What Motivates Me

Friends ask what motivates me. Well, in the beginning, both my parents. From each of them I’ve learned important life’s values. From my mom, I learned how to be a positive person, look to the brighter or lighter side of any given challenging situation that faces us puts me on an even keel, most times. Although we were not well-to-do, my mom taught me to never complain but to always look to the positive side of things. In fact, I’ve never even once heard her sigh although there was no food on the table. To divert our pangs of hunger, she’d ask us to go outdoors, till the land and plant tapioca. My siblings and I found it was fun and that took our minds off our tummy for a while. Those sort of experiences over the years helped me develop survival skills. My mom also said this that I’ll never forget, “if you are a diamond, they can throw you anywhere, you will still shine”. These words continue to make me believe in myself, of my strengths and not to let negativity affect me. It’s something I tell my children and colleagues too. 

From my dad, a very smart and well-schooled man, he taught me to be a pragmatist, how to be analytical and appreciate context. For the family in the beginning life was fairly good until he was involved in a terrible road accident. In those days there were no medical insurance. He was left unable to work and be gainfully employed. My mom had to take over as breadwinner working as a hospital attendant to raise her four children while caring for her husband.

I’m the youngest of four siblings and spent my childhood days with my dad as he taught me the English language, arithmetic and general knowledge. It surprised my Standard One class teacher that I was able to converse in English and do simple arithmetic the first day in school.

I remember my dad encouraging me to master the words of the language as every word has it’s unique meaning. The depth and breadth of a word can either impact positively of negatively.

I reckon such values instilled in me from very young have pretty much moulded me into what I am into my adult life. This in-built positivity keeps my energy pumped up to explore new possibilities while always looking to the positive side of things, of people, of what nature offers, to explore a greater cause that contributes to the greater good.

Now, I have come to realise that I’m pretty good at developing, nurturing people and over the years there are many live examples already. It’s in this context that I’ve taken this deliberate decision to sign up for the ICF Certified Coaching Programme that’s globally recognised. 

As a Certified Coach, the possibilities for me to be able to reach and benefit more people is endless and I’m really pleased that I’m not just thinking or talking about it; I’m acting on it. I tell myself I do not know what I do not know, and I’m okay with that.

It’s the thought that I can help my coachees as trusted partners with what they wish to achieve that excites and motivates me.