As defined by some dictionaries, inspiration is the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something. Motivation is the enthusiasm we feel to do that something that inspires us. Some authors say that inspiration comes from within; it is internal and lifelong, and motivation is external and short lived. According to these definitions, we could say that inspiration is what keeps us motivated.
I think inspiration is a reflection of who we are and what we believe. If you believe in helping others, you seek a career and a job that will allow you to do just that. And you stay motivated, even when things get tough, because you know that helping is your passion. When you are inspired, your motivation stays high. There are no obstacles you will not face, and nobody can convince you that you cannot achieve your goals. Inspiration is like a lighthouse that shows you the way. Motivation is the motorboat that helps you get there.
If you made resolutions for 2014, look for what inspired you to make them. Do you want to lose weight to feel attractive to others, or do you want to feel healthier and happier with yourself? Do you want to change jobs because only because you are not making enough money or because you feel unsatisfied with what you are doing? If you are doing things and making changes to please others, you will end up losing yourself in the process.
Inspiration is your compass; it helps you find your true North. When you listen to yourself - and not to everyone else - you can identify your true needs and the things that make you joyful. When you do something that is positive for you, you feel motivated to keep doing it.
Bill Cosby said, "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone." Please do things because they feel right for you, because they make you feel alive and excited. That is what inspiration is all about. When life becomes a burden, an automatic routine, it is time to stop, look inside you and find your direction, which can sometimes be forgotten.
When inspiration is not present, we easily lose our motivation when we fail. When it is there, we learn from our mistakes and we start over as many times as it is necessary. To quote Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you are right." Inspiration is your spirit talking to you and your heart telling you what you are made of. Your soul reminds you that you can achieve anything you want, as long as you believe and you stay honest with yourself.
I hope 2014 is the best year of your life!
Dr. Emilia O'Neill Baker is a bicultural, bilingual nationally certified clinical counselor. She is the former director for the Student Counseling Center at Doña Ana Community College, and an international consultant in leadership and organizational development. She earned her Ph.D. in counselor education from Texas A&M, Corpus Christi, and is certified in Gestalt therapy and stress management. Email your comments to firstname.lastname@example.org.