MOTIVATION VS. INSPIRATION: THE MAGICAL SECRET TO RESULTS THAT LAST!

Have you ever felt super motivated to begin a new healthy routine or project, only to fall off the wagon a week or 2 later?

You likely know some steps you could be taking to eat better; overcome a health challenge; build your business; exercise consistently; enjoy a better connection with your significant other … but are you actually doing it?

And are you sticking with it for the results you desire?

If not, you’re not alone.

I see this almost daily with my clients … and definitely have experienced a fair share myself!

This is where the nuance of Motivation vs Inspiration comes into play.

When you have a desire for a specific result, there is the raw drive, which often is a bit more physical and superficial. This is the Motivation.

I like to include your astrology in the mix as well, to get a little more clarity.

And motivation relates to your birth chart’s Mars placement.

Unfortunately, motivation alone often fizzles out because it’s not aligned to the deeper connection, vision and feeling of what’s possible, and what you truly desire.

This is the seed of Inspiration, and relates to your Moon placement in your birth chart.

Staying connected to what you REALLY desire is the key for staying on track and disciplined with achieving your dreams and goals.

So what is it you truly desire? I'll give you a hint it's NOT weight loss, clear skin, better health, or more energy.

“Huh?!” you may be thinking, “but I do want those things!”

Follow me here....

You may feel overweight, tired or unhealthy, but don't be fooled into believing that these problems are going to give you the sustained ongoing energy necessary to affect real and permanent change.

You see, problems are not effective long-term creative drivers .... but our deepest desires are. This is also where it can be helpful to look at your core values, which relate to your Venus placement.

We often need to dig a little to get at our most genuine and deepest desires.

How to get in touch with your Inspiration

Here are a few questions you might ask yourself to get in touch with what you really, really want...

I will use weight loss in these examples, but replace weight loss with whatever you desire: i.e. more energy, good health, less food cravings, serving more clients ...

What would you gain from losing weight that is more important than losing weight itself?

What would losing weight give you that you wouldn't otherwise have?

Here is a fill in the blank exercise...

I want to _________ so I can _____________.

Let me share personal example to help you to get this connection.

I want a strong, fit, vibrant, healthy body as I move into my 50’s and beyond.

What I would gain from having a strong, healthy, vibrant, fit body, that is more important than a strong, vibrant, fit, healthy body itself.....

the self-confidence to take more risks in life
the physical ability to do bigger, more challenging hikes (my passion) and the fitness needed for adventure travel (another passion)
the energy, strength and freedom of good health needed to pursue my biggest dreams and leave behind a meaningful legacy in this world.

When it seems like I have no time for a yoga class, or that it's too cold for a walk, here's what I do....

I picture myself enthusiastically hiking the Napali Coast in Hawaii or standing on the gorgeous eco-luxury property (where I lead empowering retreats for women) overlooking the ocean with boundless energy to keep up with my energetic man and his dog.

I see myself enjoying the abundant creative flow that enables me to serve my purpose with clarity, buoyancy and ease.

These visions ignite a spark in my soul that is far more powerful than cold weather or a busy schedule.

Reconnecting to my big dreams can mean the difference between avoiding exercise and embracing it, especially when I am wavering.

You give it a try now. Sit with these questions and see what you come up with. Be willing to dig deep … remember inspiration is connected to the emotions, values and bigger picture.

When you begin to waver and think I'm gonna stay up till midnight watching TV instead of getting a good night's sleep, or I don't have the time for healthy meal planning . . . that is when you want to think of what you really, really want....and then watch things shift.

Inspired discipline is remembering what you want, what you really, really want, not trying to force yourself to do what you think you should be doing or into someone else’s dream.

In loving and powerful support of your dreams!