The second-team quarterback ran in full determination. On first down, Auburn crushed the Alabama attack. On second down Auburn once again held the line of scrimmage. On third down, Alabama gained a yard. On fourth down, some how the Alabama handoff was muffled and the quarterback wound up running the ball. Running around the backfield, he looked down field and saw his split end wide open in the endzone, so he threw the football towards him.

Coach Dye said later to Coach Bryant, "I read the scouting report on your quarterback, he is suppose to be slow. How is it he caught up with the fastest man on the field?" Coach Bryant replied, "It is very simple. Your man was running for the goal line and a touchdown. My man was running for his life!"

If you are having motivation problems, you are probably having performance problems as well. Motivation is the energy that makes everything work. Self-motivation is an important and powerful source of positive energy, and without it, performance withers. Progress as an athlete, corrections, and top performance demand energy and effort. Your willingness to put up with frustration, sacrifice, pressure, fear and hard work is directly linked to your motivational state. When athletes have lost their desire and when they could no longer find a reason that makes sense, they were finished as a competitive athlete.

Why do athletes lose their motivation? What causes athletes to burn out and lose interest? At the most basic level, this happens because performing no longer fulfills or promises to fulfill the need for recognition, approval, self-worth, or success. When the potential losses exceed potential gains, the athlete gradually begins to realize it no longer makes any sense. "Why work so hard, put up with all these hassles, stick my neck out, and then get hammered?"

Young or old, beginner or superstar, all athletes are potential victims of this trap. For the young developing athlete, pressure is the force to be neutralized - pressure to win, pressure from parents, pressure from within. For the veteran athlete, lack of progress or a perceived backsliding, hinders motivation. For the professional athlete, not enough winning, not enough money, and too much physical punishment crew at motivation. To make things worse, lack of motivation is also highly contagious. If you are around people who have a "motivational disease", don't be suprised if you start catching it!

What can we do to maintain a high level of self-motivation? The answer comes as no great surprise - SUCCESS. Success is the answer, but not success through the eyes of someone else. You need to see yourself succeeding, moving ever closer toward another meaningful goal for yourself - as long as you do this you will stay motivated.

God's Performance Principle

Motivation! How important is motivation? It can make all the difference. Whether it is the daily drive needed to practice with intensity or the extra push to break physical barriers, motivation is the key!

What motivates you during your athletic performance?

• Recognition
• Friendship
• Revenge
• Success
• Money
• Pride / Ego

• Anger / Hate
• Acceptance
• Enjoyment
• Winning
• Fear
• Determination

Motivation originates in your mind and heart resulting in action. Athletes are motivated when they are "locked on" to some object of desire, goal, need or want much in the same way a heat-seeking missle does when fired upon an aircraft. What an athlete "locks-on" to in competition will determine the motivation and, ultimately, the performance.

Many times we are highly motivated by things that may not satisfy nor really help us reach our potential. Deep lasting satisfaction in life comes from knowing God. It is written that, "You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." (Psalm 145:16)

The apostle Paul did not use earthly things to motivate him, because his citizenship was in heaven. We are called to follow his example.

At the core of all of our motivations is an incrediable thrist for perfect love and perfect acceptance that never goes away. The love of Christ is perfect; it is not based on whether you succeed or fail; it is always in your best interest. "Locking on" to the love of Christ provides the greatest and most consistent internal motivation for a peak performance.

• I'm not accepted.

• Adopted: You have been adopted into the family of God and are his child (Galatians 4:5-6)

• I'm stuck, there is no hope.

• Redeemed: to buy out, purchase; signifying release by paying a ransom (Ephesians 1:7)

• Nobody likes me.

• Reconciled: you were formerly alienated from God, you are now totally, unconditionally accepted and loved by God (Colossians 1:21-22)

• I deserve to be...

• Justified: you were declared innocent; totally forgiven, God punished Jesus on the cross for your sins.

• I'm alone.

• Indwelled: God's presence, the Holy Spirit is with you forever (John 14:16-17)

• I can't do anything right.

• Gifted: God has gifted every believer (1 Corinthians 12:6-7, 11)

What you "lock on" to will determine your consistency, intensity and the ability to handle pressure. It is God's desire that the love of Christ will be your motivation in sports and in your daily life.