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Join Derrick and Friends TONIGHT for "Motivation - What Moves You?" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Join our Volunteer, Army Veteran & Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor Derrick Iozzio TONIGHT for "Forever Forward!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).


We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.



TONIGHT's Topic:  "Motivation - What Moves You?"



Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for "Motivation - What Moves You?" A discussion about motivation for managing mental health.



Motivation for managing mental health is highly personal and multifaceted, often stemming from a desire for overall well-being and personal growth. Common drivers can be grouped into several categories:

 

Internal Drivers


These come from within and are often the most sustainable form of motivation.

 

  • Desire for Well-being: A simple yet powerful driver is the genuine desire to feel better—to experience more joy, peace, and contentment in daily life [1].

  • Self-Love and Self-Worth: A recognition that you are inherently valuable and deserve to feel healthy and happy. This leads to a commitment to treat yourself with care and respect.

  • Personal Growth: Viewing mental health work as a journey of self-improvement, leading to greater resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.

  • Preventing Future Crises: A proactive approach to avoid reaching a "breaking point," recognizing that consistent, small efforts help maintain stability [1].

  • Finding Meaning and Purpose: Connecting mental health practices to a broader life purpose, recognizing that you can better pursue your goals and values when you are in a good headspace. 


External Drivers


These are influenced by people and circumstances around you.


  • Impact on Relationships: A strong motivator is the desire to be a better partner, parent, friend, or colleague. Improving your own mental health allows you to show up more fully and positively for the people you care about.

  • Responsibility and Obligations: Recognizing that others may depend on you (e.g., children, elderly parents) can drive you to maintain your stability so you can fulfill your responsibilities.

  • Professional Success: Acknowledging that good mental health is essential for focus, creativity, and productivity at work or school.

  • Influence of Others: Being inspired by the recovery stories or healthy habits of others who have successfully managed their own mental health. 


Practical "Moves" for Motivation


Motivation isn't always a feeling; sometimes it's an action that creates a feeling.


What "moves" people can be a commitment to:


  • Routine and Consistency: Sticking to a daily routine, even on low-motivation days, can build momentum and provide stability.

  • Seeking Support: Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for guidance and accountability.

  • Mindfulness and Movement: Engaging in practices like meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature to stay grounded and connected to your body.

  • Celebrating Small Wins: Acknowledging progress, no matter how small, to reinforce positive behaviors and build confidence. 


Ultimately, the most effective motivation often stems from a combination of these factors, tailored to an individual's unique values and life circumstances.



Strategies to Boost Motivation and Mental Health


A lack of motivation is often a symptom of stress or mental health issues, not a personal failing. You can enhance your drive with practical strategies: 


  • Set SMART Goals: Create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Break large, daunting goals into small, manageable steps.

  • Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledging progress, even tiny steps, activates the brain's reward system and builds momentum and confidence.

  • Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself when setbacks occur. Recognizing that challenges are part of the process, rather than a sign of failure, helps build resilience.

  • Prioritize Well-being: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep boost dopamine levels and improve mental and physical health.

  • Cultivate a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with encouraging people and consider talking to a friend, family member, or a mental health professional (like a therapist) if you are struggling with persistent low motivation. 



Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), January 15, 2026, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET



Thank you,


Derrick Iozzio,

Army Veteran, Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor, Catch 22 Peer Support Founder, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)


"Honor & Respect Always — Warriors for Life!"

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