There's so much negativity flying around these days it's understandable and perhaps pardonable that even you get caught in its grasp. When it takes over, we quickly forget our worthwhile and meaningful motivations, and before we know it become part of the problem.

For example, the number of people involved in the blame game has reached astronomical levels. I can't believe what's happening between our leaders and would-be leaders! Few have much to contribute other than their latest sound bite about what's wrong with their opponents. Others jump on the bandwagon and start pointing fingers at them in print, on television and radio -- what a performance, Mr. Limbaugh!

But wait, what did I just do there? Wake up, Jinny: Is your true motivation to use this post to make others wrong and blame them? It sure looks like it, doesn't it? See how easy it is? Worse yet, I've just become part of the problem by adding to the poison that's pervading an environment in which too many good folks are already stressed, frustrated, unhappy, anxious, and afraid.

Becoming Aware of the Biggest Negative Motivations

Being a good human being -- the one you long to be -- seems to be getting harder and harder. You start the day with the best of intentions, and before you know it one of the tempting and destructive negative drivers has taken over:

I could go on, but you get the idea and probably have others to add to the list. I'm so disappointed in myself when I fail to catch myself in time. When I finally do -- maybe in retrospect, hours later -- I realize I've hurt someone, added to their burden, made them miserable, and increased their stress.

What's Possible?

Although I still fall into the pit too often, I'm starting to feel a sense of mastery over this costly, costly behavior. It is possible to gain control of our days and our destinies in ways beyond our ability to imagine.

I'm too embarrassed to tell you the pain I've caused others by forgetting who I am and what I'm here for. However, I will tell you that I'm learning. The results are making a positive impact on the difference I'm making to others and in the quality of my life.

I'm finding out that it's possible to step out of the rut of being right and to break the habits of a lifetime of being asleep at the switch and being part of the problem. This article is the first in a series about personal transformation, in which I'll be sharing what I've learned (and am trying to learn) about being more of the person that I know myself to be.

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Jinny Ditzler: Personal Transformation: What's Motivating You?