Motivation is temporary, Inspiration gives you drive

May 12, 2003

Motivation is an external, temporary high that pushes you forward. Inspiration is a sustainable internal glow which pulls you forward.
Thomas Leonard

Are you in the internal or external loop? I believe that we can only concentrate on one thing at the time. An Internal loop means that you’re improving or working with your current existence either personally or as a business entity. Internal focus can either be for improving and enhancement or for negative flavoured items such as self-pity and a struggle for survival. External loop means that you’re mainly focused on items external to you: your customers, friends, partners, and any outside activity.

Common to these mindsets is that usually when things are rolling and we are in the positive upturn we’re external. We wanna tell the world and explore. Get new customers and grow. And when things turn rough we’re like a hedgehog needles up and wrapped up in ourselves. With the words of Eric Clapton: “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out.”

Currently companies are turning to external again. They have been streamlining and cutting down costs so much that it’s more than enough. Current customers cannot provide any more profits. New customers are needed for further growth expectations. But how to do the sales and marketing? How to turn into external organisation again? Stop fearing and sitting tight for your current job. Start being innovative and positive. The management catches up the new mood quickly but the organisation lacks behind. It’s a totally different world and not easy to nurture after a long dark period of uncertainty and negative news flowing in as the ordinary business as usual.

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