Why We Start Acting from Obligation Instead of Inspiration
At a very young age, something strange happens to all of us. We start to believe that life is about doing things we *have* to do. Not what we want, not what we feel… but what’s expected.
It’s like there’s this invisible voice saying: *“You must do this to be good. You must do that to be accepted.”* And we buy into it, because we’re just kids. We want love, safety, and belonging. So we trade our natural spontaneity for approval.
Instead of playing, exploring, and acting from joy, we start performing. We do what we’re supposed to do. We become little robots, checking boxes we didn’t choose.
And from there, life becomes a long to-do list. One obligation after another. We do what we’re told, what society values, what our parents or teachers said was “right.”
This is how most of us fall into a life of compulsive action. We get used to acting out of fear—fear of being judged, rejected, or left behind. And without even noticing, we begin living on autopilot.
What Compulsive Action Feels Like (And Why It’s So Draining)
If you’ve ever felt like your days are full but your heart is empty, you know this feeling.
You’re doing things, crossing tasks off your list, but something’s off. It’s like you’re moving, but not really living. There’s no juice. No spark. No you in the doing.
That’s what compulsive action feels like. It’s mechanical. Meaningless. It leaves you tired, disconnected, and uninspired.
Even when we set spiritual goals or try to “improve” ourselves, we often fall into the same trap. We meditate or journal or exercise—not because we feel moved to—but because we think we should. It becomes just another performance.
This pattern goes deep. It’s a habit carved over years. And the more we try to force our way out of it, the tighter it holds us.
So how do we break the cycle? How do we move from doing out of obligation to acting with inspiration and purpose?
It all starts with balance. And I discovered that balance in the most unexpected place: inside the rhythm of a spiritual retreat.
The 3 Keys to Inspired Action: What I Learned on Retreat
I didn’t learn this in a book or podcast. I learned it through real experience—by spending time in retreats with my teacher, immersed in a totally different rhythm of life. And in every one of those retreats, I noticed something powerful:
They were always designed with a perfect mix of three elements:
- 33% Effort
- 33% Rest
- 33% Celebration
This rhythm isn’t random—it’s medicine. And when I started applying it in my own life (and in the retreats I now guide), everything changed.
Let me break it down for you:
1. Effort: Channeling Energy with Purpose
One-third of the retreat was dedicated to focused effort. Not the exhausting, stressful kind of effort we’re used to. This was conscious, intentional, and energizing.
We hiked through nature. We practiced breathing techniques. We woke up early and moved our bodies. We fasted, took cold dips in rivers, did yoga, and challenged our edges—always with presence.
This kind of effort brings clarity. It burns through mental fog and reconnects us with our power. It’s not about forcing—it’s about engaging.
When you move your body with intention, your energy opens. Ideas start flowing. Your inner fire wakes up. Effort, when used consciously, becomes a bridge to inspiration.
2. Rest: The Space Where Inspiration Is Born
Another third of the retreat was pure rest. And I mean *real* rest—not scrolling on your phone or zoning out in front of a screen.
I’m talking about lying in the grass under a tree, taking long naps, doing absolutely nothing without guilt. Time just to be, to breathe, to listen inwardly.
At first, many people resist this part. We’re so programmed to “be productive” all the time that resting feels like wasting time. But it’s actually the opposite.
Rest is where the magic happens.
When the mind softens, the heart opens. When we stop “trying,” ideas start landing. Creativity bubbles up, unforced. This is the space where inspiration comes knocking—when we least expect it.
Without rest, our system burns out. We can’t hear the voice of intuition. So if you feel disconnected or uninspired, ask yourself: *Have I truly rested lately?*
3. Celebration: The Fuel of the Soul
The last third of our time was all about joy. Connection. Celebration. Sharing meals. Laughing together. Telling stories. Swimming in the ocean. Drinking coffee under the sun. Watching a movie and crying with friends.
This part might seem “unnecessary” to some. But it’s actually essential.
We are not machines. We are emotional, relational beings. And we need to feel love, playfulness, and connection to stay inspired.
Celebration reminds us what we’re doing all this inner work for. It fills our hearts. It nourishes our spirit. And from that fullness… creativity flows like a river.
If you skip this part, your life becomes a dry routine—even if you’re doing “all the right things.”
Bringing It All Together: How to Reclaim Inspired Action in Daily Life
After a few days living in this rhythm—effort, rest, and celebration—I always feel it: the spark. My mind lights up with ideas. My body feels alive. My heart is open. I can’t wait to create, to build, to express.
And it’s not just me. Everyone on the retreat feels it too. There’s laughter, energy, vision. We all remember who we really are: creative, inspired, purposeful beings.
This is why I started weaving this balance into my everyday life—and why I now teach it in my own retreats and workshops. Because this is the secret sauce. Not hustle. Not pressure. Not perfection.
Just the right rhythm of doing, resting, and enjoying.
So ask yourself:
- Am I always pushing, but never stopping to rest?
- Do I forget to celebrate and connect with people I love?
- Is my creativity dry because I’m trying too hard—or not letting myself play?
We’ve been trained to believe that slowing down is lazy, and celebrating is indulgent. But it’s a lie. Those things are fuel. They’re what keep your inspiration alive.
So if you’re ready to step out of compulsive doing and into inspired living… start here. Bring these three elements into your week. Even a small shift makes a huge difference.
And if you want to experience it in full depth, come join one of our upcoming retreats. After a few days, you’ll feel the shift for yourself—and you’ll know exactly how to access that state anytime, anywhere.
For a life full of inspired action and true purpose. 💫
Namasté 🙏
