I’m struggling with this.  I’ve been using these words interchangeably.  But, I think I am wrong and using them the same way has caused me to push myself and those I love in the wrong direction … maybe toward me when that was not the right path.  Last night I realized that these two words are different.

When I try to motivate myself, to do something, I’m really pushing myself to do something I don’t want to do. The same is true for others in my life … when I have to push them in a direction it’s because they really don’t want to do what I’m asking from them.

Inspiration comes from a completely different place than motivation. The word inspiration means to be in spirit. When you’re tuned into your spirit, when you are inspired to be with someone or do something, the feeling is drawn from a very different place.  It’s passion.  And, fulfillment is the end result.

Motivation, on the other hand, usually has a lot to do with growth but maybe a bit less “real” than that which is inspired.  It’s often what you are supposed to do.  What others are doing.  It may be a good idea but is it what you are passionate about?  Does it feel like a burning desire that emanates from the core of your being?

When you’re inspired:

• It feels effortless.
• You have to hold yourself back from starting right now.
• Your passion feels steady.
• You feel it in your bones.
• You just know.

Inspiration isn’t something we get … it’s something that comes from within.  It’s paying attention to that inner voice.  It’s about taking the time to realign your desires with your direction.  Look, it’s great to be a motivated person.  I certainly am.  But being inspired is something entirely different.

I think I’ve been pushing people in my life to be motivated to either be with me or do things that I thought were “right.”  But, the truth is, if they are not inspired, it’s work.  It’s a chore for them and eventually a chore for me.

So, ask yourself this question:  What do you really want? Not what should you want, not what you think might be a good idea for you to want. What lights you up?  What fuels the passion in you?  Once you’ve got a grasp on that, stay with it for a little while. Bathe in it, savor it, taste it … visualize it.  Once you get there, you know that you are inspired in that direction.  It’s 100% better than trying to motivate yourself in that direction, right?

There are so many ways to find inspiration in our daily life.  It doesn’t require a lot of money or time.  The only requirement is that we open our eyes to the amazing things in front of us every day.  I promise, it won’t take long to find that which inspires us!  And then, the inspiration will fall into your lap.

Have a great day!

BTW:  I am not inspired to warm up my car.  Any takers?  🙂