Character Motivation Entry: Being The Best At Something

Human Need Driving the Goal (Inner Motivation): esteem and recognition

How the Character May Prepare for This Goal: 

• Reading up on the activity one wishes to master or the issues of importance that one should know
• Observing (in person, watching video footage, etc.), studying one’s competition
• Studying as necessary to become more proficient
• Practicing one’s communication (written, verbal, etc.) and charm to “win over” those who may be in a position to help
• Being open to trying new things, adding more “tools” to one’s toolkit
• Seeking out mentors or coaches as needed
• Practicing obsessively
• Dedicating oneself to the area of study, cutting out distractions
• Researching past winners and studying their methods
• Understanding the risks and be willing to take the ones that make sense
• Understanding one’s judges or the people one must win over to better deliver exactly what they need
• Buying whatever equipment or services that might give one an edge
• Putting in more effort than one’s competition
• Practicing affirmations and positive self-talk

Possible Sacrifices or Costs Associated With This Goal: 

• Giving up one’s free time
• Friendships that grow strained because others aren’t supportive of one’s passion
• Spending one’s savings on training, equipment or other things needed to be the best
• Relationships that become damaged because of competition
• Losing out on family time
• Having less energy and focus for other things
• Dropping the ball in other areas of one’s life because of a singular (possibly obsessive) focus on one’s goal

Roadblocks Which Could Prevent This Goal from Being Achieved: 

• A health crisis (either one’s own or that of a family member) that requires time, money, or both
• A financial crisis (losing a job, a sudden expense like needing a new car, etc.)
• Deepening family problems that must be addressed, requiring one to refocus one’s time
• A move due to work
• A talented competitor with better resources and support
• Sabotage
• Not having the knowledge, talent, or experience to be the best (needing to be more seasoned)
• Realizing this goal will not bring fulfillment (as it is a false goal and a deeper need is at the root)

Talents & Skills That Will Help the Character Achieve This Goal:

Possible Fallout For the Protagonist if This Goal Is Not Met:

• Crippling disappointment
• Losing the respect or esteem of family or friends for not succeeding
• A negative outlook
• A future laden with underachieving
• Low self-worth