WHY DO POOR PEOPLE LIKE MOTIVATION? 😂
Chilee, I've been poor for generations. I never thought I needed motivation, if your situation doesn't motivate you to make something of your life. Oh, well. Because there's so many things to NOT do in poor communities that can save you from many problems in the future.
My mom had me when she was a young-in. So, what was my goal? "Don't have kids you can't afford," and I kept that promise to myself and held on to it for my dear life. Growing up in the poorest country in the world, I saw friends 13 and up started getting pregnant. Seeing how their life would deteriorate as soon as they gave birth made me realize over and over that that was not the life for me.
I started looking for what would make me a success, so education became my focus. I spent my whole teenage years dodging creepy old men (this is normal for young children to be courted/ wedded by older men where I am from). I basically said no to every boy (yes, I did). I avoided going to any SUS place, and I didn't even mingle with the youth in church (I'm sure u all know why).
Basically, my environment was my learning place. I became much tougher, street savvy is my last name, dodging sweet talk from men was my mission, and staying alert was my exercise.
So don't go looking for role models and motivation somewhere else. Look around you. There is someone you don't want to be, lol 😆. And there someone around you wouldn't mind turning out to be. Start from there.
P.S. My mom is a clinical psychologist now, but I'm 100% glad I dodged the bullet of having kids at a young age. Very few women turn out to be as successful as her, and I'm sure I don't have that energy to bounce back like her. She's my motivation now 🥰
Enjoy your weekend,
love #thebiochemist
Many people living in poverty turn to motivation not because their circumstances don't already push them to improve, but because motivation provides a structured source of hope and a reminder that change is possible. In environments where hardships are common, such as early pregnancies and limited educational opportunities, motivation can serve as a vital tool to set goals and stay focused on overcoming adversity. Growing up in the poorest communities, many young people face pressures that can drastically shape their futures, such as societal expectations and limited resources. The story highlights how avoiding early parenthood and focusing on education became a personal mission, demonstrating how self-discipline and awareness are crucial in these settings. Moreover, the environment itself becomes an informal classroom where street smarts and resilience are learned daily. Facing challenges like unwanted advances and social pressures requires constant vigilance, contributing to emotional and mental strength. This lived experience fuels a deep, authentic kind of motivation that is intimately connected to survival and success. Importantly, finding motivation within one's immediate surroundings rather than seeking distant role models can lead to more realistic and attainable aspirations. Observing what one does not want to become and recognizing attainable local successes create practical touchstones for growth. The narrative also underscores the significance of family influence and role models, such as the author's mother who overcame obstacles to become a clinical psychologist. This example reveals how motivation, paired with support systems and personal goals, plays a key role in transcending generational poverty. Overall, motivation for poor people often stems from a mix of necessity, lived experience, and the desire to break negative cycles. It is a powerful, ongoing process that helps individuals navigate complexities and work toward a better future despite challenging circumstances.
