"My motivation comes from playing the game I love"

When someone says their motivation comes from playing the game they love, what they're really saying is that their passion for the activity itself drives them forward. It's not about the fame, the rewards, or even the competition—it's the sheer joy and excitement of participating in something they genuinely enjoy. This kind of intrinsic motivation is powerful because it's self-sustaining. When you love what you do, you don't need external rewards to keep going. The act of doing it is its own reward.

To put this in a bit of context, think about why this might be said. Maybe it's a professional athlete who, despite the pressures and the grueling training, finds happiness and fulfillment every time they step onto the field. Or perhaps it's a musician who persists despite the long hours and challenging practice sessions because they can’t imagine doing anything else. They’re not just in it for the success or recognition; they’re driven by a deeper, more personal connection to their craft.

Let's look at a real-life example: Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Messi didn't come from wealth or privilege. He grew up in a working-class family in Argentina. From a young age, he loved playing soccer. His grandmother would take him to games and practices, fostering his early passion. Despite facing numerous challenges—like being diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency—his love for the game never wavered. Messi's intrinsic motivation, rooted in his passion for soccer, propelled him to overcome obstacles and reach the pinnacle of his sport. He didn't play for the accolades; he played because he loved the game.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by identifying what you’re passionate about. What’s the activity that you lose yourself in, that you can’t stop thinking about? Once you’ve found it, immerse yourself in it. Focus on the joy it brings you rather than the end results. Remember, external rewards can be fleeting and sometimes disappointing. But when your motivation comes from within, you’ll find that you have a limitless well of energy and determination to draw from.

Imagine you’re an aspiring writer. You love crafting stories, creating worlds, and developing characters. But the publishing industry is tough. Rejections come frequently, and it’s easy to get discouraged. What keeps you going? It’s the thrill you get when you’re deep in the flow of writing, when the words just come pouring out, and you lose track of time. That’s your intrinsic motivation. When you focus on that love for writing, rather than the frustrating external factors, you’ll find it easier to keep going.

Think about J.K. Rowling, writing Harry Potter in cafes while struggling as a single mother. She didn't know if her books would ever get published. But she loved the process of writing, of bringing her characters to life. That love for the craft saw her through the tough times and eventually led to incredible success.

In essence, the key is to find joy in the journey, not just the destination. When you do something because you love it, you’ll find that success—though it may take time—becomes a natural byproduct of your passion and dedication. So, keep playing your game, whatever it may be, and let your love for it be your driving force.