Motivation Over Inspiration

Let’s talk about how you need motivation to get anything done. Inspiration is all well and good. But what if you are never inspired? What if there is something you need to do, but you keep putting it off because you don’t feel “inspired” to do it? What if you are inspired by an overall idea, but not inspired to actually do the steps to get it done? This is why you need motivation over inspiration.

So, I am very inspired to write a blog. I am very inspired to help out many anxious moms of school-aged kids. But, right now, as I type this, I am sitting in a hotel room, exhausted, after spending the whole day at the water park with my family. I am not feeling very inspired to work on my blog, or to write my post for this week. Though, I am still inspired by the overall idea of my fabulous blog, but I am definitely not inspired to actually do the steps. Especially right now while on vacation.

That is where motivation comes in. I don’t feel inspired to write each post. So I need to dig out the motivation. To do these steps. Anddo the work. To not just let it go because I happen to not be feeling it at this moment. Here are a few things to do, if you have more inspiration than motivation.

1. Change your thinking

Let’s face it, no one is going to be inspired all the time, especially when all that is left to do is the work. That is the boring part. It is easy for anyone to come up with an inspirational idea, the execution is the problem. So you need to change your thinking! Keep in mind the end result you are going for, and while that is a great result, you need to think of the way to get there. Think about the process instead of just the end. Because if you focus on just that inspired end result, eventually process will become overwhelming, which will make the end farther and farther away. Until you can’t even be inspired by the end.

2. Make a Plan

So I don’t know about you, but the best way for me to be motivated, is to have a plan. Now, for me, it works best if someone else has a plan for me. Which is why I am taking a blogging class that takes me step by step through how to get my blog up and running. So I am inspired by my big picture idea, but my motivation is coming from my plan that I am following step by step. This way I don’t get overwhelmed by all the steps and don’t lose my inspiration for my end result of a successful blog.

You don’t need to take a class to get a plan. You can make your own plan. Just make sure you know your inspired end result, and then have your steps in line, daily steps, weekly steps, or whatever works for you. Just have a plan so you stay motivated.

3.Let Other people Know

Once you have the steps for your inspired idea, then tell people. Now, this one is super hard for me because I don’t like sharing. But when you tell people, you have some accountability. When people ask how your plan is coming, then this motivates you to get it done.

I told my sister about my blog, and I have showed her my plan. She is super supportive. I have also shown my husband my plan. He just kind of laughs at me. Here’s the thing, though, BOTH these perspectives motivate me. Because my sister is my cheerleader, and my husband is tho I want to show that I can do this.

So, just remember, inspiration is awesome, and our lives need it. But, to really get things done, you need motivation.

Vanessa is a Doctor of Pharmacy who champions natural health. She lives with her husband of 18 years as well as her 12 & 15 year old sons. She aspires to encourage moms on their journey to family wellness through holistic health and essential oils.