It goes without saying that one of our primary goals in life is to thrive. It’s human nature. It may not be your first thought or even consciously enter your mind on a daily basis, yet on some level, our survival and satisfaction with life require us to flourish and prosper. We want to be successful; we strive to connect and create loving, nurturing relationships; we aim for financial success; we want to be happy.
So what motivates us to thrive? Where does the inspiration come from? And what’s the difference between motivation and inspiration? The distinction is significant and can make all the difference in the world.
Motivation is the external, driving reason that helps propel you toward a goal. For example, your high school reunion is coming up and you’d like to tone up a bit before seeing your former classmates. The reunion becomes the motivating factor for why you want to tighten up yet once the party is over, it’s as if your motivation graduated.
Inspiration, however, comes from within; it’s the inner sense or guiding force that lights you up from inside. When you’re inspired, there’s a deep connection with that special something that keeps you going. Inspiration becomes the foundation or your reason for getting out of bed in the morning. Inspiration is the ultimate WHY in life. It’s your basis for most everything.
Back to the reunion. You still want to tone-up however when the party is over, you’ll keep going because you’ve got more reasons for wanting to shape-up – you’re deeply vested with feeling strong, improving your health and wanting a better quality of life. The reunion has little to no impact on your success – you’re inspired to keep moving despite the party.
If motivation is the peripheral reason or push and inspiration is the internal longing or pull, both will serve to move you forward. However, if you’re looking for a long-term and lasting reason, inspiration is it.
Lacking inspiration? Read on for a quick how-to lesson in reclaiming or identifying your inspiration.
· Embrace your inner child. Think back to your childhood dreams. What games did you play? What did you want to be when you became ‘a grown-up’? Thinking back to those early memories can trigger visceral, carefree thoughts and put us back in touch with what mattered then. Sure, you’re recalling memories from long ago but I bet they still make you smile today. And they stick with you for a reason. The memories may be distant, yet some of those dreams may continue to be relevant – and you may not even be aware.
· Ask yourself the following questions: (assume a perfect world without limitations and restrictions).
o What do you love to do? What about it races your engine?
o If you could spend time doing anything, what would you do?
o What do you want your legacy to be? Or what do you want to be known for?
· Get back on the hobby horse. Pick up your paintbrushes or dig-out your knitting needles. Being creative is brain food and when your brain is happy, watch out! Don’t have a hobby? Now is the time to start. Even ten minutes a day can have major benefits.
Sometimes, inspiration isn’t enough. When you’re having one of those days (or weeks), you may need an old-fashioned double-dose of inspiration and motivation. So what to do when you need a little extra motivation? Read on…
· Focus on the end point. Forget the middle – it can be overwhelming – imagine about how satisfied and relieved you’ll feel when you’ve reached the finale.
· Invoke a mantra. As much as I love to exercise, running doesn’t come naturally or easy so I make it fun by huffing and puffing my inner mantra. Sounds silly but it makes the time go by and keeps me focused.
· Pump it up. The tunes, that is. Music is scientifically proven to lighten your mood and increase concentration.
· Reward yourself. Like a kid in a candy store, if that’s what it takes. Treat yourself to something – it makes the hard work worthwhile.
Inspiration and motivation go hand in hand and both serve major functions in life. Being able to tap in to one or the other (or both) is a tremendously valuable skill. Here’s hoping this exercise provides you with a jumping off point, or at the very least, inspires or motivates you to go searching.
Stacey Vulakh is a time management coach and founder of San Jose, Calif.- based Timestyle Coaching & Consulting. She helps busy people regain control over their lives, be more productive and reduce their stress. Stacey is the President of Chapter 111 and serves on the National WNA Board. Contact: stacey@timestylecoaching.com.
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