By Brent Kelly

If you had to pick one word that gets you out of bed each day and motivates you to attain success, what word would it be?

My business partner asked me this question recently and I had never really thought about it in great depth.

There are many words that came to mind for me and some of these will probably relate to you as well. Words like purpose, family, achievement, success, security, goals, and legacy came to mind.

Those are all true in some capacity, but didn’t get to the heart of why I wake up each day with a plan of action.

My word is challenge.

All of those words I described above are a challenge. I’m challenged to become a man who lives out his faith through action, to become a dad who is a spiritual, emotional, and a physical provider to his family, and be a man who achieves in business by empowering others.

The list could go on and on, but the it all comes back to challenge. Every day presents new challenges, which thus provides new opportunities.

So now, I ask you the same question.

What is the one word that drives you, that motivates you, that consumes you?

What word will ignite your fire first thing in the morning and keep the flame lit all day long?

There is no right or wrong answer. It must be personal and it must be heartfelt. Maybe for you it’s love, or maybe it’s impact. Only you can choose it.

Why is finding your motivational word is so important?

Finding your one word makes you look introspectively and channel what triggers you. It sets the tone for each day and will help you prioritize your schedule.

For example, if your one word is “love,” every activity, conversation, and appointment should be based around that word.

Finding your one word will help you focus on what’s important to you.

Every day will have more meaning, purpose, and direction when you find that one word that motivates you. It’s so easy to become distracted with numerous ideas and thoughts. Finding this one word will help clarify who you are, what you stand for, and how you can best serve others.

Take some time to find yours. Listen to your inner voice and what your heart is telling you.

Question: What’s the one word that drives you each and every day?