Inspiration and motivation is it a push / pull relationship or are they just the two sides of the same coin? For a couple of weeks, I’ve been saying to myself “I must” write another blog. “I must” are an interesting couple of words that to me suggest I have no choice, which is wrong, there is always choice. I can choose to write it or I can choose not to. If I can choose, then it must follow that inspiration and motivation are both missing and in search I went.
A resourceful Anchor
I was reminded of an NLP technique referred to as Anchoring. In her book, NLP at Work, Sue Knight refers to this as “the process of making associations that work through conscious choice so that you can re-access your own chosen state when appropriate.” “The process of anchoring involves linking a specific sight, sound or touch with an experience that is present”.
I used this technique a few years ago to anchor a resourceful state. My anchor place with all its sounds, sights and physical environment is Chanonry Point on the Black Isle in Scotland. It should be of little surprise to me then that I find myself typing this blog whilst sat in a campervan at that very spot on the shores of the Moray Firth. There are Dolphins playing in the sea about 500 metres way, it’s a gloriously sunny morning and the sea has that silver shine it gets as the sunshine reflects back onto the odd cloud that slips by. This is my resourceful place. And I should also add that isn’t the reason I’m inspired or motivated.
Inspiration and motivation
On Twitter I follow Emma Gee (@egee1), a young lady from Melbourne in Australia who, at age 25, suffers a debilitating stroke and is left in a coma. She has written a book about her journey “Reinventing Emma” and because Amazon don’t stock it, I contacted her directly to order a copy from Australia. It arrived and like most books I order sat a while on my desk waiting for just the right moment to be needed. It came with me to the Black Isle as I had a hunch that it might be needed.
I was instantly taken by the candour and openness in her writing. There are moments that are laugh out loud funny and others that illustrate so vividly the despair of the situation she and her family found themselves in. Emma is truly an inspiring young woman. Her book details the journey to a form of normality that is humbling, uplifting and shocking in parts. Nick Rushworth, Executive Director of Brain Injury Australia wrote “…Ferociously intelligent and deeply felt, it is required reading for every health profession and every heath consumer.” One question that will stick with me is “Who purees cabbage?”.
Emma dedicates the book to, amongst others, “all people who encounter seemingly insurmountable challenges in life”. She reminds us that “its not what happens to you that matters, it’s how you choose to deal with it”. Visit www.emma-gee.com to find out more about Emma and her motivational speaking.
If you’re wondering how NLP and anchoring can help you in your private and business life please do get in touch.
