Saturday, June 4, 2022
The difference between motivation and willpower is subtle. Willpower is extrinsically focused on “getting there.” It’s a kind of motivation, but one that comes from trying to prove yourself, to prove to yourself and to others that you matter, and that you are valuable. The “prize” of willpower is a show, a vanity position in the world. It’s work to show that you have the most, to prove that you have achieved something and demonstrated your self-worth. It’s showing the world that losing those extra pounds makes you valuable, or making all that money makes you more substantial.
Motivation, however, is an energy of achievement, but with the assistance of the wind on your back. Why? Because when you tap into motivation, you are creating a life of service, the fundamental, cooperating force of the universe. With that energy you’re plugged into your intrinsic value and self-worth, without the need to prove anything to anybody with a concrete result. Motivation is energy in the joy of service, of discovering who you are in offering your unique talents to the world. When you figure out who you are (the right path) and what you want to give, you’ll be motivated to take the next step, and it will feel easy, right, and true.
When you are on the right path, you’re motivated. When you’re motivated, help comes in the form of serendipity, chance encounters, signs, and confirming breadcrumbs along your pathway. Motivation is contribution. You’re contributing to your health when you are motivated to do exercise and eat well, not just to look thin. You’re contributing towards the betterment of the world, when you offer your gifts, not just to show the world you’re talented. Motivation keeps you on the right trajectory, which is always a path towards contributing to the world and to yourself, not taking from the world or trying to prove yourself. Knowing who you are, and what’s right for you is at the heart of every desire that you have, so get inspired by service, in doing what’s right, and get motivated to take the very next step. It’s all you really need to sustain the joy that you’ve been looking for. Proving yourself takes too much willpower and that’s exhausting.