Definition
Inspiration is manifesting excitement in others. When we share our stories and perspectives with others, we have the possibility of inciting a positive chain reaction in their lives. Inspiration can be a powerful, motivating force.
My Experience
I’ve encountered many sources of inspiration throughout my life and career. I think I started to notice and appreciate it more when I first started college. College is a stressful time, especially for young parents who are balancing work, school and caring for children (as I was). I started seeking sources of inspiration to keep myself going through the most difficult days. I created a habit of listening to inspirational speeches and uplifting music when I was driving, or in my free time and I just needed to hear something good. A lot of those speeches, I listened to so many times, I think they are engraved in my brain. I’m not sure if I would have made it if I hadn’t kept up the inspiration. It helped me find motivation when I was having a tough time and really had to pull it out some days. Often, we need inspiration to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Another source of inspiration has been people who inspire me. I think everyone is inspired by different people, different actions from those people, because we all have different perspectives and different paths.
Which got me thinking – What makes a person an inspiration?
That question brings a few things to mind:
- People who have accomplished what we dream of accomplishing. They have achieved what we strive to be or are where we want to be. We look to them as proof that we can make it too. “If someone else, did it, I can do it.”
- They possess a unique spirit that inspires us. The way they carry themselves, their demeanor, the way they care for others, the way they serve those around them, the way they show up for their people, the way they care about us. It all speaks to us in some deep way that we are inspired to strive to be more like them. They are role models.
- They believe in us. Sometimes, to inspire someone, you just must unrelentingly believe in them. In their abilities, their future, their potential. That is inspiring, it makes you think, “if they think I can, maybe I can.” It’s hard when a person feels like no one believes in them. I pray they can believe in themselves until everyone does.
- They have a remarkable story. Often, deep inspiration comes from hearing stories of victory. Stories so amazing, they make us realize – we don’t have it so bad, if they can make it, we can make it. If you have a story like this, I encourage you to share it – you could help someone achieve their impossible feat.
- Well designed words of inspiration. For some, quotes that you can’t deny can get our brains in the right place to achieve goals. The first example that comes to mind is “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – Your right” (Henry Ford). Quotes and statements like that, really point to our personal accountability of our lives and inspire us to believe that we can. They don’t have to be famous quotes either – anyone can give someone the words they need to keep going.
These are the ones that immediately came to mind – Feel free to add any other sources of inspiration I missed in the comments.
Closing
Inspiration has become something I know when I need it, and I know what inspires me. I think everyone needs inspiration from time to time, especially when they are going through a difficult season in life. I hope this article has got you thinking about your relationship with inspiration and how you can stay inspired to make your own dreams a reality.
If you follow me on LinkedIn, you may have noticed that I love quotes that make me think. Here’s a few that inspire me.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
“You must do the things you think you cannot do.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
– Norman Vincent Peale
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Perceptive Zeal 
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