The facts are clear – there is no alternative. Donald Trump has been the 45th President of the United States since January 20. Even during his candidacy, he enjoyed a high media profile. Mostly negative. Did that perhaps even enhance his image in the end? For many, Trump's motives are obvious: he is a sexist, a narcissist, an egomaniac. He distorts reality, lies, cheats, and contradicts himself. Only a fool would have believed that tempers would not flare up here. And what is he doing now? Making decisions at a rapid pace and continuing to polarize.
And, of course, the public is overflowing with theories and predictions, desperately trying to decipher Trump's true motives. Everyone is speculating about a wide variety of reasons. The same picture emerged with Sigmar Gabriel. The first question after his resignation announcement was "Why?" and not "What will this change?"
When it comes to Trump, one thing is certain at the moment: we don't know what he will actually implement – and what he is capable of implementing. This is because statements must be evaluated differently depending on the context. Experts refer to this as the respective context. But as soon as Trump speaks, the guessing game begins: Why is he doing this? Why is he saying that? What does he intend with his words? What are his real goals? In short: What are his motives? What really drives him?
Why only – the question of foreign motives
However, the answer to all these questions lies elsewhere. Is it important for your life to know exactly what drives others? Can you influence anything with this knowledge? It is not the motivations of others that are decisive, but always the corresponding actions and results. Just like with yourself. And Trump's results will only become apparent in time. Just like with yourself.
In the end, the public search for ulterior motives shows only one thing: everyone sees things through their own lens and makes their own judgments. With statements such as "He definitely wants..."or "He is definitely planning...","In reality, he is trying..."people usually unconsciously project their own worldview and fears onto a projection screen. In this case, it is called "Trump." He offers an ideal target because he is extremely polarizing. Of course, it is important to think about others. Of course, we should observe Trump's actions. But please allow me to share a thought at this point: Where does all this energy come from to understand the inner motivations of others? Why is Angela Merkel running for office again? Why is my neighbor buying a bigger car? Why is that woman showing off her breasts in that dress? The old game: "If someone says or does that, they must be like that!" Interesting! The question is: Do we really recognize the motives of others, or do we only recognize what we ourselves have recognized so far? Or, in other words: Do we look at the motives of others and end up seeing a lot of ourselves? Isn't it much more important to know what drives you yourself? Without excuses, self-pity, victim mentality, delusions of grandeur, or striving for dominance?
So let me ask you another question: Do you put as much energy into exploring your own motivations as you do into exploring the motives of others—such as Donald Trump? Your partner? Your employees? Your neighbors? Your boss? And what dominates your perception? Negative judgment or deeper understanding?
A brake pad for your own development
For me, this intense preoccupation with other people's motives is a pure waste of time and energy. It hinders one's own development. Knowing Trump's true intentions would not have a decisive impact on your life or mine. That can also be an important insight.
It's simply not worth spending hours chasing after other people's motivations, brooding and speculating. Unless, of course, you want to distract yourself or appear particularly smart and clever in conversations with others. But this illusion only brings a brief feeling of satisfaction, like a warm shower. At some point, your life's achievements will speak louder than anything else. That's why it's better to invest this time in further education and self-discovery. A book on the subject of"exploring your own motives"would definitely help you a lot. Or may I make a suggestion? Visit our next intensive seminar "Leading Simple" or "Stand Up!" in March. It will help you move forward. This investment is worth it. Guaranteed!
