Meaning vs. Motivation: The Journey to Lasting Fulfillment

For years, I was fuelled by motivation—the fleeting bursts of energy that pushed me to work hard, achieve goals, and prove my worth. Early on, my motivation was external: I wanted to make my parents proud, justify their sacrifices, and enjoy the rewards of success—travel, good food, financial stability. These were powerful drivers, but over time, I realized something was missing.

Motivation is like kindling—it burns bright but fades quickly. Meaning, on the other hand, is the deep, steady flame that keeps you going even when motivation wanes.

The Limits of Motivation Alone

In the beginning, motivation was enough. It got me out of bed, helped me push through challenges, and kept me striving for more. But as I achieved some of my goals, I noticed a hollow feeling. Is this all there is? I wondered. The excitement of a promotion, a new city, or a fancy meal would fade, and I’d find myself searching for the next thing to chase.

That’s when I realized: motivation is a great starter, but it’s not a sustainable fuel for a fulfilling life.

The Search for Meaning

Meaning doesn’t announce itself loudly; it reveals itself slowly, often through experience and reflection. For me, it came when I took a risk—stepping into a managerial role where my success depended on helping others succeed. At first, I was nervous. What if I failed? What if I wasn’t cut out for leadership?

But as I coached my team, celebrated their wins, and saw them grow, something shifted. Their success became my success. Their growth fuelled my purpose. I wasn’t just working for myself anymore; I was contributing to something bigger. That’s when I understood the difference between motivation and meaning.

Why Meaning Lasts

Motivation is doing—meaning is becoming.

• Motivation says, "I want to succeed."

• Meaning says, "I want my success to matter."

When you align your actions with your deeper purpose, you no longer rely on fleeting bursts of inspiration. Challenges don’t derail you as easily because your "why" is stronger than the struggle.

The Journey Is Worth It

Finding meaning takes time. It requires self-reflection, experimentation, and sometimes, failure. You might chase the wrong things before realizing what truly fulfills you—and that’s okay. The key is to keep searching, keep evolving, and stay open to the moments that light you up inside.

For me, that moment came when I shifted from "What can I achieve?" to "Who can I help?" That’s when my work stopped feeling like work and started feeling like a calling.

If you’re still searching for your meaning, don’t rush it. Try new paths, listen to what excites you, and pay attention to the moments when you feel most alive. Because when you find it, you won’t just be motivated—you’ll be unstoppable.

Meaning isn’t just what you do—it’s who you become in the process. And that’s worth every step of the journey.