Determination vs Motivation

CONTACT: merrill@myhealingprogram.com

What drives you more - Determination or Motivation?

On several occasions, I have heard people use the words, motivation and determination, interchangeably, and figured it must be only me who thought they had different meanings. Upon checking, I was correct, but it piqued in me an interest to find out what drives people more - motivation or determination?

Let's break them down - what is Motivation?

It is an external or internal spark that gets you started on a task, while determination is the internal, persistent quality that keeps you going through challenges, even after the initial motivation fades. Think of motivation as the desire or energy to do something, whether it's starting a new project, new eating plan, read a new book, or more.

And Determination?

Determination is the willpower, and resolve you have to complete the 'task'.

Are you a Starter or a Finisher?

Many of us are easily motivated, either by ourselves, a friend, a loved one, an advertisement, or an article, to make changes in our lives, such as starting a new health plan, studies, or business venture.

That initial power surge one has when excited for a fresh start, results, or even an accreditation, is wonderful!

We develop a glow about us as we become more energetically charged, showing we are physically and emotionally invigorated.

Especially so, if we are in a space in our lives where there has not been much happening recently, and we feel we need a change.

When this occurs, we need to tap into that energy as quickly as we can, before the inevitable tends to happen.

Once we put our motivation into action, it is highly likely there will be 'obstacles' that arise in our path, stunting our progress, or even stopping it completely.

This could be because we don't have the knowledge or expertise to proceed, or emotions get the better of us - perhaps we become fearful for some reason, unsure of ourselves, or become frustrated at dealing with the unknown.

It could be that we feel we have 'lost interest', but, it is most often not that at all - there is usually a distinct reason we waver in our commitent to the task at hand.

This is where DETERMINATION needs to step in and save the day!

Determination - the emotional superhero

It is important to take a step back and assess the reason for your reluctance to pursue completion of the 'project'.

If it is truly a lack of knowledge, or information, reach out to someone who might be able to assist - whether someone close to you, or on platform/social media forums realetd to the subject of your task.

Usually one finds it is an emotional obstacle. Even the above is actually an emotional issue - we need to learn to admit we don't, and can't, all know everything about everything. Sometimes we need to lean on others for guidance.

Dig deep - is it lack of belief in your capabilities, lack of confidence, fear of failure, or are the 'what if' scenarios starting to race in your mind.....

Whatever your reason is, face it head on, and allow determination, (your inner resolve and strength), to take over. Defeat is not an option....it is not welcome in the room.

Revert to the reason you started - what was it that sparked your motivation; what are the challenges you're experiencing; what options are available to help you over those hurdles; and how will you feel if you stop now, or, how will you feel if you push through and finish what you set out to achieve?

It is reasonably easy to have smart ideas, and to start new initiatives, but it's a very different scenario when it comes to taking action,and finding ways over, or around the boulders in your path.

It is not always how speedily we win the race, but the fact that, with consistent determination, we push onward, (no matter how slowly), until we finish the race.

Keep pushing, you might surprise yourself!

Much love,

Merrill

For coaching on this, or any other life skill, complete the contact form below, or reach out to us at merrill@myhealingprogram.com / +27 79 520 4489

Hi, I’m Merrill…

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