The Power of Patting Your Own Back

Just when you think things would be getting easier in the new year, in comes the same old cycle of disappointment!While others are already thinking about throwing in the towel, whatever that is, you be the one singing a new song because your motivation is unique.

Motivation is a force that compels someone to do something. Motivation isn’t easy to master, especially when everything is broken. Finding motivation, in a new day, when you have broken pieces to pick up from last week isn’t easy. I kid you not.Handing in a progress report to your boss when you have failed to meet your target isn’t a motivating factor.

Why, Oh Why Me?

That is how I felt yesterday when I was told I couldn't meet the girls and have our weekly mentoring session, despite waing up early, preparing lessons and driving 17 kilometres to the centres. Today was a different kind of day. I woke up, early as usual to prepare for the day. It was the first time, in six months that I was going to meet the boys and girls after taking a long deserved break to get married.

The children were happy to see the ring on my finger and I kind of felt a hot rush of blood to my head. Before I reached the school, I had to travel for an hour by bus, then walk on foot for 31 minutes because I didn't have enought bus fare. The children were also happy to learn about cycles and engaging with Tracy Hanson on Skype. The smiles on their faces made up for the frustration I experienced yesterday.

As I look forward to a new day, I know that there are a lot of positives to draw from my work with different groups of children who are in different locations. I won't lie to you. It isn't a walk in the park. But God keeps giving Lifesong Kenya one success after the other and I am grateful.

3 Motivating Factors

• Faith


• Thoughts


• Confession

#1. Confession

Truth be told, we eventually possess the things and results we keep confessing and talking about. If you keep talking about your past failures they will show up, not only in the present, but in the future.

#2. Thoughts

A few years ago, I used to think about failure and ended up attracting and seeing failure all the time. Little did I know, that you get what you give in terms of your thought process. Now, I think positively about everyone and everything and do you know what I get in return, success!

Thinking positive thoughts is a step in the right direction because it enables you to have a clear picture of what your future outcome looks like.

#3. Faith

Look at the things you have always wanted to do and see yourself as having already achieved them. See yourself as if you are already there. You are greater than your past failures and mistakes. You are so great your own shadow can’t even catch up with you! Everything you want to achieve is already here, you just need to have faith in God and in yourself.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for (desired results in the future) and assurance about what we do not see (in the present)”

Hebrews 11:1.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Corrie ten Boom