Recently, I had a few things happen in my life that completely drained my ability to write. I’d take a seat in my chair and within seconds would find myself at the fridge grabbing yet another tub of hummous and a coffee. Somehow I thought that would help.
I couldn’t understand what was going wrong. I had the motivation to write, I had tons of motivation to write, but there were no words coming to move me to the completion of those goals I was dying to complete.
It was then I started to real think about just what is it that gets us to move forward to achieving the success we desire. Why is it that some can get off the couch to travel the world and pursue those dreams, while those who have the same opportunities and desires to do so never put the action into place?
I started to view the differences between motivation and inspiration. Both come from very different places, yet both are needed in order for you to accomplish anything you want in life.
Motivation vs Inspiration
The differences between motivation and inspiration became very clear. Motivation is the outer push. The things that come from outside of us driving us to move forward. It might be the need to prove others wrong, it might be the competitive desire to be the best, it might come from you wanting to make a difference, or be noticed in our crowded world. It can even be materialistic things like a brand new Lexus hybrid, a stylish wardrobe, or a seven figure income.
Inspiration, on the other hand, is the drive that comes from within us. It is the creative drive; the voice and creative energy of our higher self. Or, as I like to say, the place of our magic mojo. Inspiration, to me, is far more powerful than motivation. Inspiration is like a positive force that you can’t, or should not, want to control. Inspiration makes life and your special creative abilities flow effortlessly through you. Creating is almost impossible without it. Following your dreams is difficult without it.
You can have the motivation, but if inspiration is not present then doing what needs to be done becomes hard work. And with too much hard work, comes a slump in energy levels and the eventual decline of the motivation, forcing you to give up on your hopes and dreams. I have an incredible amount of motivation to make our travel blogging business a huge success, yet if the inspiration is not present, I can’t create. I start looking everywhere for those distractions to take my mind of what I should be doing.
You cannot be successful on just inspiration either. I know a lot of people who are highly creative and intelligent yet they don’t do much about it. They may create in the secrecy of their journals , studios and vision boards, yet no matter how hard they try , they just can’t get up and do what needs to be done either. They have lost their why. They have no driving force to propel them forward.
So what does this mean for you and your dreams?
Get clear on why you want to achieve your goals and dreams. Your whys are your motivating pushes; the things that forbid you from quitting. If you are not crystal clear on your why, you are screwed. You’ll give up at the first sign of trouble and when your inspiration starts to leave you. Motivation is usually blocked by fear and insecurity. Work on improving these two things. Yes, you can do it. If someone else is doing it then why not you? Rely on the success of others to inspire you to know that you can do the same.
Do what you can to stay inspired. Use your why to fall back on when inspiration goes on a vacation. This motivation will help you to find your way back, but you are going to have to find new ways to lift your energy levels to get inspired again. Use the success of others to get you refocused; fall on the support of encouraging and uplifting friends, read inspiring posts, listen to inspiring music, visualize your dream life as already being, look at pictures of what you want. Sometimes, all you need to do is something as simple, yet vital, as putting your feet up, having a glass of wine or mediating. Let your mind wander free from stress. Inspiration is usually blocked by stress, an unhealthy state, and fatigue. Do what you can to overcome these inspiration killers.
The road to your dreams can be tough, but if you hold hands with inspiration and motivation, you’ll make it to the end. Keep both of them close to you and if one starts to wander then use the other to help you reel it back in.
An inspired post which truly motivates me to continue on my chosen path. Did I get your philosophy right? I hope so. This one gets thrown around on the internet, it’s so good.
Spot on Inka!
Hi Caz!
I couldn’t it agree more the difference / relationship b/w inspiration and motivation you so well described here. And I think it is a difference that is very important to recognize.
But what you said about “creating in the secrecy of their journals” – I have to say that I myself used to fall victim to this habit all the time. You should see how many to-do lists, life brainstorms, project brainstorms, babbling totally random thoughts and ideas I’ve got written down in my journals!! (which are always fun to reread for some inspiration)
Finally, one day, something happened to me that you’re talking about here. All the creation that I was writing down in my journals showed my motivation. But I was missing the inspiration!!!! Somewhere in there I was still lost and I wasn’t even sure why!
And when that happens – how I found the inspiration – is I did exactly what you recommended – I took a leap of faith and moved abroad, tried new things to find out my whys, and sought people, blogs, books, activities, etc that would inspire me. I set out to find that inspiration!!!
So, I have to say, your words of wisdom – THEY WORK!
Hope that Writer’s Block stays away for awhile!!! I enjoyed the post!
LAUREN
Thanks Lauren. I think it’s the leap of faith that is vital. I was a secret journal writer for years as well. I actually thought of doing this blog about 2 years ago but didn’t because I thought I wasn’t good enough. I’m kicking myself now for wasting so much time and not having enough faith in myself. At least I finally got it after the Universe banged me on the head a couple of times
Lovely post. You’re a great writer.
I think that motivation can be learned, whereas inspiration might be in everybody, but only some choose to let it “live”
Thank you for the kind comments Kyle. I totally agree, inspiration is definitely something we all have. I love how you said some choose to let it “Live”- that is what it’s all about
Great post. I find that inspiration tends to fade a little if I’ve been working myself to the bone and spending all my waking hours focused on accomplishing something. Sometimes it’s better to walk away from it for a bit, and go outside to clear my head. Or even take a couple days off. It seems my inspiration always comes back after I’ve given myself and the project time to breathe.
Getting away from it all does help clear the junk and allows a more creative space to open up. I think sometimes that is why dramas may happen in our life to force us to take that much needed break to enable us to create in better ways
Inspiration/motivation good to discuss the difference.
And yes everyone who reads and comments will enjoy this inspirational post,( and yes you really are a great writer , love reading what is on this site.) but aren’t the readers here all the same type of positive personality , and that’s why we’re here?
Seems to me the there are glass half full people and glass half empty, and for the negative personality types, inspiration and motivation are real short term effects.
Whereas positive personalities, when inspiration and motivation are failing, just need to do as Christy says, go take a walk, listen to the birds singing, give the dog a brisk walk and a hug, and back into it with all batteries recharged.
Love all the people I meet on these travel blogs, you’re my inpiration!
You are right Jim. I’ve been thinking about this a lot with some of the kids I teach. I notice so many of them have no drive or ambition, and it is so hard to motivate or inspire them to do anything. After questioning the children I’ve found one thing they have in common- they don’t have any clue what they want to do with their lives. They have no goals or directions. I think if negative people need to spend time working out what it is they really want to do and why. Maybe this might get them excited about the opportunities that lie waiting around for them to jump on.
Agree. I really just have to think back to the days when I was just a factory worker, and think about all my co-workers on that production line. 20 years later, they were still on that line. Me, we’re way outa there.
Why?
Because most people go along to their boring day jobs, and get through the week and pick up their pay, then go back next week.
Me?
Hey I learnt everything my co-workers were doing. Chatted to designers, management etc and got to know their jobs.
Now I cam do it all.
The most boring job can be an orchard of growing and learning.
Today a waiter- tomorrow a Maitre De or restaurant owner.
That’s how you have to think.
Totally agree Jim 100%. We are with a guy at the moment who is high up with Tourism Queensland. When asked what degree he needed for his job, he said nothing. He did not have one. He started in the hotel industry as a cleaner and worked his way up through the ranks, until eventually he was poached by Tourism Queensland. He didn’t need the degree, because he learned everything through hard work and the desire to learn more.
Great post! I definitely think you have to have inspiration to stay motivated, especially when it comes to getting off your duff and traveling the world
Thanks Brooke- sometimes it is hard to get off the comfy couch.
Really lovely post guys and such an important message.
Thanks Amy. I’ve been thinking of you a lot lately while I have been running from platform to platform on Sydney train stations trying to figure out where to go as there are no signs!! It is really bad, isn’t it?
Very well said Caz — I think everything becomes easier when you surround yourself with people that share your outlooks on life, travel, and learning from new experiences.
Thanks Matt! We try to always surround ourselves with like-minded people who celebrate us rather than tolerate us. Loads of inspiration comes from this
That was a really great post. I think that they need to be separate but equal, inspirational and motivational. So many people now have neither, unfortunately. I look forward to more posts from you.
Donald