Motivation vs. Inspiration: How to Achieve your Goals in the Long-Term
January is a month of new beginnings. It is a time of resolutions and optimism. As coaches, we see a lot of new clients at this time of year, committed to personal and professional development. As entrepreneurs we resolve to reach new levels of success by getting into massive momentum with our business.
But somehow, all this January enthusiasm soon runs out of steam. Despite our initial commitment to change, we find ourselves back in old habits by Valentine’s Day. Why can’t we hold on to that January passion? Maybe the problem is what we are using to fuel it.
I have clients who come to me this time of year seeking motivation. They want to be pushed, even convinced, to do the things they “should” do. Most people believe success is about pushing themselves to do the things they don’t want to do. In this state of mind we constantly chase something outside of ourselves to find a reason to keep going.
When my clients ask me to motivate them, I always tell them the same thing. Motivation doesn’t work. Not in the long term. If you want to chase your dreams in 2015, you don’t need to get motivated, you need to get inspired.
What’s the difference between motivation and inspiration?
Motivation carries with it a lot of pain. Inspiration is effortless.
Motivation is an external force that pushes, kicks and forces us to get things done.
External motivators include the looming deadline, the fierce boss and the pain of what will happen if you don’t do it. Motivation always carries a big price. It’s like a drug that hooks you. The feeling never lasts and you have to keep going back for more.
Inspiration is an inner drive that keeps you moving. It’s passion on fire. Inspiration stirs your soul. It stimulates your thinking. When you’re inspired, you naturally do the things you need to do. You don’t need something or someone else to get you moving. You do it because it’s what you want, not because you were forced into it.
My focus all month long is to help you cultivate inspiration in your life and your coaching practice. Follow my blog posts, I will be sharing tips, ideas, and exercises based on the concepts explored in my e-book, A New Approach to Goal Setting – a self coaching guide in setting value based goals.
Passion into Profit Coaching Challenge: Daily, make a note of what inspires you. At the end of the month identify what is the common denominator and ask yourself what goals might you make that naturally pull you forward? The shift in your goal setting perspective from obligated to impassioned will enable you to joyfully pursue an inspired life that reflects what you care most about.
Teresia LaRocque, MCC (Canada)
Teresia LaRocque, MCC, MAA, is Canada's first Master Certified Coach and a co-founder of ICF Vancouver Charter Chapter. Over the past 20 years, she has been a key player in developing the coaching industry in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada. Her Passion into Profit program delivers a time-tested, step-by-step process for developing a sustainable six-figure coaching practice. More than just business strategies, this interactive program also lays the foundation for a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle — a mission-critical component of entrepreneurial success.
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Dear Teresia LaRocque,
I am very interested in the topic, which you disclose in your book. And I would be glad to get acquainted more with it.
Thanks a lot.
Thanks Teresia, I really resonate with the passion in this article. Inspiration is a much deeper force that stirs us from within, and once we discover it creates the motivation we need to move forward with energy. Motivation is nothing without inspiration. Once we have both we become unstoppable.
Thank you for your comments Oksana and Sasha, and well said Sasha! I will share more on this topic in my next blog next week. I look forward to your comments
wow this was a great page!! you should also check this video for a lot of motivation!!!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMcNhY3y3Eo
As the founder of National Motivation & Inspiration Day and Motivation & Inspiration Month, I would love to have you join me each January to encourage people, especially young adults to establish annual goals for themselves!
Help us become a goal oriented society.
https://www.facebook.com/kevin.mccrudden.9/posts/10207171714284879
Thanx!
KLM
[…] fail in their exercise goals is that they keep waiting for some great “motivation” to strike. Motivation is nothing compared to practice — the ritualization of an exercise habit and simply getting on […]
Hi Teresia,
Which is the my favorite topic. I glad to read your article. I like your this line,”Motivation carries with it a lot of pain. Inspiration is effortless”.Thanks for sharing this.!!!!! Keep updating with new articles..!!!!
I’m usually blogging and I actually appreciate your content. The article genuinely peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web page and hope to receive more updates from you. Thank you so much!
To tell the truth, I really like your idea about our habits and in what way it forms our personality. Without any doubts, inspiration plays a big role in our life, but it can be changeable and it is not as effective as the development of habits. You are absolutely right that inspiration can fade, but habits contribute to make us better and more effective, producing real change. I think that it is truly meaningful to develop daily habits and stick to them because they determine our way of life in no small part and it is not right to underestimate it. Your selection is truly effective and applicable, especially the habit of spending 15 minutes alone daily because it is a great way to recharge your batteries. But habits can make or break us and your list of unhealthy ones can help people to rethink their mode of life.
Thank you. I really like this article. Good job, I will visit and subscribe frequently in the future. , is that fact ?