Inspiration or Motivation? Understanding the Difference Between the Two
Yes, we’re in the midst of a global pandemic that has brought much of the world’s production to a standstill. And as a result, many of us have more free time on our hands than we’re used to. Some personal development experts advocate using this time to refine our skillsets by motivating ourselves into taking “radical action.”
There is a huge difference, however, between acting from motivation and acting from inspiration. In fact, they are entirely different states of being which produce dramatically different results. When you understand these differences, you’ll appreciate the many benefits of acting only from a state of inspiration.
The Alignment Factor
Why is it so much easier to wake up early to go on vacation, than to wake up early for work? The action of getting up early is the same in both cases. So why does one action evoke eagerness while the other brings up resistance? The answer has everything to do with our internal state of alignment.
As human beings, we are made up of much more than flesh, blood and bone. Energy is the force that animates all that we perceive to be solid. The thoughts we think carry a certain frequency of energy. The beliefs and expectations we hold generate a particular frequency of energy. So do the moods and emotions we experience on a moment-to-moment basis.
When the energy of our thoughts, expectations and feelings are in resonance with one another, we experience alignment. And alignment draws us naturally and easily into action. But when one of those elements is at odds with any other, we experience resistance. And then we try to use motivation to overcome that resistance.
Trying to motivate ourselves to overcome an internal misalignment of energy is like paddling against a powerful river. Like the river’s current eventually overpowers a boat, the momentum of our energy will always win out. When this happens, we either give into procrastination or force ourselves into action, only to realize how unproductive that is.
When we jump into action before we’ve accomplished internal alignment with our intentions, we create exhaustion and frustration. We get depleted because we’re using internal energy that we don’t have in order to create an external result. This action-only approach is the culprit that drives our addictions to caffeine and other stimulants. These provide short-term motivation, but long-term burnout. Action alone is like using an electronic device that is relying on battery power alone. Action fueled by inspiration is like plugging in and being fully charged by a live electrical current.
Plugging In Ahead of Time
You will radically increase your effectiveness in all things if you make it a priority to align your internal energy before you take external action. For example, if you’re about to take a break from work to connect with your kids, prepare yourself energetically beforehand. Think about the experience you want to co-create with them, and feel that experience within you as if it’s happening now. Recall a time when you felt connected, when you laughed easily, or when you explained something with clarity. The more prepared you are internally for whatever interaction you’re about to engage in, the more joyfully it will unfold.
Devoting even one minute out of each hour to making sure our actions are aligned with our intent can produce staggering results. We are far more productive, because we’re tapping into a place of universal resourcefulness and resilience. You know those accounts about human beings doing extraordinary and “impossible” things? These reflect the power of internal alignment. A mother who can suddenly lift a car to save her child is 100% aligned with her intended outcome. And while times of great necessity draw this power to us spontaneously, we have the ability to generate this inspiration on purpose.
Generating inspiration involves nothing more than deliberately shifting yourself into a state of internal alignment before you act. Spend a little more time lining up every before you go about your day’s activities. Remember the outcome you’re seeking. Remember the essence of what you want. Yes, this preparation takes place in the realm of energy and is therefore invisible and unquantifiable. But if you take this on as a daily practice, you will give yourself an advantage that almost no one understands.
Christy Whitman is an energy healer, celebrity coach, and the New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Having It All: A Woman’s Guide to Unlimited Abundance. If you’re ready to discover the limitlessness of your own wisdom and power, join Christy’s conscious community and begin to manifest greater abundance in your life with 7 days of free meditations. Connect with her at www.ChristyWhitman.com
From a spiritual perspective, there are no more accurate words that could ever be stated.
Each of us was born into this endless, abundant buffet of life experience with the power and free will to create our own reality.
What we give our energy and attention to, we draw into our experience. It really is as simple as that.
The universe has our back.
This is a completely neutral statement. It means that whatever energy, mood, or expectation we are sending out, a resonant vibration will come back.
The universe does not discriminate. And it doesn’t hear your words. It hears and responds to your frequency – which is to say, how you are feeling at the deepest level.
You know those days when you’re grumpy and irritated by other drivers on the way to work? The universe has your back on those days, which means it delivers more grumpy people and irritating drivers.
And what about the days when you’re flying high and have a song in your heart? The universe has your back on those days as well. On those days, you select from this veritable cornucopia of life experience that which is most pleasing to you.
There are two primary ways you can approach this life. You can react to the conditions that have unfolded around you, and create your experience by default. Or, you can decide in advance the type of experience you desire and create that reality on purpose.
Whichever way you choose, the universe has your back.
Here are 3 spiritual quotes – statements of universal truths – to help you remember that the universe has your back. And more importantly, they will remind you that it’s your job to have your back, too.
Spiritual Quote #1: “There are no neutral thoughts. What I give my attention to, I will manifest in my life.”
We live in a universe where energy, not matter, is the basis of everything. And all energy vibrates at different rates of frequency or speed.
The powerful Law of Attraction states that like energies are drawn together. What we send out, comes back.
Every thought you think vibrates at a particular frequency and carries with it a particular quality of energy. This means that how you think and what you dominantly think about really, really matters. You are like a radio broadcasting tower that is sending out a signal every moment of your life. And the frequency you are broadcasting is the frequency you are getting back.
Use this powerful information to your benefit!
Think often of the people you love. Dream generously about the things you desire. Imagine things working out in ways that will feel extremely good to you. Think thoughts of appreciation for all that you are and for all that you have lived. Extend that appreciation to all that you’ve already created, and for all the blessings that surround you.
And when you think about the so-called problems of your life, do so softly, gently, and in general terms. Things are always working out for you. The universe has your back.
What you focus on expands. Be deliberate in your focus and with your thoughts, and all that you desire will find its way to you.
Spiritual Quote #2: “Abundance is my birthright.”
As a human being, you are not separate from the force that created you. And whether you refer to that force as God, Nature, Soul, Source Energy or something else entirely makes no difference.
The source that created you is entirely unlimited, and you are intimately connected to it. There is no shortage of anything you consider to be good, positive and worthwhile.
Experiences such as love, happiness, friendship, connection, laughter and joy exist in abundant supply. This universe is like a well-stocked kitchen. And you have the ability to order up exactly what you desire, in whatever combination and quantity is most satisfying.
Look for evidence of your abundance. Praise it wherever you see it.
No matter what circumstance or condition you find yourself in, there is always something to appreciate.
Take time to notice the beauty of nature. To breathe in the freshness of the air. Enjoy the feeling of slipping into your bed after a long day. These blessings are all around you. The universe has your back. Your only job is to receive.
Spiritual Quote #3: “Right now, there is another level of expression, empowerment, and joy that is available for me to access.”
You are a constantly growing, ever-evolving being. There is no end to that which you are, and therefore, no final destination. Appreciate all that you have become, but know there will always be more.
Welcome feelings of restlessness or discontent. These are signs from the universe that you are ready for something more.
Give your attention to things that genuinely pique your interest. Follow your instincts and your hunches. Be with the people and in the places that feel good to you. Look for and take every opportunity to be happy.
There will always be another level of fulfillment that is available to you. Be pliable, trusting, and open to receive it. Remember your childlike self, and allow yourself to return to it.
Above all, know that you are loved. The universe has your back.
Christy Whitman is an energy healer, celebrity coach, and the New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Having It All: A Woman’s Guide to Unlimited Abundance. She communicates with, and for, The Council of Light, a collection of non-physical ascended masters who desire to help humanity understand that we are divinely designed for well-being, abundance, success, and loving relationships. Check out Christy’s Quantum Energy Mastery Course for more information.
You’ve probably been there. A coworker not only blows something completely out of proportion but needlessly involves others as well.
A friend or family member is disappointed by something life has brought them, and somehow concludes you are to blame.
Your spouse or lover reacts with way more emotionally charged energy than a situation calls for.
What now?
Logically, you probably understand these reactions are the result of some unresolved issue from the past… but how do you sidestep them? And, even more critically, what if you are the person who finds yourself overreacting?
The first thing to understand about cultivating a drama-free life is that you can’t “get to the bottom” of drama.
What you focus on becomes more.
The powerful Law of Attraction states that like attracts like, meaning like energies will continue to build and become stronger. Drama thrives on more drama. Pain begets more pain. Combatting negativity with negativity is the fastest way to create more of it.
The most important clue about sidestepping drama is not to engage in it in the first place. Trying too hard to be the voice of reason will only result in more noise.
So what can you do when you find yourself becoming (or already engaged in) someone else’s drama?
Here are 4 simple habits for cultivating a drama-free life:
Habit #1:Watch your words – both the words you speak aloud and those you offer in the privacy of your own mind. Language does not just describe reality; language creates reality.
By examining the words you’re using, you gain valuable insight into how you are interpreting any given situation. Words like, “I can’t,” “I should/shouldn’t have,” “I always/never,” “I have to” indicate that you’re already knee-deep in drama.
Another, more direct, way to distinguish this is by paying attention to how you feel.
When you’re engaged in drama with another person, you always feel bad. By definition, being in drama means you’re coming from a lack-based perspective. You’re seeing yourself either as a victim, a persecutor, or a rescuer. In other words, you’re reacting, not responding.
Whenever you feel yourself identifying with one of these roles, disengage before Law of Attraction makes the drama bigger. And the best way to do this is to be mindful of the words you offer both aloud and in your internal dialog. Turn disempowering language into statements of empowerment.
Habit #2:Explore your options.
Have you ever been so fixated on a problem that you couldn’t see a solution right in front of you? This is what it’s like to be mired in drama (someone else’s or our own). Our negative thoughts and feelings blind us to seeing how many options are truly available to us in every situation.
Whenever you find yourself feeling stuck, make a list of at least 10 different ways you could approach the situation.
Even if you don’t have the option of walking away, you can always exercise your right to withdraw your attention. You also have the power to decide how to interpret a situation, and what conclusions to draw from it.
Your point of view is an option.
You can choose to dwell on everything that’s already happened, or to focus on what you now want to create. When you’re willing to give up the mindset of scarcity, you become present to the abundance that’s all around you. And when drama comes into contact with neutrality, it loses all momentum.
Habit #3: Claim Your Power to Choose
Having explored all your available options, you can now choose one in alignment with the outcome you seek.
Every time something unwanted occurs, it brings with it the gift of clarity. If you feel disrespected, you’re clear about wanting more respect. When a relationship is in turmoil, it clarifies how much you value harmony. And when you’ve experienced too much drama or chaos, you’re never clearer about your desire for peace.
Use your innate power of choice to align yourself with the solution you seek, rather than the problem.
Habit #4: Release with Love
The final habit for sidestepping drama is to no longer push against it in resistance.
Trying to control the behavior of anyone other than yourself is a losing battle every time. Do your best to release your own emotionally charged thoughts and judgments. Give up your perspective about what others should do. Let go of your need to be vindicated or validated.
The bottom line…
If you want less drama in your life, leave your drama at the door. If you want peace, bring it with you everywhere you go. When you stop fanning the flames of drama, Law of Attraction will stop bringing it around.
Christy Whitman is an energy healer, celebrity coach, and the New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Having It All: A Woman’s Guide to Unlimited Abundance. To understand how to more deliberately co-create the life you desire, visit www.watchyourwords.com and gain access to a free 30-day training.
It usually doesn’t happen like it does in the movies. Seas do not part; lightning rarely strikes, and the gates of the heavens do not fly open. And still, every single day, your inner guidance is speaking to you and through you. To receive it, you just have to acquaint yourself with the language it speaks.
Interpreting Your Inner Wisdom
Each of us receives inner guidance in many different ways: You might get a sudden idea or an impulse to do something. Or receive a thought that seems to come out of the blue. Overhearing a conversation about a subject you’ve been interested in can be a kind of guidance. Your higher self may even use a sign on the road or a song on the radio as a way to convey a message. The question is, in any given moment, are you receptive to these messages or are you blocked off from them?
Here are 3 powerful, consecutive, momentum-building steps for recognizing your inner wisdom when it speaks to you and through you:
Step #1: Have faith that your inner wisdom exists.
It’s hard to have faith in something your senses can’t perceive, but this is exactly what inner guidance is! You are not limited by what you can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. Like every human being, you are a part of a boundless, infinite, intelligent universe – abundant in time and space. You’re always being guided by this higher perspective. But when you are focused on what has, is, or could possibly go wrong, you block this receptivity.
Faith is an act of looking for evidence that things are always working out for you. It’s allowing yourself to believe in your own worthiness, and in the benevolence of the universe as a whole.
It’s making a conscious decision to be on your own side, and to lean in the direction of what you want.
Finding Faith
To begin building your faith muscle, simply ask yourself, “What do I want, and why do I want it?” How do you want to feel once you’ve created it? Then trust that the universe wants you to have everything you desire. This provides the foundation for your faith to grow.
Step #2: Acknowledge all signs from your inner wisdom – even those that come in hindsight.
Sometimes we don’t recognize the voice of our inner wisdom until after we realize we’ve ignored it! That’s completely okay and is part of the faith-building process.
Whether it’s a positive pull toward something or an impulse to run in the other direction, guidance is still guidance.
Acknowledging the times that you didn’t trust your own guidance will make it easier to recognize it in the future. The next time you hear yourself saying things such as, “I saw that one coming,” or, “I knew I should have said no,” celebrate!
By acknowledging the wisdom that comes to you in hindsight, you strengthen your ability to recognize it in the moment.
Step #3: Don’t try; Allow.
You can’t develop faith in your inner wisdom by working hard to achieve it. This muscle is not built from effort or by pushing through resistance. In fact, the harder we try to hear it, the more it eludes us – because your higher self is subtle.
Guidance that comes forth from your higher self is distinct from logic or book smarts. It is divine wisdom that comes from a higher place than our conscious minds can reach. It often occurs as a whisper, or as the faintest impulse.
When we try too hard to figure out the “perfect” move, or give too much attention to outside sources, we block our receptivity.
Listening for your higher self is about allowing it, acknowledging it, and acquiring faith in your ability to receive it. Practice each of these skills and you’ll not only hear your inner guidance; your connection to it will become steadfast.
Christy Whitman is an energy healer, celebrity coach, and the New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Having It All: A Woman’s Guide to Unlimited Abundance. To understand how to more deliberately co-create the life you desire, visit www.watchyourwords.com and gain access to a free 30-day training.
