Calls to Action: Learn How to Open Up and Be Motivated by Inspiration
By Amy Phillips-Gary

When Cheri sees something going awry in her life, she rushes in to fix it. This might be a full glass of juice that is about to fall from the breakfast table or it may be her husband's challenged relationship with his sister.

Cheri is just that kind of person. She is known by friends and family as a “go getter” and, sometimes, also as a bit pushy.

When it comes to her personal and professional life, Cheri immediately leaps to the ready she feels called to action.

The trouble is, her actions aren't always inspired.

Much of the time, Cheri is trying to head off what she perceives as a problem or disaster about to happen. Her actions are frequently motivated by fear or a belief that she has the best answer-- even if the situation doesn't directly involve her.

Consequently, when Cheri takes action by rushing in, the results aren't always what she'd anticipated. People who she is only trying to help get annoyed and feel oppressed by her actions.

When a matter does pertain directly to her, Cheri has found that, more often than not, her actions backfire and leave her stuck or pointed in the opposite direction she wanted to go.

What kind of an action-taker are you?

If you find that over and over again you are in situations that are not to your liking, it's quite possible that you are taking action (or not taking action) in ways that are short-circuiting your efforts to create the life that you really want for yourself.

Motivation is all about action...at least it seems that way.

A person is motivated to lose weight, go back to school, train for a marathon, apply for a dream job, request a raise at the current job or countless other endeavors.

Where people often get tripped up is when they take any and every action in an attempt to reach a particular goal. Conversely, others stumble when they freeze in the face of a situation that requires action.

What it really comes down to is this: know yourself.

Recognize it if you tend to rush in and force things to change or “go your way.” Also recognize it if you tend to stop in your tracks when faced with something that triggers you.

Chances are, there are times when you react in both ways. It probably depends on the circumstances and how you are feeling at the time.

Let yourself be inspired to action.

The phrase “inspired action” has been around for awhile now.

As wonderful as it sounds to go through life motivated by inspiration and as much as it makes complete sense, it's not often easy to do.

At least, not without a deliberate shift in thinking.

When a difficult or even mildly unpleasing situation arises in our lives, we usually have an awful lot of thoughts and feelings about that situation.

"What does it mean that my co-worker was asked to present at a conference and I wasn't?"

"Why would my boyfriend forget the anniversary of our first date?"

"What does it say about me that I can't seem to resist cookies when they are in the house?"

We all have those button-pushing issues and, when they arise, many of us want them to change.

We want to get ahead in our careers. We want our love relationships to be close and connected. We want to walk around in bodies that, to us, are attractive, fit and healthy.

And here is where the motivation conundrum comes in.

This is the place where it is vitally important to know whether you tend to rush in and try to force change or whether you usually freeze up.

There may be times when it is truly inspired to take an assertive and bold step forward. There are also times when the inspired action to take is to make no outward move whatsoever.

When you learn to quiet your fearful, judging, worst-case scenario, angry or whatever they are thoughts, you are one step closer to allowing yourself to be inspired.

It can feel disconcerting to “let” inspiration happen. There is a definite releasing of control involved, which is uncomfortable for many people.

But this is the most direct path to opening up to the inspirational guidance that is there for you-- in every situation and at any time.

From there, it is up to you follow through with that inspired action-- no matter how crazy or out of character for you it seems to be.

Here are a few ideas to help you tap into inspiration...

*Meditation: There are so many ways to meditate. You can simply sit in a quiet place for 5 or more minutes every day and focus on your breathing-- in and out, in and out.

*Prayer: Regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs, take a short period of time every day to pray. You don't even need to focus on the specific situation that you'd like to change. Just pray and receive what comes to you.

*Question your thoughts: Pay attention to what you regularly think about this issue or topic. Are your thoughts keeping you stuck where you are?

Ask yourself what it would be like if you no longer thought these particular thoughts and see what happens in the space that is created.

*Clear your mind: You can clear your mind in so many ways-- including those listed just above this. Some people find exercise, laughter, taking a hot bath or shower or walking in fresh air and in nature to be helpful.

For the time being, set aside all of your to do lists, worries and concerns. Let your mind rest and be free.

Inspired motivation will come...if you let it in.
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Amy Phillips-Gary is a freelance writer and a personal growth coach who specializes in helping women accept and love their bodies and themselves more fully. Visit: Personal Growth Planetfor more information about coaching sessions with Amy.