Motivation or Willpower

Guiding people to action is an interesting process.  Many wait for their muse, a force often personified as a woman, who provides inspiration for painters, sculptors, writers, composers and other creative artists. When the right 'feeling' comes, the person will be motivated and ideas will flow. 

In his book "Mini-Habits, Smaller Habits, Bigger Results", Sephen Guise notes that motivation is unreliable as it is based on feelings. We place the responsibility on external factors and shift the responsibility outside of our control.

Willpower places the responsibility and control on the individual. It can be scheduled, written on a calendar and completed. It can be strengthened, like a muscle. Conversely, intention without action can harm self confidence. 

The clients I coach who make what I call "Quantum Leap Progress' seem to know this intuitively. They take the responsibility to schedule, complete and move forward with enthusiasm. We process and discuss alternatives, but they move to action using willpower. 

Studies indicate when goals are hand written we are much more likely to follow through than when typed. Actually writing intentions on a calendar and following through at a designated time further enforces out commitment to make changes. 

The beginning of autumn is a perfect time to revisit our "True North Values", consider and hand write our goals and intentions, schedule them on our calendars and commit them to action! With each small step we complete, we will strengthen our will power and become more successful in all of our endeavors!