As a child, was there anything that you really, really wanted? Maybe it was something tangible, like a new bike or a treehouse. Or maybe you wanted to earn something, like a spot on the cheerleading squad or valedictorian. Whatever it was for you, did you make it? Did you feel the drive needed to be successful, even as a child?
When you think of prima ballerinas, do you imagine the glitzy costumes and the women who float effortlessly in the air? When you enjoy ballet, you are actually seeing the culmination of years of effort behind the scenes.
Ballerinas are often taught from a very young age, and few are accepted into the most elite training programs. These girls learn how to eat and how to prepare their bodies and minds. It takes a supreme level of dedication to maintain this training. The little girls watch their idols and dream of being Juliet or the Sugarplum Fairy.
Why Do We, As Humans, Push Ourselves?
The ugly reality is that being a world-class dancer exerts a toll on the human body. When dancers are en pointe, or on their toes, their entire weight is supported by an elongated foot in a pointe shoe. Dancing in this manner can stress the feet and cause injuries to bones and toenails.
But these girls do it anyway. They want to. They press on and move forward. They wrap their bleeding feet and wipe away tears and don't complain. They love the sport, and they yearn to dance.
Why? Why would anyone want to push their bodies so hard? From an Olympic athlete to a person trying to run their first marathon, the desire to achieve the goal is what drives them.
The future rewards those who press on. I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. I don't have time to complain. I'm going to press on.
Barack Obama
What Is Drive?
Drive is having the energy and motivation to propel you forward in life. It is linked to creativity and innovation, giving you the inspiration for new ideas. You want to be the best version of yourself that you can be, and in turn, help others to be the best version of themselves. A positive mental state and a healthy diet are important to maintain the drive needed to thrive in today's Imagination Age.
How Drive Relates To Innovation
Drive is one of the 4 pillars under the competency ofInnovation in the i4 Neuroleader™ Model . Learning how to develop the strength and perseverance to pursue any ideas that you are passionate about, will help you create an innovative mindset.
The i4 Neuroleader™ Program explores how optimism, resilience and determination are the key ingredients that you can learn to master, if you want to enhance the drive needed for your work or life projects.
i4 Neuroleader™ Model Framework
5 Tips For Drive
- Use language that builds up
- Stop criticising others
- Visit a good doctor if you feel fatigued
- Study the life of successful people
- Consider life obstacles as learning
While daydreaming and having dreams is important, drive helps us fulfil our dreams. Even if you didn't make the squad or become a prima ballerina, you could still bring back that sense of desire and purpose.
Drive helps us accomplish feats that improve our work and personal lives, and pushes us to achieve more than we ever thought possible.
