I used to find inspiration from all sources in my life. Coming from a poor family, surrounded by poverty and struggling relatives, was depressing. A glimpse of inspiration and motivation was life-changing.

I was so hooked on inspiration and motivation that I started not only seeking and consuming it but also sharing it. I would find inspiring books and share them with my friends and family. I would find motivating articles and read them to someone I care about. I would find motivational quotes and post them on my social media accounts.

I didn’t stop there. I also began organising events and seeking opportunities for motivational and inspirational talks. I would find ways to tell people not to give up and to follow their dreams and passions. I made inspiration and motivation a part of my life and somehow a career to pursue.

One day I attended a business seminar where a prominent entrepreneur was the guest of honour. Someone asked him for an inspiring quote to keep in mind on her entrepreneurship journey.

He looked into her eyes, no smile on his face, and said, “If you need someone to inspire you, you’re better off not doing it.” “It takes more than inspiration to make it.” He paused, glanced at the audience, and added, “Next question, please.”

That night, I thought a lot about my life. I reflected on how I seek inspiration and motivation. I noticed that inspiration struck me most of the time, but I never made much progress. I didn’t have much to show for my inspiration. 

I realised that inspiration and motivation can feel good, but they often lack real impact. Zig Ziglar once said, “Motivation is like bathing. Just because you need it today doesn’t mean you won’t need it tomorrow.”

I started going back and evaluating what was really inspiring me. I realised it wasn’t the motivational words or the quotes from successful people. The fact that the people who said those quotes achieved something in their lives inspired me. And I associated their words with inspiration.

I also realised that most of these people never saw inspiration as I did. They had different reasons for doing what they were doing. Their outcome and success ended up inspiring us, not just their words. The best way to inspire others is to be your best self and share your story.

After years of searching for inspiration, I realised that you can’t inspire someone who isn’t driven. They will listen and feel pumped up for a few minutes before returning to who they used to be.

I realised we need more than just motivation and inspiration to succeed. Success requires discipline, commitment, resilience, perseverance, and grit. Without a strong reason why, a person will likely give up.

Motivation and inspiration can push people to start things, but it’s often for the wrong reasons. We need the purpose and a stronger why to achieve something that keeps things going. I stopped trying to inspire and motivate people. I even stopped going out to seek motivation and inspiration. I stopped listening to motivational speeches and reading motivational books.

I went deep down to my soul and figured out my why and committed to sticking to it no matter what. While doing that, I can be the best version of myself. Maybe by sharing my story, I can inspire, motivate, or help someone discover their why. And that is enough.

So if you are out there in that circle of seeking motivation and inspiration to do things, then you don’t know your why. If you want someone to motivate and inspire you, you are better off not doing it. It is likely to fail.

You won’t need any motivation to eat healthily and work out when the doctor warns that you will die if you don’t do that. 

You won’t need inspiration and motivation when your mother sleeps hungry if you don’t work hard.

Find your why and purpose, and you will never need motivation or inspiration in your life. 

And if you need inspiration to start something, you have already failed.

#iThinkSo

May you be happy.

May you be healthy.

May you be free from suffering.

May you find peace and joy.

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Rogers Katuma

Financial Artist, Senior Adventurer, Occasional Storyteller, and Amateur Golfer