individuals are exceptionally intelligent, is incorrect despite their claims. They argue that their extensive study of the subject has only led to a limited understanding of its incredible power. They imply that comprehending such a complex topic is beyond the grasp of ordinary people like us.
Regarding the second option, that they have ulterior motives for denying God’s existence and His role in creation, this holds true. The reasoning behind their denial is rooted in the belief that if God exists and designed everything, it conflicts with their underlying agenda.
In conclusion, why would anyone want to reject God’s existence? It can be attributed to ulterior motives rather than exceptional intelligence.Simple – no designer = no God = no right and wrong = personal freedom without accountability. Motivational Speech – Are they fools? This leads me to the second correct answer to the quiz – individuals who want to believe in this fairytale because they are foolish.
Before you criticize me for saying this, let me clarify that I am not the one who said it. Someone much greater than me did – God. In the Psalms, He stated: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (PSALMS XIV:I) This aligns perfectly with the definition of a fool as “One who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding.” The connection between evolution and atheism is evident. Believing in evolution essentially means embracing atheism, a belief system that vehemently denies the existence of God. According to God, atheists are fools.
Similar to the ostrich, atheists and evolutionists prefer to ignore facts and deny the existence of a higher power. It’s as if they are burying their heads in the sand, repeating “There’s nobody there, there’s nobody there, there’s nobody there, I tell you! See, I can’t see ’em!” The atheist will present unbelievable stories such as being spontaneously generated from a rock, having a monkey as your father, and a fish as your cousin. They will claim that you have no hope and that you should only live for the present because once you’re dead, you’re dead. However, deep down in their minds and hearts, they know that someone is out there, no matter how hard they try to reject it.
This is a motivational speech challenging evolutionists. I want to make it clear that you have a great opportunity to prove evolution and its principles while also potentially becoming wealthy. Dr. Kent Hovind, an expert in this field, is offering a $250,000 reward for anyone who can provide scientific proof of evolution. This offer has been available for over a decade, yet no one has come forward to claim it. If you have the evidence, why not give it a try? Now, I understand that you may argue, “Well, you can’t prove that God exists either!” However, I can. The proof of God’s existence is evident in his creation. Through his creation, he is revealed and his eternal power and divine nature can be understood. Therefore, no one has any excuse to deny the existence of God. All one needs to do is observe the marvelous and wonderful creation that is seated right beside them. This speech aims to motivate individuals by highlighting the small steps that lead to success.
When you lack appreciation for the achievements of others, you overlook the effort it took for them to reach their level of success. By doing so, you miss out on valuable lessons on how to achieve the same level of success yourself. However, upon deeper contemplation, you may realize that success is often just within reach, yet it still eludes most people. Allow me to demonstrate this with a brief anecdote from military school. During our air force training, we were assigned a particularly challenging task.
We were divided into groups of approximately 10 individuals and transported to an undisclosed location deep in the wilderness. Following a few days of camping and engaging in military exercises, we were instructed to return to our base. However, this time we were not provided transportation – we were required to hike back. We were only given a few essentials for the journey: one liter of water per person for the entire trip and an AK47 rifle containing a single bullet. Thus, at sunset, we embarked on our journey, trekking through the dense bush. As we relied on a compass for guidance, it was crucial to maintain a straight path towards the base. Any minor deviation from the intended route would immediately result in becoming lost.
Despite encountering obstacles along the way, it was crucial to maintain a straight line at all costs. Furthermore, in the absence of light during the moonless night, we had to navigate blindly, unsure of where our next step would land. Despite this, we had to maintain a fast pace as our deadline of 12 noon the following day loomed over us. Failing to meet this deadline would result in failing the assignment and jeopardizing our futures. Thus, we pushed forward without time for fear or doubt, reminding ourselves to take it one step at a time.
As I ventured through the unfamiliar and frightening landscape, a single thought occupied my mind: “Just take it one step at a time. Don’t worry about what lies ahead, simply focus on each individual step… one small step towards success.” This mindset became my anchor, providing the courage needed to press forward. Amidst grass as tall as giraffes and as resilient as bamboo, our hands became pierced, bruised, and sliced from blindly carving a path in the dark. We overcame seemingly endless mountains along our journey, with the rocks leaving our fatigued feet feeling as if we wore no shoes at all.
Our legs pleaded for relief as we struggled to ascend the steep slopes. We had to continue onward, remembering the mantra “small steps to success.” Every now and then, a faint glimmer of light appeared in the distance, offering a glimmer of hope to locate a village and procure water to replenish our dwindling supplies. However, as we approached, the light vanished. Either it was not part of our intended path or we had collectively imagined it. Rest, if necessary, but never surrender. Eventually, we reached our limit; the agony and exhaustion became intolerable. We desperately needed to rest – it was well past midnight.
After an hour of sleeping tightly together for warmth, we continued our journey. The morning arrived quickly, but we didn’t have a chance to admire the sunrise. We had run out of water, and the day was just beginning.
