One thing is for sure. Difficulties come. Sometimes problems come without warning; other times we can predict their arrival; sometimes we've created our own dilemma, at other times, like the popular bumper sticker seen on cars says-"stuff happens to good people."

Whatever the case, when you hit a wall, your true motivations surface. Questions pop up. Why am I trying to lose weight? It's so difficult. Why do I want to be a doctor or accountant? My friends are working, and having fun in life. Why am I putting effort into repairing this broken marriage? After all, it looks hopeless.

Knowing why you're investing your energy into a goal increases your chances of attaining it.

There are two sources from which motivation stems---external sources and internal sources.

External Motivation

If the motivation to achieve your goal stems from a deep need to fulfill the aspirations of a loved one, then this describes external motivation.

It was not my friend's desire to pursue medicine. He confided, "My father insisted my sisters become doctors. Each one failed. I really wanted my father's approval, so I decided to be the doctor he wanted. I lasted two years in medical school. Dad was angry, but the experience forced me to look at what I really wanted to do. I always loved history so I pursued that. Now, I'm a history teacher, and much happier. External motivation can't carry you through the process of achievement.

Internal Motivation

What carries you over disappointments, delays and hardships when you're pursuing goals? Ownership of your vision.

Ask yourself, why is this goal important to me? Do I love the work I'm doing? How will this goal change my life? Envision your life after you reach your goal. What does it look like? We are committed to reach our goals when we are internally motivated. Make sure you choose a goal that is worthy of the sacrifices, energy and time you must put into it.

However, there are times we lack motivation to reach goals that are vital to our well being. Try as we might we can't lose the weight. It seems impossible to kick the cigarette habit. Dropping out of college seems tempting. Your spending habits have run amuck, so why can't you put down the credit card? How do you handle this quandary? Try the strategy below.

Reality Checks Jumpstart Motivation

This exercise willl help you understand the consequences of aborting your goal. I call it "The Forecast Your Future Exercise." Push the fast forward button of your life to see what happens if fail to reach vital goals. Let this jumpstart your motivation.

For example, what happens if you fail to get your accounting degree? If you drop out of college, you'll miss doing what you like, and your earning potential might be sacrificed. You've decided to have fun with your friends, but soon realize life is heading nowhere. Is it worth dropping out?

Perhaps your spending habits are out of control. It's a pattern. You have not saved any money for retirement, and can't find motivation to get started. Consider this. When those retirement years come, you might be forced to work. I have a friend who is seventy-five years old with health issues, yet works as a waitress at a restaurant. To financially survive, she must do this.

Get help with money issues now, so you can enjoy your retirement years later.

What will you lose if you don't reach your goals? Spend time considering the costs, write down the consequences, review them often, and let it motivate you.

Motivation is internal. Know why you're pursuing your goals, and review your reasons often. Other techniques like playing your life "forward" and being aware of your losses if you fail to reach your goals, will act as "smelling salt" when disappointments stand between you and your desires. Keep your passion lit, and attain what you want in life.

Rosalind Henderson is a speaker, author and Peak Performance expert. She is the director and founder of Life Keys Inc, a college student resource center dedicated to empowering college students to live life on purpose and with passion. She has presented over 500 presentations to businesses, churches and college students across America. To book Rosalind for an event and/or to view her products contact her through http://www.rosalindhenderson.com