Understanding the Distinction Between Guidance and Motivation

Guidance and motivation, while related, serve distinct purposes in achieving personal goals and overcoming challenges. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is crucial for effective personal development and goal achievement.

What is Guidance?

Definition: Guidance refers to the advice or instruction provided to help someone navigate a situation or make decisions. It often includes sharing knowledge, expertise, and strategies.

Purpose: The primary aim of guidance is to offer direction and support in achieving specific goals or overcoming challenges. It helps individuals clarify the path they should take.

Examples: Mentorship, counseling, coaching, and educational instruction are all forms of guidance. For instance, a career counselor helps individuals choose a career path based on their skills and interests.

What is Motivation?

Definition: Motivation is the internal or external drive that compels someone to take action toward achieving a goal. It involves the desire and energy to pursue tasks.

Purpose: The primary goal of motivation is to inspire action and persistence. It helps individuals overcome obstacles and maintain focus on their objectives.

Examples: Intrinsic motivation, such as personal satisfaction, and extrinsic motivation, such as rewards or recognition, are two types of motivation. For instance, a student may be motivated to study hard for exams due to a desire for good grades (intrinsic) or a scholarship (extrinsic).

Key Differences Between Guidance and Motivation

Nature: Guidance is about providing direction, while motivation is about fostering the desire to act. Source: Guidance typically comes from external sources like mentors, teachers, or leaders, while motivation can be both internal (personal goals) and external (incentives). Function: Guidance helps clarify the path, while motivation fuels the desire to embark on that journey.

Summary: While guidance helps individuals understand the path they should take, motivation fuels their desire to embark on that journey. Both are essential for effective personal and professional development.

A Personal Story

Several years ago, my mother was suffering from fibrosis in her uterus, which was cancerous in nature. The thought of losing her made me extremely anxious. I consulted people around me to suggest the best doctor for providing the best TREATMENT but in vain. Since I am a follower of Nichiren Daishonin's path of Buddhism, I sought the guidance of a YWD leader. With immense faith in the Gohonzon, circumstances started taking a turn around, and #8220;negative things started turning into positive circumstances#8221;. We then came in contact with a well-experienced doctor. Under his treatment, my mother recovered fully without needing an operation. My mother had attained menopause and was in her late forties.

Was it actually simple? Of course not. It was next to impossible. This is what guidance is: A pathway to completing one's task or goal. Here it was proper treatment and full conviction, hand in hand.

Before becoming a practising member, I heard many real-life success stories that deeply impressed me. These experiences created an urge within me to seek guidance and faith. With full faith and devotion, I realized that I could also report success to the Gohonzon and provide my mother with the best treatment. The ZEAL, INVINCIBLE, UNDAUNTED SPIRIT that says ‘I can do it no matter what’ is what kept me motivated. Without motivation, even if one has ample guidance, they may not succeed.

MOTIVATION is The driving force or aura to success. Invisible energy or faith that speaks silently but is heard louder than anything.