Digging Deeper: Overcoming Discouragement on Life’s Treasure Hunt

What Are You Searching For?

Have you identified what you're searching for? As Proverbs 2:1-5 reminds us, if we seek wisdom as if searching for hidden treasure, we’ll gain the understanding we need to navigate life’s challenges. Solomon’s prayer for wisdom over wealth shows us the importance of seeking knowledge to guide us through difficulties.

The journey may be tough, but as you uncover what drives you—your inner compass—it becomes easier to stay focused on your path. What’s your driving force? What excites you and gives you a sense of purpose?

What Drives You?

Understanding what motivates you is key to overcoming discouragement. Your driving force is the inner compass that keeps you moving toward your goal, even when the path gets tough. Many people haven’t fully identified their true driving force, but by reflecting on your passions and values, you can uncover it and use it to guide your decisions. Whether it's love, money, fun, power, knowledge, or simply survival, everyone is driven by something. For example, a parent working tirelessly to provide for their family is likely motivated by their love and responsibility toward them. Similarly, a recovering addict faces each day battling for sobriety, with the singular goal of making it through another day, no matter the challenges. No matter where you are in life or what you're striving for, there's a reason behind every action.

Have you ever woken up feeling low, unsure why? In those moments, take a step back and reflect on the activities, causes, or goals that truly energize and fulfill you. Often, your driving force is tied to what excites you and gives you a sense of purpose. As Luke 12:34 says, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” So ask yourself: What lights you up? What are you passionate about? Identifying your core values—whether it’s integrity, growth, service, creativity, or compassion—can help you gain clarity on your true driving force and how it shapes your path.

The Power of Persistence

Your dreams don’t need anyone’s permission to grow—they just need your belief. This profound truth asks: Do you truly believe in your dreams? Do you believe that what you're digging for is worth the effort? The parable of the treasure hidden in a field teaches us that when we find something truly valuable, we give everything to obtain it. Stay true to yourself, hold on to your morals, and avoid compromising for short-term gains. Trust that setbacks aren't meant to stop you but to redirect and strengthen you.

When setbacks happen, reflect on your past experiences. Think about the moments when you felt the most motivated and accomplished. What actions consistently led to progress, benefiting not only your mental health but also your path to success? These experiences often reveal what truly drives you. Sometimes, those "blue" days creep in because you’ve unintentionally lost touch with what was working. It’s a reminder that the journey isn’t just about how far you’ve come but about the strength gained with each step. Whether or not you see it, you're growing stronger every day—as long as you remain persistent in pursuing your goals. Small steps can lead to great distances, and persistence always pays off.

The Big WHY

At the core of every pursuit lies a simple but powerful question: "Why?" Why do I do what I do? Keep peeling back the layers until you reach the root of your motivation. Your driving force is often found in this deeper "why." While success may not come overnight, every new day brings you one step closer to your treasure.

I’ve been on a homeschooling journey for five years now. Some days it feels like it's getting easier; other days, not so much. This year, despite my children and I being more excited than ever, has already proven to be the most challenging—and we’re only a month in. Lately, I’ve been feeling overwhelmingly discouraged, battling thoughts of defeat, and seriously considering a return to public school. That’s why this episode couldn’t have come at a better time. I needed to remember my "why."

A little backstory: Homeschooling was something we had considered multiple times. My oldest spent her Kindergarten year learning at home, and with a newborn, a three-year-old, and a part-time job, it was often frustrating and exhausting. In first grade, she started public school, where I quickly realized how unprepared and behind she was. Thankfully, she caught up, thanks to a wonderful teacher she still remembers fondly. Then, COVID hit during her second-grade year, and once again, we found ourselves back at the homeschooling table.

Now, five years later, we’re navigating seventh grade. The struggles have made me reflect deeply on why we chose this path. It’s been undeniably tough, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. I’ve been reminded of how much time I’ve been gifted—not just teaching my children, but watching them learn and grow. It’s an absolute blessing to spend each day talking, laughing, and learning together, a blessing I too often take for granted.

This episode helped me reconnect with my "why." Instead of feeling discouraged, I now feel encouraged and motivated to continue, even on the hard days, knowing that we’ll eventually find our rhythm. Though progress may sometimes feel slow, the truth is they’ve learned so much. The time spent with my children during these formative years is a treasure I will always cherish.

Hope and Resilience

Hope is the heartbeat of persistence. Even when the world feels silent, and life just seems too hard, don’t lose hope. Proverbs 24:16 reminds us that the righteous may fall seven times, but they rise again. The strength of your future lies in the resilience you build today. Life will knock you down, but will you choose to get back up? Reaching your goals and uncovering treasure often takes a fight, and sometimes, that fight is with our own worst enemy—ourselves. Through prayer, meditation, and seeking God’s guidance, you can reconnect with your purpose and gain clarity on what truly drives you.

Patience is the soil where greatness takes root. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will straighten your path.” Your driving force may feel uncertain or crooked at times, but with patience, faith, and guidance, you will find your way back and stay the course.

One Last Takeaway

True growth begins where comfort ends and courage takes over. Be bold and courageous in your pursuit of life’s treasures. Stand firm in your morals, and don’t let discouragement stop you from digging. The treasure you seek is out there—it’s yours, waiting to be uncovered. All you need to do is keep digging.

Life is full of treasures, but setbacks often cloud our vision, making them seem out of reach. In Episode 38 of Something Has to Change, Stephen inspires us to stay motivated, remain authentic, and push through discouragement in the pursuit of life’s greatest treasures—whether it's peace, love, happiness, or success.

We’re all searching for something, but real treasures aren’t simply found—they’re uncovered by those who keep digging. It’s easy to feel discouraged after months or even years of searching without results, but whatever you’ve started, whatever you’re seeking, hold on. Keep digging, and don’t give up until you uncover it.

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