Motivation, Inspiration, Balance And Rehabilitation

Hi folks! Welcome!

My little fig tree, which was 2 feet tall when planted 6 years ago, is inspired to grow without any motivation from me. Furthermore, it is covered with lovely figs.

My little fig tree, which was 2 feet tall when planted 6 years ago, is inspired to grow without any motivation from me. Furthermore, it is covered with lovely figs.

“It may seem like a subtle distinction, but the worlds of motivation and inspiration are millions of miles apart.

So, motivation is about things that you think you should do or that you’re supposed to do. Inspiration is about being called to act because you’re in direct alignment with the magnetic, luminous marrow of potential that is you.”

by ‘Jonathan in Inspiration’

During my latest race, the Lake Placid Ironman, I was surprised by how many younger people, as they ran by (before I hit the wall at 10 miles into the run, as a result of my big [some say misguided] Paleo experiment), said, “Man, you’re an inspiration.” This in response the my age, 70, on my calf. One guy said, “You’re a real inspiration, sir, my mother in-law is 70 and it is as much as she can do to get out of the couch.” Another common statement was, “I hope I’m as fit as you when I’m 70.”

Here's a guy who inspires me, Bob Scott, who dropped me at the Eagleman Half Ironman when he was 81 and when he was 82. Hope I get a chance to fix this next year.

Here’s a guy who inspires me, Bob Scott, who dropped me at the Eagleman Half Ironman when he was 81 and when he was 82. Hope I get a chance to fix this next year.

I wondered as I ran along, and before the nausea hit, “Am I inspiring them or motivating them, and who do I want to inspire or motivate, whatever the difference between inspiration and motivation might be?”

On reflection, I agree with Jonathan (see quote at head of this post), motivation becomes a slog, while inspiration grows like my little fig tree. It just grows and gives me lots of wonderful figs.

Who do I want to inspire? I want to inspire people rehabilitating from a major life-threatening event, such as cardiac or aortic surgery. I want them to get their life back, which involves a little work and play, and definitely balance (thus the movie), physically, mentally and emotionally.

-k @FitOldDog

PS On reflection, isn’t inspiration one form of motivation?

 Important Note: These posts do not provide medical advice. You should always consult your physician before undertaking or significantly modifying an exercise program.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin T. Morgan aka FitOldDog, Old Dogs in Training, LLC.

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About Kevin Morgan

About Me: Senior Scientist Ironman Triathlete & Blogger. Carrboro, NC. Mantra: safe exercise for better health through improved mind and body awareness. Business USP: use the experience of an actively competing scientist Ironman triathlete with an abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft to develop a safe approach to exercise for better health through improved mind-body awareness, if you have diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, other health challenge, or you are simply dealing with the effects of aging. Marital Status: Partnered Ethnicity: Caucasian
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7 Responses to Motivation, Inspiration, Balance And Rehabilitation

  1. Marsha says:

    I like that definition of inspiration, find it true for me, the planets have to be in alignment (and good sleep) for the ‘wild spark’ that sends me off on my quest. How do I watch the movie?

    • FitOldDog says:

      Ooops! I left it password protected. It should work for anyone now. I look forward to showing you the Cook video on my life. I could learn from those guys. Should be able to in about a week or so. I’m off to meet the person who made my stent on Sept. 3rd. Exciting. Let me know if the video works now, as it always works for me, which is not helpful. Cheers, Kevin PS Off to train, and I’ll see your response on my iPhone. You should become an affiliate once I start making my fortune!

  2. FitOldDog says:

    Wait a sec and click on the play arrow. If it doesn’t work, let me know. You’ve seen this one before, however. I’m inspired to go ride for 4 hours on my trainer bike and test my new nutrition, so I’ll be disappearing soon. The movie worked for me.

  3. Marsha says:

    My PC
    is dying, so I’ll have to try it later. I’m ‘inspired’ to go buy a new one. After a good long walk. Later.

  4. daniel says:

    would you like to trade some fig tree branch cuttings? if so please email me at [email protected] I have several varieties and would be happy to trade a few 6-8 inch cuttings with you

  5. daniel says:

    thanks for getting back with me kevin, you can call me shane, thats what my friends call me. I’ll be happy to walk you through everything from removing cuttings to starting your own trees from cuttings. We can also trade shipping address. please email me at [email protected] and we will talk more.

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