We generally change ourselves for one of two reasons: inspiration or desperation.

Rohn’s line frames personal change as typically driven by one of two forces: a positive pull (inspiration) or a negative push (desperation). “Inspiration” suggests growth sparked by vision, mentors, ideals, or a compelling sense of possibility—change chosen proactively. “Desperation” points to crisis, pain, or consequences that make the status quo untenable—change adopted reactively. The contrast implies a practical lesson common in motivational teaching: it is wiser to cultivate inspiration so that improvement happens by design rather than by emergency. It also acknowledges human inertia: many people delay change until either hope becomes vivid enough or discomfort becomes unbearable.

We generally change ourselves for one of two reasons: inspiration or desperation.
We change for two reasons: either inspiration or desperation.
People change for two reasons: inspiration or desperation.