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. Originally Posted on International Coach Federation
Erickson Business Center 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.
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