After 30 days of being on this challenge the novelty is probably starting to wear off. The motivation and enthusiasm that prompted you to sign up a month ago has begun to wane. It happens to us all.
Today's reflection is on the difference between motivation and inspiration.
Motivation is a force to take action that comes from outside of you. It might be getting ready for a competition, going to a wedding or completing a challenge (like this one). Unfortunately, motivation from an outside source doesn't usually last or is difficult to sustain.
Inspiration comes from your spirit, from inside of you. It is constant and never runs out. Inspiration is based on your core values and beliefs.
A vegetarian would never say "Oh my God I would kill for a big fat juicy steak right now - but I can't because I'm a vegetarian". Instead they choose to give up animal flesh because of their value system. They don't have to be motivated not to eat meat, or exercise their willpower, their actions are inspired by their core beliefs.
Imagine what could happen if we thought the same way about transforming our bodies.
When we are inspired by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life.
I now have brand new beliefs. I learned that everything that I ingest is used to build the cells of my body. Every day old cells die and new ones are created. If my cells are made from chemicals and preservatives and substances I can't pronounce then I will not be living in optimum health and vitality. I will feel like crap.
Each and every day I have the opportunity to literally create a new life by building a new body cell by cell. I no longer want to pollute my cells with toxic sludge. With this new attitude, that can of Diet Coke isn't that attractive anymore -- I am not missing out on anything except an unhealthy dose of poison that will re-ignite my addiction.
What about your beliefs? Do you still believe that you are missing out of the 'good' things in life by not eating cakes and sweets and pastry? Or are you the type of person who values physical, emotional and spiritual health more than fleeting sensory pleasure?
- Are you motivated or inspired?
- What type of person are you?
Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear what inspires you to never give up on this transformational journey to total health.
PS: I bet you were expecting to see the sexiest pirate of all time, Jack Sparrow, sooner or later. I think I did remarkably well to last 31 days ... and it is no accident that he graces our screens on Day 69 ... ♥
i'm still in this challenge! i've been busy and have been reading but haven't had much time to comment or post entries. Many things inspire me to live a healthy lifestyle. I like the way my body feels, looks and responds to training when I am eating healthy. I feel 100% when I am eating well and training well. Competitions aside, I would be doing what I am either way. It is hard sometimes, but I am trying to get to that place where the cravings and other outside forces are lost and I no longer have the desires to eat anything but good, nutritious food.
ReplyDeleteAhh, my first laugh for the morning. I love your sense of humour.
ReplyDeleteWell, about bloody time! I got sick of waiting; had to ferret through the DVD cabinet on the weekend to get my JD fix.
ReplyDeleteSo...motivation... sometimes when I crave junk, I visualise all the sugary, processed, crappy food doing nasty stuff to my insides. And I see healthy foods building strong, lean muscle and helping to clean out the nasties. It usually works. Usually.
@Nerd Girl - Feeling 100% is great inspiration
ReplyDelete@Shelley - glad to be of assistance!
@Kek - cleaning out the nasties is good :)