Motivation: Inspiration vs. Fear

In motivation there are a couple schools of thought — Inspiration/ Benefits: “I know that ‘blah blah blah’ is good for me and will cause me to feel x, y and z so I will do it.”  We see a possibility, the possibility gets us excited for what might be in our lives and voila- we're in action!  Maybe you meet a person or see a show or attend a class and it gets you in motion.  These are all examples of motivation through inspiration. 

Then there is motivation through Fear/Consequences: “I know that if I don’t do ‘yadda yadda’ it will cause me the consequences of a, b, and c.” We know the cause and the effect-- "if I eat foods that cause my cholesterol to elevate I'm at risk of a heart attack."  This is when we know that if we DO or DON'T do something, we're on a fast-track to an undesired outcome- it scares us into good behavior.

Sometimes however, we wait for the consequences to force us into it- when the pain is greater than the perceived inconvenience of the positive action — like when you push too hard for too long and finally get sick and are forced to rest.  You knew it was coming but waited till you were forced into it.

How do you operate? What motivates you — inspiration or fear? Neither is better, (although inspiration tends to involve much less suffering!)--knowing your style can help you kick it into gear. Whatever your method, focus on what gets you into action!

Enjoy!

About Robin:

Robin Peglow Berg of www.SoulMoxie.net is a Life Fulfillment Strategist --a consultant, coach and speaker devoted to guiding others to have the courage to live a fulfilling life with soul.

She shows highly driven, successful women entrepreneurs and biz leaders how to create a new model for success that is energizing, deeply meaningful and helps them to thrive no matter what. She applies 10 years of coaching, consulting and speaking to craft strategic programs for long term success.