How I Stay Motivated: The Three Principles I Rely On Every Day
By Dr. Brian D. Wickstrom
Motivation isn’t something you wake up with — it’s something you build. Over the years, people have asked me how I stay motivated while balancing leadership roles, family life, personal goals, and new opportunities. My answer is pretty simple:
I rely on three core principles that keep me grounded, focused, and moving forward.
These principles weren’t developed overnight. They were shaped by my years as a student-athlete, refined through leadership roles, and strengthened through challenges. They continue to guide me every morning when I wake up and every night when I reflect on the day.
Principle 1: Discipline — Do What Needs to Be Done, Not Just What You Feel Like Doing
Discipline was the first lesson I learned as a student-athlete.
Those early mornings on the track weren’t about talent — they were about commitment.
Discipline is the engine behind every long-term success.
It keeps you going when:
Motivation dips
Circumstances change
Stress builds
Plans shift
Pressure rises
In leadership, discipline looks like:
Preparing thoroughly
Showing up consistently
Making the tough decisions
Staying focused on the mission
Following through on your word
Modeling the behaviors you expect from others
In life, discipline means being intentional about:
Faith
Fitness
Family time
Health
Personal goals
Daily habits
Honoring commitments
Motivation is unpredictable.
Discipline is steady.
Principle 2: Purpose — Know Why You’re Doing What You’re Doing
Purpose is what gives meaning to the work.
Without purpose, even the most exciting job becomes exhausting.
My purpose has always centered around:
Serving people
Adding value
Leaving things better than I found them
Creating opportunities for others
Teaching and mentoring
Leadership rooted in character
Providing for and being present for my family
When your purpose is clear, your choices become clearer:
You know what to say yes to
You know what to say no to
You know how to navigate adversity
You know which voices to ignore
You know how to stay grounded during stress
Purpose gives momentum more power.
Principle 3: Gratitude — Stay Thankful, Even When the Season Is Challenging
Gratitude is the principle that keeps everything in balance.
Some seasons are filled with celebration.
Others are filled with challenge, transition, or adversity.
But every season contains blessings if you’re willing to look for them.
Gratitude reminds me to focus on:
The family I get to come home to
The opportunities I’ve been given
The lessons I’ve learned
The people I’ve met
The doors that opened and the ones that closed
The resilience gained through experience
The ability to serve others in meaningful ways
Gratitude shifts your mindset from “I have to” to “I get to.”
How These Three Principles Work Together
Motivation, for me, is the intersection of:
Discipline → Keep going
Purpose → Know why you’re going
Gratitude → Appreciate the journey
These principles shape how I show up as:
A leader
A husband
A father
A teammate
A mentor
A lifelong learner
They help me stay steady when the environment is turbulent and humble when things are going well.
Daily Practices That Keep Me Motivated
Over the years, I’ve built simple habits that reinforce these principles:
Early-morning routines (faith, fitness, reflection)
Setting daily priorities
Staying connected with my kids
Checking in on people I lead or mentor
Learning something new every week
Reviewing goals regularly
Ending the day with gratitude and perspective
These habits keep me moving forward with intention, not just motion.
Conclusion: Motivation Is Built, Not Born
Motivation isn’t about inspiration — it’s about habits.
It’s about showing up with consistency, purpose, and gratitude.
These three principles have guided every major chapter of my life:
Discipline.
Purpose.
Gratitude.
If you stay rooted in these, you’ll stay motivated no matter what the season holds.
