What’s the Difference Between Inspiration and Motivation?

Inspiration is when you see or hear something that evokes an emotion, a desire.

Motivation is putting into action the tasks needed to achieve what you desire.

But motivation can wane. So you need more inspiration for a fresh perspective. Personally, I find scrolling through social media, specifically YouTube, inspiring. I’ll make a mental note of them and later realise that I’ve forgotten the first few! By then, one or two will have stood out. They’re the ones to follow up.

Networking events are also great places to find inspiration. Years ago, I met my wonderful marketing team at an FSB event in Reading. Recently, I met someone who instantly inspired me into a potential partnership. A few days later, over coffee, we built the trust required to create a new, really needed product … more about that later.

So, I’ve been inspired. I’ve got the motivation. Now, I need to act!

Sometimes, though, when faced with a big new project, procrastination creeps in. Recognise that feeling? That’s when we need to kickstart our motivation.

A few years ago, I came up with my Cutting the Procrastination Equation:

• Inspiration + Motivation – Procrastination = Achievement

The need to achieve is there. You want to get on with it. But other smaller, unrelated tasks suddenly seem more important. That new project feels overwhelming despite the lure of the ultimate goal.

My most effective technique for energising motivation into action is through small goals.

Smaller, unrelated tasks feel easier to do than a loomingly large goal. So, instead of procrastinating, cut your goal down into smaller, manageable and meaningful goals.

“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!”

• Removing the Barrier

It’s too easy to think: “I can’t do that now, I need to plan a meeting/write a report.”

To help, find ways to get on with what’s needed. I call this: Putting Your Trainers at the Front Door.

When I competed professionally in Judo, training included running and going to the gym. I loved the gym but wasn’t keen on running, especially on cold, dark, wet mornings or evenings.

So, I literally put my trainers at the bottom of the stairs. This meant I had to choose whether to step over them or put them on. Usually, I went running. Occasionally I allowed myself a day off if I had an injury or really didn’t feel it. We’re allowed to be kind to ourselves.

• Making the Choice

At work, when you have a tedious task that needs doing, open up that spreadsheet on your computer so that you can’t miss it. Print off that appraisal form or document you need to complete and take it home. Put it somewhere obvious – the dining table, or the chair where you normally watch TV from.

You have a choice. Do you do it now and get it done? Or will you move it and procrastinate … again!

• Who’s in your Support Network?

Tell someone about your goal for accountability. Now, you have an accountability buddy! For me, it’s Debs, my wife.

We discuss when the goal needs to be achieved by and whether it’s work or family related. She helps keep us both accountable. This year, we have three goals – decorating our front room, buying a new car, and launching my new product. We’re breaking down what needs doing into manageable chunks – how to save the money for the car, and dealing with the decorating disruption (challenging with a visual impairment).

The third and arguably most important goal is a means of earning the finance needed for the first two.

• Control the Controllables

For optimum success, you need to be in control.

Taking control of the situation can be challenging initially. But with practise, it gets easier, eventually becoming second nature.

My Control the Controllables workshop has helped many organisations over the years, and could help yours too. Within that is my 3 Fs Framework:

• Focus on where you have control of the outcome
• Flag what you have some control over
• Forget what you have no control over

For a copy of the 3 Fs Framework and other techniques to help you set and achieve simple goals, please email me.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Allow yourself a break when needed. Putting pressure on yourself never helps anyone!