The Power of Motivation: Lessons from a 9-Year-Old Golfer

Motivation is a fascinating force. It shapes our actions, pushes us to achieve, and drives us to persist even when challenges arise. Recently, I witnessed this power firsthand through my younger son, Franklin, who is only nine years old but has already taught me valuable lessons about determination and goal-setting.

Franklin’s newfound passion for golf stems from two clear motivations. First, he dreams of getting a new set of clubs to replace the ones handed down from his older brother. Second, he has been inspired by his brother’s recent achievement—earning a reward from his golf coach for scoring the most points in the OP36 program through practice and matches. Franklin has set his sights on earning the same recognition by practicing harder and improving his performance.

What’s remarkable is how these motivations have transformed his approach. He now dedicates himself to practice with a sense of purpose, waking up early to refine his swing and setting mini-goals for improvement. For a nine-year-old, this level of commitment is inspiring. It’s a vivid reminder that when motivation aligns with a clear reward or aspiration, it can spark persistent action and growth.

Connecting Franklin’s Journey to Business

In business, motivation works the same way. Employees, like Franklin, are driven by a combination of personal aspirations and external recognition. When organizations tap into these motivations—whether through meaningful rewards, career growth opportunities, or creating a sense of purpose—they unlock the full potential of their teams.

Here are three lessons we can draw from Franklin’s story:

1. Set Clear Goals: Franklin knows exactly what he wants—a new set of clubs and a reward from his coach. In business, clarity in goals helps employees focus their efforts and measure their progress.

2. Recognize Achievements: Just as Franklin’s brother’s success motivated him, celebrating accomplishments in the workplace can inspire others to strive for excellence. Recognition builds momentum.

3. Provide the Right Tools: Franklin’s desire for better equipment reminds us that equipping teams with the right resources—be it technology, training, or support—can amplify their motivation and performance.

Motivation is a powerful driver of human behavior, whether in a 9-year-old golfer or a seasoned professional. By fostering an environment that aligns individual aspirations with meaningful rewards, we can inspire action, resilience, and achievement in any field.

For me, watching Franklin’s journey has been more than just a proud parenting moment—it’s been a reminder of how motivation, when harnessed effectively, can transform effort into excellence.

What motivates you or your team to keep pushing forward? Let’s discuss in the comments!