We Often Think of Motivation as Something Fiery and Fast
A spark. A jolt. A hit of inspiration.
But what if some kinds of motivation feel more like quiet clarity?
Not the kind that pushes you forward, but the kind that pulls you home.
Not the rush to do more, but the grounded why behind what you do.
Not the rush to do more, but the grounded why behind what you do.
We recently wrote an article for Mandag Morgen (in Danish) on exactly that:
How to Live the Life You Love and Love the Life You Live (also a chapter in our newest book, also in Danish).
It is not about waiting to feel ready, but choosing to show up, even when you’re not.
Especially when you’re not.
How to Live the Life You Love and Love the Life You Live (also a chapter in our newest book, also in Danish).
It is not about waiting to feel ready, but choosing to show up, even when you’re not.
Especially when you’re not.
Because true motivation isn’t about hype. It’s about honesty.
Not pressure, but purpose.
When you lead from that place, you give others permission to do the same.
And that kind of motivation it doesn’t come and go.
It only gets deeper and more true the more you nourish it.
We see motivation as an act of leadership, both for others, but also for ourself.
It’s choosing to say:
“Even on the grey days, I believe in what we are building.”
It’s choosing to say:
“Even on the grey days, I believe in what we are building.”
And that kind of motivation it doesn’t come and go.
It only gets deeper and more true the more you nourish it.
The Science Backs It Up
Yale professor Lori Santos has found that workplace happiness is less about what’s happening around us – and more about how we frame it.
Her research shows that we often:
Her research shows that we often:
- Overestimate what will make us happy (titles, bonuses, approval, etc.)
- Underestimate the power of gratitude, connection, and meaning
- Adapt quickly, even to success (“hedonic adaptation”)
- Compare ourselves in ways that shrink our joy
The result?
We chase motivation in the wrong places.
We chase motivation in the wrong places.
In other words:
It’s not about chasing external rewards.
It’s about creating alignment between who you are and how you lead
It’s not about chasing external rewards.
It’s about creating alignment between who you are and how you lead
Three Questions to Reflect On
- Am I leading in a way that makes me proud?
- What have I done this week to nurture my own joy at work?
- If my team copied my energy – would that be good?
You don’t need big answers.
Just honest ones.
Just honest ones.
Case: Quiet Leadership in Action
One of our customers, a highly competent specialist who had been promoted to an informal leadership role, found herself struggling with motivation. Her manager in the new role was not taking on the leadership aspects of the job and was facing her own crisis of motivation. This left a gap in leadership — and the impact was felt across the team.
Through our conversations, she began to see that even without a formal title, she could make a difference. We worked together to identify what she could learn from the situation, and how she could step in and provide the leadership that was missing.
She started small: initiating conversations, clarifying priorities, and offering support to colleagues. In other words — she took the wheel where it was needed.
Over time, the atmosphere shifted. When she arrived motivated and grounded, others felt it too. The team became more connected, engaged, and able to move forward together.
Her story is proof that motivation doesn’t have to be fiery or loud to have real impact. Sometimes, it’s simply about showing up with purpose — and letting that purpose be contagious
Motivation You Can't Keep to Yourself
The question doesn’t have to be:
“How do I stay motivated?”
Instead try asking:
“Where is my energy most aligned, and who might need it today?”
Let motivation move through you, and out into the world.
At Fire & Shield, we work with leaders who lead with both courage and care. Leaders who know that motivation isn’t something you give, it’s something you live.
If you’re ready to reconnect with what drives you – or if your next chapter calls for a different kind of energy – we are here to help
Love your leadership life. And help others love theirs too.
It’s not just a nice idea.
It’s a practice. One you can start today.
All the best,
Johnny & Elize
DA 
EN