Do You Want to be Motivated or Inspired?

By Janet Christensen

You hear how important it is to be motivated. Have you ever wondered why many people set goals and do not reach them, and why so many New Year's resolutions go unfulfilled? The key is what lies behind the goals, the resolutions, and the motivations.

Motivation is about willpower and specific achievement. It is of the mind and logical, and motivation is usually externally driven, either by the expectations of others, by fears or by problems. For example, you may have sales or other types of quotas, or a bonus structure at work intended to motivate you to produce results. You may feel obligated to perform certain tasks or duties because others expect you to do these things. You may be forced into action out of fear – what will happen if you don't act? It may be necessary to work overtime to avoid being fired, or you may go on a diet and exercise regime out of fear for health concerns. You may be motivated by the need to solve a problem, for example, fixing something that is broken, being in debt, or a health issue. Filing your annual tax return is an excellent example of being motivated to do something; it is an expectation placed on you by the government, there is fear about the consequences of not doing it, and there is the problem of the due date hanging over your head. Motivations are usually about external expectations and circumstances, sometimes fears, and are always about achieving results. Motivation can be hard work. It may flow when it is aligned with your passion; however on its own it does not have a lot of positive energy.

Passion comes from deep within and results in positive energy and flow. Passions are more enduring because they are more intuitive and are fueled by an inner drive. When you connect with your passions, you are inspired into action. The root of the word inspiration is from the Latin in spiritus, which means being connected to your spirit, your inner self. Your passions come from your spirit, your soul, and you are inspired to express them. When you are connected to your passions, you experience a powerful flow of energy, which allows you to respond to the circumstances and events of life with creativity and wisdom. This is not a struggle and it is not hard work. You are able to live your life with confidence and ease because you come from your place of passion, your place of inner wisdom and potential.

When you are connected with your passions you are clear in your intentions – about what you want to create and manifest in your life and in how you want to live your life. You make choices and decisions in a conscious way, in alignment with your passions. You have a blueprint for how you live your life and travel your life journey. You have clarity to discern what you want to do from what other people expect of you. You honour yourself and what is most important to you.

When you act from inspiration and passion you inspire others. Your energy, enthusiasm, and creativity will make you a powerful role model. People will be attracted to your energy and passion – wonderful people who are inspired by your presence, by how you are living and by what you are doing.

The truth is that you are either marching passionately to your own drum beat, or you are marching to someone else's drum beat. The choice is yours. You can choose to live your life by default, according to what other people expect and plan for you, or you can choose to live an inspired life with passion, purpose, and personal effectiveness. What will it be?

“The only courage you need is the courage to find and follow your passion.”

Oprah Winfrey

Janet Christensen passionately inspires potential as a professional speaker, Passion Map facilitator and writer. She can be reached through her company Unlimiting Potential at (519) 434-5397 or toll free 1-888-779-3061 fax (519) 434-8344 email info@janetchristensen.com Web site www.janetchristensen.com. Published in Networking Today, October 2004.