Finding Motivation and Inspiration 2

A Tale of Five Cities

Consider five folks, a random sample from a motivational and inspirational seminar by an established master in the field. Let’s call them participants A, B, C, D, and E. They all walk away with goose pimples and a determination to create the world so vividly painted for them at the seminar.

Two years later, only one is left standing, E.

A, B, C, and D had since resumed their ringside seat in front of their large screen TV with their prized remote, ice cream in popcorn in tow, cheering others on to victory.

Two years ago, all were rearing to go. What went wrong?

A Daily Dose of Inspiration

It will be foolhardy to proffer one solution to millions of scenarios. I believe God is the source of all true inspiration. One dose of inspiration is not enough. We run the risk of burnout and discouragement if we are not motivated and inspired on a daily basis. Yesterday’s inspiration can only go so far.

You need fresh inspiration and motivation to keep going. It has to be internalized. Sure you need top-ups, but you have to acquire the fire, and run with it. If it is not internalized, the moment the last dose of inspiration and motivation wears out, we will suffer withdrawal symptoms. Discouragement, fright, depression, and ultimately surrender.

The Loneliness of a Long-Distance Runner

You may be stuck with a day job you’d love to chuck out at the earliest opportunity, but you have a family to support and bills to pay. You’d be sorely tempted to grab at one of the schemes on the net that promise you financial freedom in three months or less. Is there an easy way out?

Well, I am about fulfilling your God-given dreams and purpose, not making money on the Internet. I can only caution you, don’t put your whole weight on promises of overnight freedom. Easy come, easy go.

You must have the mindset of a marathoner. You must be prepared for the loneliness of a long-distance runner when you take a bend out of the city and out into the countryside. Where all that is left is you, and your goals. Everything big and enduring starts small, and rises to the top over time. Sure you may take a detour once in a while to make a buck or two, but if you lose focus, you will find yourself back to ground zero

A Time to Awake

After all is said and done, after you have received all the external stimuli, it’s back to you. You have read all the books, attended seminars, and watched the Oprah Winfrey show, maybe even joined the live audience. You have dreamed, made your wish list, watched/read rags to riches stories, maybe shed a tear or two…

Nobody can make it happen for you if you simply sit back and watch. No dream comes to pass when you lie sleeping. You have to wake up and make it happen. You have a part to play. No ship ever makes it to the other side without leaving the harbor and setting sail.

You have spoken about “one of these days” for a long time. It is only you that can make one of these days, today.

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