The Men of Iron Minute

by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation

Compete for First Place

Let’s talk about motivation. Motivation is an interesting topic. We all need it, and we all have varying degrees. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Motivation can birth because you signed up for the first time or failed a hundred times. Anyone who begins or attempts an achievement is motivated to do so. A man may be motivated to learn to play the lead guitar riff on an old metal track or meditate to escape the noise and mental clutter. Motivation is required to stay morally pure and maritally faithful. Motivation can leak like fuel from a cracked fuel tank.

Choosing an “I must win” mindset fuels me to reach my goals. I am uber-competitive, naturally. I can’t deny that, but I am not competing against you. I am competing against myself. The false self me. The fallen me. The fleshly me. The self-centered me. The “I have to get my way’ me. The resisting change me. I am competing for first place as a godly man. This motivates me.

Men who are lining up for last place have these things in common. Sleeping in. Ignoring their health. Dosing during church services. Angry about trivial things. Dusty bibles on the shelf. Knees haven’t seen the altar in years. Never considering the food they eat. Doubts more than dreams. Resisting the advice of a mentor. Arguing with people who see the world different than them. Emotionally distanced from their wife and kids. Never considers the future. Has a wife that preaches to him about spending too much time playing video games and not enough with the family. Prioritizes personal hobbies over personal responsibility.

My motivation is this: I need to be in first place as the man, dad, leader, and guide. I must win first place. For God. For others. For me. For the world.

Competing for first place is a great motivational mindset.

As the Navy Seal community slogan goes, “It pays to be a winner.”

That’s true. Big time.

Do something.

Dare greatly.

Be a better man.

SUBSCRIBE | LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

30-Day men’s devotional, small group and bible study video courses, action plans for goal setting & more! Check out our FREE RESOURCES and find the tool you need to help you become the man you want to be!