INSPIRATION, APPRECIATION AND MOTIVATION

Inspiration vs. Motivation

It could be said that nothing happens without inspiration. If that's true, then it stands to reason that the key to motivating ourselves and others lies in finding out what inspires us.

Are they the same thing?

In simplest terms and at its root, to inspire is to be the cause of something. The Archaic meaning of inspire is "to breathe life into."

Some have said that it actually means motivation, implying that they are one in the same,the two do share some things in common. There are some distinct differences, though, as the former seems bigger and more lasting.

These two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, and perhaps rightly so.To make a distinction, though, and not just for argument's sake. Words and their meanings can have a profound effect on the way we think. The way we think affects the way we act and the way we feel. It's important for us, then, to ensure that we use words as tools that work for us, rather than against us.

On one level, they are the same. On another level, you don't necessarily need to feel inspired to be motivated. Try this out and see what you think. How motivated would you be to get away if you came face to face with an adult lion? You don't really need to feel inspired to start running, do you? Then again, if we take one of dictionary.com's definitions of "inspire" we get "to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence." I'd be quite animated and extremely influenced by the presence of a lion!

Inspiration is "bigger" than motivation...

"Instead of motivation look for inspiration. Inspiration comes from the same word as spirit. When you are inspired, the spirit moves you."
-Deepak Chopra

On yet another level, inspiration is actually the source or cause of motivation. While you might not need to feel inspired to run away from a lion, your motivation and your action still need to have a cause.

Without inspiration, motivation loses some of its "mojo." I'm sure you've experienced this. Over my lifetime, I've been motivated to do many things, as I'm sure you have as well. When I was about 12 years old or so, I started playing the drums. I was motivated to practice, but only because I was inspired by the thought of what that practice could bring me. On a rather mundane level, I'm motivated to take out the garbage on a regular basis, because I'm inspired to keep my house clean.

You see, in both of these cases, my motivation is constantly renewed because I am inspired. It was my inspiration to become a good drummer that motivated me to practice over and over again. Practice is often boring and many times frustrating. Without the inspiration behind it, my motivation would have died. I had to "breathe life into" my practice! Appreciations work like Inspiration for many, it Motivates them, regular Appreciations gives constant Motivation.

Inspiration is lasting...

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing... that's why we recommend it daily."
-Zig Ziglar

I tend to think of motivation as more short lived, and motivation techniques as having to be regularly revisited. We use motivation to complete projects, or tasks within projects. We use motivation to give our all in a game or a performance. We use motivation to pick ourselves up and wash the dishes or take out the garbage. We have to be constantly Inspired and Motivated to maintain our general Health in good condition, because we know Health is Success, Health is Wealth, Health is Longevity and Health is Life.

Motivation, therefore, is much more obvious, more immediate, and somewhat less powerful I would say. When we're inspired, there is a force at work behind the scenes, that drives us long term. The drive to be better at something, get promoted at work, win game after game until we've won the whole season, keep the house clean, or take our lives to new levels all comes from being inspired. The individual acts that we have to perform in order to do all that are fueled by motivation.

So you see in some ways, inspiration and motivation are not only alike, they can be seen as the same. In other perhaps more subtle ways, inspiration paints a much bigger picture, and is more enduring. I mentioned using words as tools that work for us instead of against us. I recommend you use that idea and redefine for yourself what it means to be inspired, versus what motivation does for you. Make both of these concepts work for you as precious tools that can change your life.

You can shape your future and make it what you want, if you have the right mindset. If you're looking to change your self image, improve your relationships, lose weight, or get a new job, you'll need to get inspired.

If you're having trouble getting inspired, you may need a jump start. There are many tools that can help. Inspiring quotes, sayings, pictures, stories, posters, and poems are available to get you started.

In any case, becoming inspired and getting motivated are very subjective experiences, and come from within. What inspires me may not inspire you and there are no set rules. So, whatever you choose, remember that what is best for you is whatever works best.