In Part 1 of the “Motivate or Inspire?” series I illustrated the difference between Motivation and Inspiration. This article was inspired by a presentation I gave to 80 of the top H.S. Football Coaches in the Country at a Coaches Academy about a week ago during Bowl Week of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. If you missed Part 1 of this series click here to get caught up.

Now that you understand the difference between motivation and inspiration, let’s discuss the difference between those who “need” motivation and those who “crave” inspiration.

Individuals who “need” motivation are inherently lazy are usually very difficult to satisfy. If you think this is bad then they also usually:

  • Complain often
  • Regularly make excuses
  • Fail to take responsibility for their actions
  • Quick to criticize and point out problems without supplying solutions
  • Lack foresight
  • Resist change
  • Allow for external factors to control their behavior and mood
  • Choose to be pessimistic seeing the glass as half empty

When looking at these characteristics, this doesn’t seem like a list of traits that stellar athletes want to exhibit in either sport or life.  On the other hand those who “crave” inspiration are proactive in all areas of their lives.  Theses proactive go-getters also usually:

  • Make wise choices
  • Realize failure is the precursor to success
  • Take responsibility for their actions and always look to learn from their experiences whether good or bad
  • Always look for ways to improve
  • Give through their positive influence
  • Embrace open communication
  • Take control of their train of thought
  • Quick to understand
  • Comfortable with being uncomfortable
  • Focus on the solutions and not the problems
  • Welcome and adapt to change
  • Choose to be optimistic seeing the glass as half full

After looking at the characteristics of “needers” and “cravers”, which one will you choose to be?

Train hard, help somebody, recover fast!

“10 Laws Strong!”

Rob

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