Inspiration and motivation

What does it mean to be inspired? And what does it mean to be motivated? Or maybe we should further ask: Are we driven because we are motivated or is it because we are simply inspired? I'm sure most of you have a good grasp of the concept, but for some people, and that includes me, I find it difficult to make the distinction as both influence our mind to accomplish a goal or to do something towards our benefit. I used to think that it does not matter whether you're inspired or motivated for as long as you get the job done. 

But that is not necessarily so. I have chosen to write about this subject is because I'm intrigued. Intrigued as to what induces people to be productive or successful in life and to find answers as to whether or not one can be successful by just being inspired or simply motivated. Then we take the question a little further: Will I ever succeed if I am only motivated or will I fail if I am only inspired? To my mind, it's a tough question and utterly confusing if we really get to the heart of the matter. And by putting them into proper perspective, we will be able to reset our minds as to the kind of push we need to achieve our goals in life.

So I would like to start with the basics by defining the terms and invoke the dictionary. Merriam-Webster defines inspiration as "Something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create; the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.” Motivation on the other hand is "the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something." Borrowing the definition, inspiration and motivation are what I call “driving forces” behind our aspirations.    

But one may be driven in a different way when one is inspired or motivated. The former drives us to strive for what’s ideal. The latter drives us to work on what’s more expedient or practical. Inspiration drives the human spirit. Motivation drives the human need. Hence, inspiration is the spark that ignites us to be excited about our dreams. Motivation is the fuel or the reward that drives us to act on our dreams. It is therefore important to be both constantly inspired and to be motivated. 

Because inspiration endeavors what’s ideal, it is a great tamer of motivation. Motivation alone can sometimes make us reckless or overly obsessed with rewards and satisfaction. For example, many people want to work hard or strive to become rich for the wrong reasons (to satisfy one’s cravings, to gain the respect of others, or to show off, etc) and far too often are pushed to engage in illicit activities (smuggling, bribery and etc) or bad practices (underpaying workers, overpricing, hording, etc) in order to amass more money. When you’re inspired, you work your way to riches with prudence and with the thought of growing your money to help others. Inspiration provides the right reasons why you should become rich and the proper and ethical means to achieve it. 

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I would like to take this opportunity to greet my friends and relatives and all the OFWs out there who came all the way from abroad to celebrate with us in this festive and jovial occasion of the Sinulog. I pray to the Santo Nino that they may be blessed all the more for their sacrifice to provide a better future for their families.

To all those who have followed this column, Pit Senyor!

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