Is there something you need to do that you have been putting off? Does putting it off make you feel guilty, or irritated that you have to keep thinking about doing it?
One of two things happens when I find myself in this situation. Either I make myself do it, by "motivating" myself with head talk (and forcing myself to do something doesn't feel particularly good). Or I wait (some would call it procrastinating), til I feel inspired to do it. Then doing it feels easier, because the desire to take action is coming from an inner place.
Here's an example from earlier this year when I wish I hadn't "motivated" myself. My certification as a professional coach had expired. In order to renew it, I had to submit documentation that I had completed 40 CEU's in required areas. From past experience, I knew this would take me 15-20 hours of paperwork.
I put if off for weeks. Finally I was told I had to submit proof of CEU's by the end of May or lose my certification for good. So I gritted my teeth and forged ahead. What a pain, and I had to pay $150.00 for the privilege.
One month later, after renewing my certification, I decide to end my 10-year coaching career. This is not a slam against my former profession, which I greatly enjoyed, but a warning to all of us about ignoring our own guidance. I let fear motivate me to do something I did not feel inspired to do.
Think about how much judgment the word "procrastinator" holds. The Abraham teachings suggest this compelling alternative (12/13/05 Honolulu CD):
Instead of labeling myself as a procrastinator, I can see myself as " a sensor of energy alignment who is not willing to do the hard work of acting unless the energy is lined up." They put it another way, again in similar words - being sensitive to energy and knowing when a doorway opens that would be productive and not trying to pry the door open until the energy is lined up.
Esther Hicks (the woman whom Abraham speaks through) shared this example. She needed to make airline reservations for several upcoming trips. She put it on her to-do list, but couldn't seem to get around and do it. Weeks went by; her husband nagged her; and she engaged in self-torture that she hadn't done it. Then one evening she received an impulse to go now and call the airlines. She did and worked with a delightful agent who booked all of her flights, at the prices they wanted, getting the seats they wanted, with the upgrades they desired. Later, when they flew these flights, there were no delays, no cancellations. All went perfectly.
In the same CD, Abraham suggests that we do not need another dose of massive organization (we have every technical device imaginable to nag us about our to-do lists).
Instead, to balance things out, we need to be kinder and lighter with ourselves. Doing so puts us in a more receptive place to receive the impulse (that sense of inspiration or inner guidance), to take the most productive action.
The CD mentioned above concludes with the thought that we stop justifying our existence through hard work in order to feel worthy and deserving. Instead we are encouraged to stop trying so hard, and to relax into a state of well-being.
It sounds to me like motivation comes from our head, and inspiration comes from a deeper knowing within. The timing for taking productive action may be about making sure we are listening to the right "messenger."
BeautifulDeb! Well-said and absolutely aligned with what I needed this moment! Thank you Precious One!
Posted by: Terri | October 14, 2006 at 11:09 AM
Terri - I love it when what we need to hear to move us along comes to us at just the right time. I found that to be true when I listened to the Abraham CD. Glad to know that my post did the same for you.
Posted by: Deb Call | October 14, 2006 at 04:33 PM