To Inspire, not Motivate
Motivation is short term action.. Inspiration is life changing actions!
Lately I’ve been hearing many people around me seeking motivation for a change in their life. Motivation is a positive way to be productive, but yet sometimes with plenty of motivation we may achieve short term goals, but we are losing sight of the long term. Inspiration is life changing… it is seeing our desires, dreams, passion, and purpose in our lives.
I’ve read many motivational books and quotes. I’ve attended many seminars and had the opportunity to be around plenty of motivational leaders. Yes, it is a blessing, but it only takes one or very few inspirational people to change your life.
What are differences between motivation and inspiration:
When I was in the Marine Corps, my Staff Sergeant would always try to “motivate” our platoon. Sometimes it can be manipulative and nonproductive such as we are not doing a good job today, today let’s work together as a team so we can achieve our goal! Sounds motivating right! It will accomplish short term goals but never the long term. Motivation leaves us short sighted. This motivational statement can go against us, what if we don’t accomplish our goal, and then what? Perhaps punishment? It may light some fire in our shoes, but it is not inspirational.
A remember a day in Iraq that forever inspired me. It was February 2003, right before the invasion of Iraq. Our unit was waiting killing time in Kuwait. There were countless hours of gas drills, digging sandbags, gas drills, and digging sandbags again. I don’t know any Marine who likes to dig sand bags but my Platoon Sergeant at the time stated, “What do we look forward to today? Digging more sandbags right Marines? We let me tell you all, this sandbag your digging is for a greater purpose! It can possibly save your life or another Marine!” WOW! That changed my whole perception to do work for a purpose, not because we have to do it. My Platoon Sergeant inspired me!
Another inspirational moment was several weeks ago in my Executive MBA class, my instuctor was teaching us how to be great leaders. We are to lead as a Strategist, working towards a greater purpose and to understand those we lead by tapping into their own passions and leading them to accomplish it. My professor has impacted me that my dream in life is to inspire people around me, for long term sustainment and for personal growth. It is now my vision to influence others and create a positive effect on people around me.
That is the difference between motivation and inspiration.
Inspiration begins with your lifestyle:
When I was personal training in college, many people would approach me for training sessions seeking to lose weight for the summer. I would ask them what “motivated” you to start a fitness program. Some of their statements would be: I want to tone up, I want to lose six inches off my waist, I want to drop 20 lbs. I would often respond, let me give you a different perspective, how would you feel if you were able to run with your children again, how would it feel if you were to able to compete in a basketball league, how would it feel by leading a healthy fit lifestyle, what impacts can you have for those around you?? That is inspiration!! I am inspired by other fitness enthusiast who promotes positive change around them.
The bottom line is this: Inspiration involves your spirit! It is your dreams and the long life you will live. Don’t be short sighted but take actions for a purpose that will impact others in a positive way. As for business leaders, inspiration will not only make you more profitable, but it will also improve your employee retention and increase productivity. Your workers will have loyalty to you, the company, and its customers. I am happy to be surrounded by inspirational people. I hope by reading this, you will be inspired to impact people’s lives around you. Be a part of people’s journey and help them reach their destination.
Ryan Enriquez
