Motivation occurs when someone else persuades, cajoles or coerces you into doing something. Motivation usually requires a kick in the butt from self or another, in order to reach a stated goal.

Inspiration, on the other hand, is a completely different mindset. Inspiration is entirely self-generated and comes from within. It results in a feeling of excitement and well being, and a desire to get into action immediately.

Are you motivated to get into shape because your doctor says you’re at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes? Or, are you inspired to get into shape because you value your health and want to look good?

Motivation typically comes from fear or trying to push against something. Motivation feels like something you have to do and is dictated from outside yourself. "I have to lose weight so I don’t get heart disease."

Inspiration pulls you forward and comes from within. Inspiration is something you want to do and something that connects you with your Higher Self. "I want to work out today so that I feel energised and alive."

Let’s say you are motivated to lose weight every time you step on the scale. You are motivated to buy healthy foods with fewer calories. You really would like to go to the gym and start moving. Motivation awakens the warrior within you and you put conscious effort into winning this battle. You manage to drag yourself to the gym and swallow that piece of wholegrain bread. Eventually, you will see results. Each and every small step gives you satisfaction. You produce action from your standpoint of feeling really motivated to be slim.

Let’s say you start imagining how you would look like if you were slimmer. You play a fun game, in which you are pretending you are already slim. You even go out and buy a smaller size because the new you is already wearing it in the non-physical realm. You start "feeling" slimmer, you see yourself happy and satisfied, moulding yourself into shape, following a blueprint you have already created in your mind. Emotionally, you are there, you’re already slim. You feel inspired by your vision, it makes you happy just thinking about it. As you go out to buy groceries, you pick only the healthy foods and they are so tasty. You find yourself wanting to move, take long walks and stretch your body. As you do it, it’s a source of pleasure. Eventually, you will see results in the physical, just as you have already seen them in your vision. Inspiration gives you joy.

In both cases, you are taking action. But the action that stems from motivation requires more effort because of the lower leverage point. The action that stems from inspiration comes easily and automatically because of the higher leverage from the non-physical. The power of thought replaces action time.

Are you living an inspired life or a motivated life?

To find your inner vision and get inspired, do things that please you, step back for a moment and look at the bigger picture. Pay attention to the actions that you take today. Are they actions you feel like you have to take or you want to take?

Motivated people work really hard and burnout quickly. Inspired people change themselves and change the world. Which do you choose?

Inspiration once ignited fuels itself and doesn’t rely on external sources to keep the fires burning. When we get a glimpse of the brilliance of our life, we unleash energy and passion to make our time count and we’re on the path to a deeply meaningful life.