Motivation
To do better, you must know better. Get the ball rolling with stories of success and cautionary tales from those who’ve been there before. Motivation is your best foot forward.
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Stories in Motivation that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
One Hard Thing
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: You have the number, you know your schedule- you’ve even picked out the perfect day and time to make this appointment. Shoot, you’ve even picked out alternative days and times just in case their schedules can’t accommodate you!
By Taylor Rigsbyabout a month ago in Motivation
Looking back: 2025 was a beast
It's difficult to know how to start this. I've suggested that it's been a tough one from my title and in many ways, it has; however, there is an argument that it's not been that extraordinary at all, merely this wonderful thing we call "life" with all its climaxes and pitfalls.
By Rachel Deeming2 months ago in Motivation
Beating the booze
'Beating the booze' may be an exaggeration. All I have done is to come up with a new approach to cutting down my alcohol intake. Why? Am I a drunk, an alcoholic, a problem drinker? No, to at least two of these questions and 'not really' to the other. I will admit that I drink more than is strictly healthy so that, from time to time, I make attempts at cutting down my alcohol intake. Some are quite successful... for a while at any rate.
By Raymond G. Taylor7 months ago in Motivation
A Moment of Calm at the Farm with a drowning wasp !
A pig slept on warm hay, as if the world stood no chance against its slumber. Its back was turned towards me. His safety was never questioned. But who am I, and should I ever be trusted? It doesn’t matter because that pig had a safe home and would never be evicted. Eaten, but never evicted.
By Caitlin Charlton8 months ago in Motivation
Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Motivation.
The 2-Hour Fast vs 14-Hour Fast: Global Ramadan 2026 Guide. AI-Generated.
Ramadan is not just a month on the Islamic calendar—it is a global spiritual journey experienced differently depending on where you live. In 2026, Muslims across the world will once again observe fasting from dawn to sunset, but the number of fasting hours will vary dramatically. In some places, it may feel like a short 2-hour symbolic fast during extreme daylight variations, while in others it could stretch close to 14 hours or even longer. This guide explores when Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin, how fasting hours differ across regions, and why geography plays such an important role in shaping the Ramadan experience. When Does Ramadan 2026 Start? Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Because of this, Ramadan moves earlier each year. Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around February 17 or 18, 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon. The exact date may vary by country, as some nations rely on local moon sightings while others follow astronomical calculations. The month will last either 29 or 30 days, ending with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Why Fasting Hours Differ Around the World The daily fast begins at Fajr (dawn) and ends at Maghrib (sunset). Since daylight hours vary depending on a country’s latitude and the season, fasting time changes accordingly. In February and March 2026, Ramadan will fall during late winter in the Northern Hemisphere and late summer in the Southern Hemisphere. This creates noticeable differences in fasting durations. Shorter Fasts Near the Equator Countries near the equator experience relatively stable daylight hours throughout the year. In places like Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of Africa, fasting hours usually range between 12 and 13 hours. The consistency makes Ramadan physically manageable, though the spiritual intensity remains just as powerful. Longer Fasts in Northern Countries In countries farther from the equator—such as the UK, Canada, or Northern Europe—daylight hours vary more dramatically across seasons. Because Ramadan 2026 falls in late winter, fasting hours in these countries will likely range from 11 to 14 hours. This is significantly shorter than summer Ramadans, which can exceed 18 hours in some northern cities. However, extreme northern regions sometimes experience unusual daylight patterns. In places above the Arctic Circle, there may be very little daylight or nearly continuous daylight at certain times of year. In such cases, Islamic scholars allow Muslims to follow the fasting schedule of the nearest moderate city. The “2-Hour Fast” Debate The idea of a “2-hour fast” often appears in discussions about polar regions. In some rare geographic conditions during specific seasons, sunrise and sunset may be very close together, technically creating a very short fasting window. However, Islamic jurisprudence addresses this issue carefully. Scholars generally recommend following a nearby city's schedule or using the timetable of Mecca if local conditions are extreme. This ensures fairness and practicality in religious observance. So while headlines may suggest extreme short or long fasts, in practice, Muslims follow structured guidance that keeps fasting spiritually meaningful and physically manageable. A Global Comparison of Fasting Hours in 2026 Here’s what fasting durations may approximately look like in different regions: Saudi Arabia (Mecca): Around 13 hours United States (New York): Around 11–12 hours United Kingdom (London): Around 12–13 hours Australia (Sydney): Around 13–14 hours Indonesia (Jakarta): Around 12–13 hours These estimates may vary slightly depending on the exact start date and local moon sighting decisions. The Spiritual Meaning Beyond Hours While discussions about fasting length often attract attention, Ramadan is about much more than counting hours. The fast teaches: Patience Gratitude Self-control Compassion for those less fortunate Whether fasting for 11 hours or 14 hours, the spiritual reward lies in intention and sincerity. Ramadan also encourages increased prayer, Quran recitation, charity, and community connection. Mosques fill with worshippers during nightly Taraweeh prayers, and families gather for Iftar meals to break their fast together. Health and Fasting: What to Expect Because Ramadan 2026 falls during cooler months in many northern countries, fasting may feel physically easier than summer Ramadans. Shorter daylight hours mean: Reduced dehydration risk More comfortable fasting temperatures Easier sleep adjustments Still, maintaining proper hydration during non-fasting hours and eating balanced Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar meals is essential. How Geography Unites and Divides the Experience One of the most fascinating aspects of Ramadan is how a single global event feels different across continents. In Indonesia, Ramadan evenings are lively and warm. In Canada, they may be cold and snowy. In Australia, Muslims may be breaking their fast during late summer warmth. Yet despite these differences, the spiritual rhythm remains the same: Dawn prayer Daily fasting Sunset Iftar Nightly worship This shared structure creates a sense of global unity across time zones. Looking Ahead to Ramadan 2026 As Ramadan continues shifting earlier each year, Muslims in the Northern Hemisphere will experience shorter fasting days for several more years. Eventually, the month will return to summer again, bringing longer daylight hours once more. For now, Ramadan 2026 offers a relatively balanced fasting experience for most regions. Whether it feels like a short winter fast or a longer summer stretch in the Southern Hemisphere, the essence remains unchanged: self-discipline, reflection, and spiritual growth. Final Thoughts The difference between a “2-hour fast” and a “14-hour fast” may grab headlines, but Ramadan is not a competition of endurance. It is a month of intention, unity, and devotion. No matter where you live—near the equator, in the Arctic Circle, or somewhere in between—Ramadan 2026 will bring the same opportunity for renewal and connection. As the crescent moon is sighted and the first fast begins, millions around the world will share the same prayer, the same hunger, and the same hope for mercy and blessings. That is the true power of Ramadan: a global act of worship shaped by geography, but united by faith.
By Abid Aliabout an hour ago in Motivation
The Man Who Was Fired for Being “Too Slow” — Then Built One of the Greatest Car Companies in the World
Success stories usually begin with talent, opportunity, or privilege. But sometimes, they begin with humiliation. Sometimes they begin with rejection so painful that most people quietly abandon their dreams and never speak of them again.
By Frank Massey about 2 hours ago in Motivation
Influential Women on LinkedIn: Building Authority, Visibility, and Professional Impact
In today’s digital-first professional landscape, Influential Women on LinkedIn are redefining leadership, personal branding, and career growth. Through consistent thought leadership, meaningful engagement, and authentic storytelling, women professionals are using LinkedIn to expand their influence and shape industry conversations.
By influentialwomenmagazineabout 6 hours ago in Motivation
Values-Based Leadership: The Driving Force Behind Lasting Corporate Transformation
Corporate change is never easy. Markets shift. Technology evolves. Customer needs grow more complex. Many companies try to transform solely by changing systems or structures. Yet real and lasting change begins with people. That is where values-based leadership plays a vital role. Values-based leadership guides behavior, shapes culture, and builds trust during uncertain times.
By Yeasha Sobhanabout 7 hours ago in Motivation
The Road Between the Bells
In a small town tucked between rolling hills and a slow silver river, the church bells rang every morning at six. For most people, the bells meant the start of work, school, or another ordinary day. For Tomas, they meant something else: another chance.
By Iazaz hussainabout 10 hours ago in Motivation
You're Going to Feel the Pain Either Way. Choose Which One.
The question was never "how do I avoid discomfort?" The question is "which discomfort am I choosing?" Because there are only two options, and you're picking one of them every single day - whether you're conscious of it or not.
By Destiny S. Harrisabout 14 hours ago in Motivation
Creators We’re Loving
The creative faces behind your favorite stories.
Katie L. Oswald (BookDragon)
53 published stories
Rachel Deeming
937 published stories
Lana V Lynx
567 published stories
KC
75 published stories
Raymond G. Taylor
655 published stories
Dr. Cody Dakota Wooten, DFM, DHM, DAS (hc)
994 published stories
Taylor Rigsby
62 published stories
Caitlin Charlton
139 published stories
