"نحن نغير أنفسنا عادةً لأحد سببين: الإلهام أو اليأس"

Changing ourselves typically happens for two main reasons: either we're inspired by something amazing, or we're desperate to avoid something bad. It's kind of like this - when you see someone doing something incredible, like running a marathon, you might feel a spark that pushes you to lace up your own running shoes. On the flip side, if your health starts to decline, you might be scared into making healthier choices.

This idea has been floating around for a long time, maybe because it's so universally true. Think about the early days of the self-help movement in the 20th century. People were drawn to figures like Dale Carnegie and his book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" because they were inspired by the promise of better relationships and success. But also, during tough economic times, folks turned to self-improvement out of sheer need to survive and adapt.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine Sarah, a high-flying corporate lawyer in New York. She’s climbing the ladder, making good money, but she’s stressed out, unhealthy, and never sees her family. One day, she attends a health retreat with her best friend (who dragged her there, by the way). She meets a yoga instructor who’s the picture of peace and fulfillment. This encounter sparks something in Sarah. Inspired, she starts practicing yoga, eats better, and eventually decides to reduce her hours at work. She’s happier and healthier because that one moment of inspiration pushed her to change.

So how can you use this idea in your own life? Start by figuring out what drives you. Are you more likely to be motivated by something positive and uplifting, or do you need a wake-up call when things are falling apart? Once you know that, you can set yourself up for success. If inspiration works for you, surround yourself with people and things that lift you up. Read books, watch documentaries, find mentors. If you need a bit of desperation to get going, set real, tangible deadlines or think about the consequences of not changing. Sometimes imagining the worst-case scenario is enough to kick yourself into gear.

Here's a little story to drive the point home. Picture this: John’s been smoking for 20 years. He enjoys it, but he knows it’s not great for him. He tries to quit a couple of times, but nothing sticks. One day, his daughter, who’s just 10, comes home from school with a class project about the dangers of smoking. She’s in tears, worried about her dad’s health. John sees her distress and it hits him hard. It’s that desperation – the fear of not being around for his daughter – that finally gives him the push to quit for good.

So, whether it’s inspiration or desperation, the key is to recognize what moves you and use it. Find your spark, or understand your fears, and let that guide you. Change isn’t easy, but knowing what drives you can make all the difference.