The Double-Edged Sword of Being Driven
Gino Wickman and Rob Dube - Shine

The Double-Edged Sword of Being Driven

"Whose dream am I living anyway?"

 

That's a question that can hit hard when you're always pushing for the next big thing. Gino Wickman, along with insights from Douglas Brackmen, digs into what it really means to be driven and why some of us seem to have more gas in their tank than others.

 

What It Means to Be Driven

Being driven is like having a fire inside you that never goes out. It's this constant urge to get stuff done now, relentlessly pushing towards set goals because you feel like time is always running out. If you're driven, you're likely super competitive. Losing isn’t in your playbook. This drive is what gets you up in the morning, ready to outwork anyone, and it’s something you’ve always had, even though others might scratch their heads wondering why you work so hard.

 

The Roots of Being Driven: Pain, Trauma, and the Pursuit of 'Enough'

Many driven individuals, especially entrepreneurs, find that their relentless energy stems from deep and complex origins. While not applicable to everyone, some have experienced childhood traumas like neglect or abuse, which instilled a profound need for control and a drive for achievement. These experiences can lead to a subconscious belief that one must earn their worth through continuous effort and success.

Furthermore, staying excessively busy may help some avoid the discomfort of emotional introspection by keeping painful emotions or memories at bay. Thus, their drive isn't just about achieving success; it's also a strategy to avoid facing unresolved emotional pain.

Beneath this drive often lies a fear of not being 'enough.' This isn't true for everyone, but it's common for some to chase success as a way to feel worthy of recognition and love—feelings that might have been conditional in their upbringing.

Understanding the roots of one's drive can be crucial for nurturing a healthier approach to ambition, regardless of where it stems from. Reflecting on what propels us forward can help enhance personal fulfillment and professional success.

 

Driven by External vs. Internal Forces

There’s a big difference between being pushed by outside stuff and being driven from the inside. External drivers—like money, fame, or even just trying to keep up with friends—can get you moving, but they don’t usually fill that hole inside. On the flip side, when you’re driven by stuff that really matters to you personally, it sticks. It feels right and keeps you motivated because it’s aligned with who you really are.

 

 

So, Blessing or Curse?

Being driven is incredible,  but it can also be rough. Sure, you get stuff done, you’re the go-to person in a crunch, the hero who can handle anything. But this can take a toll. It can wear you down physically and mentally, destroy your relationships, and leave you feeling never quite satisfied. Driven people can end up with a multitude of extraordinary achievements but also a trail of personal and business relationships that didn’t pan out due to their relentless quest for more.

 

Finding Balance and Peace

The real trick is not just achieving success but doing it in a way that doesn’t wreck everything else. It is totally possible to be driven and still have peace. Finding peace doesn’t mean losing your edge. It actually helps you focus and use your drive in ways that matter more. You can make a huge impact without sacrificing your happiness or health.

You can keep your drive and still have a life that feels good. It’s about figuring out what really fuels you from the inside and not just reacting to external pressures. That way, you’re not just successful—you’re satisfied, too.

 

Final thoughts

So, for anyone out there who's always pushing hard, remember it’s okay to take a step back sometimes and think about what’s driving you. Are you chasing your own dreams or someone else’s? By understanding what really motivates you and finding ways to nurture that inner drive, you can achieve great things without losing sight of what’s truly important. You don't have to give up peace to be great. In fact, embracing it might just be what takes you to the next level.

 

If you’re interested in exploring what drives you further you may be interested in our 1-1 leader intensive program, a personalised, one-on-one, multi-session coaching experience designed for business owners and leaders like you. Find out more HERE

 

I love the reflection on balancing drive with peace A key aspect of personal growth. 🌟

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