WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION?

People often ask; can we motivate others?

Answer is no

We cannot, People motivate themselves. What I can do, however, is inspire them to motivate themselves.

What we can do is to create an environment which can be motivating. In order to inspire people to motivate themselves, we need to understand their needs and wants.

Inspiration is changing thinking;

Motivation is changing action.

Motivation is like fire unless you keep adding fuel to it, it dies. Just like exercise and food don't last long, neither does motivation. However, if the source of motivation is belief in inner values, it becomes long--lasting.

What is the greatest motivator?

Is it money?

Recognition?

Improvement in our quality of life?

Acceptance by those we love?

All these can be motivating forces.

 

What is motivation?

Motivation is something that encourages action or feeling. To motivate means to encourage and inspire.

Motivation can also mean to turn on or ignite the feeling or action. Motivation is powerful. It can persuade, convince and propel you into action.

In other words, motivation can be defined as motive for action. It is a force that can literally change your life.

Why do we need to get motivated?

Motivation is the driving force in our lives. It comes from a desire to succeed. Without success there is little pride in life; no enjoyment or excitement at work and at home.

Often life becomes like a lopsided wheel giving a bumpy ride.

The greatest enemy of motivation is complacence. Complacence leads to frustration, and when people are frustrated they give up because they cannot identify what is important.

Today’s anecdote:

There was a young boy who used to come for regular practice but always played in the reserves and never made it to the soccer eleven. While he was practicing, his father used to sit at the far end, waiting for him. The matches had started and for four days, he didn't show up for practice or the quarter or semifinals. All of a sudden he showed up for the finals, went to the coach and said, "Coach, you have always kept me in the reserves and never let me play in the finals.

But today, please let me play." The coach said, "Son, I'm sorry, I can't let you. There are better players than you and besides, it is the finals, the reputation of the school is at stake and I cannot take a chance." The boy pleaded, "Coach, I promise I will not let you down. I beg of you, please let me play." The coach had never seen the boy plead like this before. He said, "OK, son, go, play. But remember, I am going against my better judgment and the reputation of the school is at stake. Don't let me down."

The game started and the boy played like a house on fire. Every time he got the ball, he shot a goal. Needless to say, he was the best player and the star of the game. His team had a spectacular win. When the game finished, the coach went up to him and said, "Son, how could I have been so wrong in my life. I have never seen you play like this before.

What happened?

How did you play so well?" The boy replied, "Coach, my father is watching me today."

The coach turned around and looked at the place where the boy's father used to sit.

There was no one there. He said, "Son, your father used to sit there when you came for practice, but I don't see anyone there today." The boy replied, "Coach, there is something I never told you. My father was blind. Just four days ago, he died. Today is the first day he is watching me from above."

 

Inspired Authors:

Shiv Khera

Rhonda Byrne