... on top of things. Energy levels were a lot better today and I managed to get quite a bit done, and was even able to accommodate an unplanned portrait photoshoot for a client. Yesterday's time in the park with a friend had certainly paid dividends although based on how I was feeling physically, I could have easily chosen to have stayed at home. It made me realise that my commitment values to others often drive me to keep moving forward.
Where does "drive" come from? It is different for each of us. Some of you may be familiar with the work of Dr Wayne Dwyer. He spoke about the difference between motivation and inspiration. "Motivation is when you get hold of an idea and carry it through to its conclusion, and inspiration is when an idea gets hold of you and carries you where you are intended to go." He clearly differentiates between motivation and inspiration, two words that we often use interchangeably.
Motivation is often regarded as a pushing force, it is the "what", the source that compels us to action. Motives are often external to us, based on feelings (which may be fear), and are more often than not focussed on short term gains. The fear of not paying the bills this week is certainly motivation and a reason to get out of bed and do some work. Motivation is more attuned to self control, controlling your feelings, or actions to get to an end result. When something comes along and throws a spanner in the works, the sense of control is lost, we can quickly lose our motivation and will power. When we rely simply on motivation to create change in our lives, we are drawing on our energy reserves to make it happen. When we draw too much on those energy reserves, our motivation quickly evaporates. This is why when we are pushed to create a change in our lives, for example to start an exercise regime, or eat healthier foods, we are initially gung-ho, nothing will stop us and as soon as the morning walk is interrupted by a rainy day or our favourite chocolate bar is on special, our intended actions and commitment falls by the way side. Motivation relies on a "I will do this" (even if it kills me!) mentality.
Inspiration is a different force that exists in our lives and is more concerned with "why". It is an internal drive that pulls us through life. Inspiration is linked to a "higher purpose" or intrinsic to our values. In many ways, when we are inspired, it seems as though we are drawing the energy to us to perform or do or just be, rather than expending energy to make things happen. When operating from a place of inspiration, energy becomes expansive and self-generating, it flows and we simply become the conduit to transmute that into action. It is the feeling of being on top of the world, where anything is possible. Inspiration is a longer term process and readily accommodates a more fluid approach to our daily lives, and is far more resilient to the curves and pot holes that are on our path forward. When we are inspired, we are about to readily and effortlessly access our internal talents and strengths (some which are dormant inside of us) and move past self-limiting beliefs. Inspiration is a "I can do this" mentality.
When you run your own one-person business, live alone or choose to engage in an activity just for yourself, it is necessary to be more than just motivated to bring longevity and energy to the enterprise for the long haul.
Flying Solo Tip 046365 : Motivation expends energy through the force of will power. Inspiration self-generates energy for effortless action.
