Sustained motivation requires meaning. External pressure may produce compliance, but committed striving over years requires feeling that your efforts actually matter. Japanese culture names this through ikigai—your reason for living, what makes getting up worthwhile.
It also appears as hatarakigai—finding meaning in work. You can find meaning through many sources: perfecting a craft, raising your children, serving your organization, contributing to your community, preserving traditions.
When you have meaning, effort is sustainable because it connects to purpose. When meaning is absent, motivation becomes hollow. The important thing is having something that makes the sustained effort feel worthwhile—something larger than immediate reward that justifies years of dedicated striving.
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