What’s Your Motivation?

We’ve all seen the #motivationmonday posts that are rampant on social media. Probably everyone who has ever done even one exercise session in their life shares a thought about motivation with the idea of motivating others. Is that wrong? NO!

Is it right? That’s when the concept of motivation begins to be a little uninspired. Hold on, I will explain. It may be a small difference to some, but I find that understanding the true definition of motivation may actually impact the way you think about, set your goals, and achieve them. It has for me.

Motivation is really your reason, your inner drive and will. Intrinsic motivation is the internal reason that drives you to do something. Basically, seeing an image of someone lifting some weight, having a flat belly, or what people call “fitness goals” or just “goals” is not really motivating. It is inspiration.

It inspires your reason, it inspires you to want to achieve your goals. You see the possibilities of what can be achieved or what you wish you can achieve. You are inspired. It’s almost like a spark is lit and ignites a fire in you. However, this spark is just that, a spark. This inspiration is just a flash from an external matter that has the started the ignition, but it can be fleeting. It doesn’t stay unless you let it reignite you motivation – YOUR inner reason, your inner drive for wanting to achieve this specific goal.

I personally find this distinction important in my journey and achieving my goals. I find that it’s easy to decide to do something when I’m inspired. However, when this inspiration begins to dwindle, the reason to follow through and continue with the path that began with the inspiration begins to go as well. On the other hand, when I’m motivated, when I know my reason and drive to achieve something, it remains and continues to drive me on my journey and to achieve the goals I’ve set.

Even the most motivated people sometimes need a bit of inspiration. At times, we all need a spark to reignite our passion.

Agree or disagree, what’s your motivation?

*Motivation as defined by the Oxford Dictionary – “a reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way… (and)… desire or willingness to do something”

*Inspiration as defined by the Oxford Dictionary – “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something”