Are You Motivated or Are You Inspired?

At Claim Your Power Now! in Atlanta, it was evident that the attendees came away better educated, more motivated and inspired. For me, it was a great experience—especially since I achieved my dream of being on the same stage as my mentor, Jim Rohn.

I watched with interest as people got excited, bought tapes, CDs, books and coaching programs from the many excellent speakers who presented.

But unfortunately, many of those fine products will be taken home, put on a shelf and never used. I call it “Shelf Help”. And in many of those cases where the programs ARE actually used, little or no action will be taken.

How do I know this? I know because I’ve seen it time and time again.

People get wound up. They get motivated and make quick decisions in the heat of the excitement. But motivation doesn’t last very long. Motivation tends to be kind of an exterior thing.

Inspiration, on the other hand, is more INTERNAL—it has more staying power. It needs stimulation from time to time, but it’s something we draw forth from within rather than paste on the outside.

SuccessNet’s mission is “to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best—personally and professionally”. Everything we do is with this mission in mind.

Sometimes we share new ideas and sometimes we remind you of things you already know. We do our best to keep the fire of inspiration burning by keeping what you know and what you care about in the forefront of your mind.

I don’t try to motivate you as much as I strive to inspire you and help you draw forth your own inspiration—inspiration that leads to effective action.

Most of you have been to a motivational seminar. They serve a very important purpose. But one of these events every once in awhile isn’t enough. We need ongoing support to keep us focused and taking consistent action toward our dreams and goals.

Action Point
In the words of Ross Perot, “Talk’s cheap. Words are plentiful. Deeds are precious.”

What specific action will you take today that will move you closer to your goals?

Best Life Insight: Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.

Make it an inspiring day.

This article was originally published on SuccessNet.org in 2007.

Recommended Resource

Best Life Goal Planner

This is a powerful and proven tool designed to help you get clear, stay focused and remain consistent on all the things that will help you achieve your most important objectives. It’s worked for thousands of others—and it will work for you. It’s a workbook and resource manual for identifying, prioritizing, planning and accomplishing your dreams and goals.


Michael E. Angier
founder and CIO (Chief Inspiration Officer) SuccessNet.org

Michael is the author of over a dozen books on living your best life. Available on Amazon at www.amazon.com/author/michaelangier

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