In my mind, this can also be thought of things either going your way or not. Try and try as we might, there are times where the winds of decline inevitably touch our lives. It's an unavoidable part of the life process. So how do we continue to motivate ourselves towards our goals during these times?
When things are going really well for us, it's easy to be motivated. When the winds of increase touch us, everything just works. It's easy to see the light at the end of the tunnel, as we get a sense that our dreams are becoming reality. These are times of breakthroughs and good fortune. During these circumstances, synchronicity is high, and success is a continuous flow of positive events.
But during times of decline, it's more important than ever to push forward towards your goals. During decline, there are factors which can be both internal and external, causing struggle or loss. It's difficult to remain calm during these times, but that's inevitably the right course of action. Reactive behaviour is common for most, as it takes effort to develop a consistent (positive) response to the events of life. So how do we proceed, what is the "right" course of action?
In the Taoist Book of Changes, The I Ching - Hexagram 11 (Peace), there is the following wisdom:
"Everything on earth is subject to change. Prosperity is followed by decline: this is the eternal law on earth. Evil can indeed be held in check but not permanently abolished. It always returns. This conviction might induct melancholy, but it should not; it ought only to keep us from falling into illusion when good fortune comes to us. If we continue mindful of the danger, we remain persevering and make no mistakes. As long as a man's inner nature remains stronger and richer than anything offered by external fortune, as long as he remains inwardly superior to fate, fortune will not desert him."
Hexagram 55 - Abundance / Fullness, also has this to say:
"It is not given to every mortal to bring about a time of outstanding greatness and abundance. Only a born ruler of men is able to do it, because his will is directed to what is great. Such a time of abundance is usually brief. Therefore a sage might well feel sad in view of the decline that must follow. But such sadness foes not befit him. Only a man who is inwardly free of sorrow and care can lead in a time of abundance. He must be like the sun at midday, illuminating and gladdening everything under heaven."
The above is meant to lead us towards abundance and a peaceful return from decline. It is also telling us to remove inner sorrow and sadness during these times, and illuminate ourselves and others. Easier said than done of course, but at least knowing the path gives us a chance to walk it. I also think that working to stop random reactions (usually negative) to events during times of decline is important, and instead choose a positive response ahead of time. Knowing that these times are an unavoidable aspect of life, arms us with the ability to choose our responses before misfortune occurs.
Motivation is ultimately a choice. The more consistently we make the highest choice towards a positive response, the more resilient we become during times of struggle. It's also important to not abandon the vision or passion during times of decline. Instead, focus on the dream even more, as that's the quickest way to lead back to happiness. A positive inner experience, leads to a positive outward one, ultimately leading to success.
"When you squeeze an orange, you'll always get orange juice to come out. What comes out is what's inside. The same logic applies to you: when someone squeezes you, puts pressure on you, or says something unflattering or critical, and out of you comes anger, hatred, bitterness, tension, depression, or anxiety, that is what's inside. If love and joy are what you want to give and receive, change your life by changing what's inside." --Dr. Wayne Dyer
