Lessons from the Farm
My childhood was filled with experiences on my family’s farms. My grandparents, uncles, and aunts all worked the land and raised various animals. One uncle raised pigs, another had sheep, and my grandfather maintained dairy cattle. What fascinated me was how differently these animals responded to guidance.
Cattle are typically driven from behind. They move forward because something pushes them. Sheep, however, operate on an entirely different principle – they are led from the front, drawn to their shepherd whom they trust and follow willingly.
Interestingly, even some dairy cattle can be led rather than driven, but only under specific conditions: they must know the person leading them, and they must trust them. Without that relationship and trust, the default reverts to being driven.
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The Human Parallel
This farm analogy perfectly illustrates what happens in our professional and personal lives. When we examine what compels us forward, we often discover one of two forces at work:
- Being driven by fear – a reactive, pressure-based motivation
- Being drawn by love – a proactive, purpose-based motivation
Fear as a motivator can certainly create movement. It might be fear of failure, fear of missing out, fear of disappointing others, or fear of financial insecurity. This fear-based motivation will get you moving and might even produce short-term results.
However, I’ve learned through experience that fear is not sustainable as a long-term motivator. When we’re driven by fear, we may comply and take action, but our hearts aren’t truly engaged. We operate in survival mode, which eventually leads to burnout, resentment, or giving up altogether.
The Power of Being Drawn
Contrast this with being drawn by love: love of purpose, love of the work itself, love of the people we serve, or love of the impact we can make. When we’re drawn forward by something meaningful, our motivation comes from a much deeper place.
I’ve found this truth to be consistent throughout my career: When I am drawn by love and a clear purpose, I go much further and much faster than when I’m merely responding to fear. The motivation is intrinsic rather than extrinsic, which creates sustainable energy and commitment.
This doesn’t mean fear never plays a role. Sometimes we do need to respond quickly to legitimate threats or concerns. Fear can be a powerful initial catalyst. But for the marathon of life and business, being drawn by something positive creates lasting momentum.
Examining Your Motivation
Only you can determine whether you’re being drawn or driven because they often look identical from the outside. Someone working long hours might be driven by fear of failure or drawn by passion for their mission. A person pursuing a promotion might be driven by insecurity or drawn by the desire to create positive change.
Ask yourself these questions to gain clarity:
- What emotions do I feel when thinking about my work or goals?
- Would I still pursue this path if external pressures were removed?
- Does my motivation energize me or deplete me over time?
- Am I moving toward something positive or away from something negative?
The answers will reveal whether you’re primarily being drawn or driven.
As I reflect on the most fulfilling and successful periods of my career, they’ve always been when I was drawn forward by purpose, meaning, and love. The times when fear was my primary motivator may have produced results, but they came at a much higher personal cost.
So I encourage you to consider what’s compelling you forward in your work and life. If you find you’re primarily being driven by fear, look for ways to connect with deeper sources of meaning and purpose. The shift from being driven to being drawn might be the key to sustainable success and fulfillment.
