Have you ever heard yourself say, in a moment of longing, “ If I could just get motivated?” or “If I were inspired, I would ...” Yet, what do we really mean when we use these words? What is the difference between inspiration and motivation? How do they relate?
Motivation is what we want. There is usually an end goal or incentive that is tangible. When motivated, we approach this goal by mapping out steps, making check lists, and so on. Often times, motivation has us pushing through the rough patches in our progress, using our will until we are victorious.
Inspiration, however, is based in desire. There is sense from within that that which you desire is for you. You see, the word inspiration is from the Latin, Spirare, or “Spirit”. When you think of what you desire, it literally lifts your Spirits, does it? Think of it right now. It’s as if the desire came to us, we experience the rough patches and continue, even though we may not know our way over the hump yet and even if it doesn’t make sense.
Really motivation and inspiration are two totally different, almost opposite things, and yet why are they used interchangeably? Well, truth be told, they can support one another. Once motivated, when we continually reach bumps in the road, it is an opportunity for us to stop, and objectively feel, without analysis, where life is taking us next? Vice versa, when one comes to a point in their inspired action where consistency or strategies come into play, practical tools can be very supportive.
So now again, think back to that thing that you are inspired toward. Now, think of something for which you are motivated. What’s the difference? How do you know when you are motivated verses inspired? Is there a sign, a thought, or an emotion?
Discuss, debate and support matters around wellness as a goal, as a lifestyle and as a movement. Continue the coversation at the Interval Fitness Group on Facebook
Motivation is what we want. There is usually an end goal or incentive that is tangible. When motivated, we approach this goal by mapping out steps, making check lists, and so on. Often times, motivation has us pushing through the rough patches in our progress, using our will until we are victorious.
Inspiration, however, is based in desire. There is sense from within that that which you desire is for you. You see, the word inspiration is from the Latin, Spirare, or “Spirit”. When you think of what you desire, it literally lifts your Spirits, does it? Think of it right now. It’s as if the desire came to us, we experience the rough patches and continue, even though we may not know our way over the hump yet and even if it doesn’t make sense.
Really motivation and inspiration are two totally different, almost opposite things, and yet why are they used interchangeably? Well, truth be told, they can support one another. Once motivated, when we continually reach bumps in the road, it is an opportunity for us to stop, and objectively feel, without analysis, where life is taking us next? Vice versa, when one comes to a point in their inspired action where consistency or strategies come into play, practical tools can be very supportive.
So now again, think back to that thing that you are inspired toward. Now, think of something for which you are motivated. What’s the difference? How do you know when you are motivated verses inspired? Is there a sign, a thought, or an emotion?
Discuss, debate and support matters around wellness as a goal, as a lifestyle and as a movement. Continue the coversation at the Interval Fitness Group on Facebook