Motivation Vs. Action

Motivation: who needs it?
There is a lot of talk on a college campus about how motivated or unmotivated people feel at any given moment. "I've finally found my motivation in life," "This teacher is really motivating." Though more often than not it comes up in this context: "I just can't seem to get motivated to do this assignment," "Why can't I be more motivated," "I am so unmotivated right now."
I was talking with a friend the other day when she said something I hadn't thought about before. It was something along the lines of, "I just need to get motivated." The general response that came to mind was "why?" Who says that you need to be motivated in order to get something done, or even to start something. Who says that you can only work quickly, efficiently and enjoyably when motivated?
This term I have the fewest credits I have ever taken in a term of college. I never knew such a world existed; one in which there was time during the day to actually get things done, and there wasn't too much on your plate. It's incredible. I don't know what to do with myself...some times.
In these delightful pockets of time I have faced decisions. One of those decisions has been "work on homework now, or save it for later?" I can tell you there isn't a whole lot of motivation to cause me to start the homework right away. The assignment isn't due for two days. I have plenty of time to work on it later. Why not relax?
And yet, somehow I have repeatedly made the decision to start and complete my work well in advance. I have opted to use my free time to take care of those things that could have waited, but didn't need to wait.
This has caused me to think differently about motivation. Who says we need motivation? If we wait until we "get motivated" we'll never get anywhere. It's not about motivation, it's about decision. Just decide to act. Decide to live, to follow through, to take up the challenges set before you.
Taking action in spite of motivation--or lack-there-of--is nothing new. We've been doing this our whole lives. I'm simply talking about a perspective shift. We need to stop thinking in terms of motivated and unmotivated work. We need to start thinking in terms of recognizing, accepting and intentionally engaging the work laid out before us.
And think of this: James says we are to "consider it pure joy...when [we] face trials of many kinds" (1:2). There is a reason for every trial, every challenge that we face. Each one is a test. How are you going to approach them? No, they aren't easy and fun, and you may never feel motivated to keep going. However, "blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12).
Make a decision. Take action, and know that you serve a God who stands by you and stands ready with your reward.