When you are inspired, the definition explains that: “mentally you are stimulated to do or feel something”. Additionally, an inspired person frequently feels pushed to be unique and to achieve more than they are. This post looks at 5 ways to be inspired.
Sometimes life is tough and it’s hard to see the “pot of gold” waiting for you at the end of the rainbow.
We all run out of steam at times.
Everyone loses motivation from time to time.
It’s called, being human.
Fortunately, it’s pretty easy nowadays to find a source of inspiration that will motivate you and keep you on the right path towards your goals.
There’s no need to struggle on your own, trying to talk yourself into doing what needs to be done.
The world has become a small place and there are sources and ways to be inspired, everywhere.
Here are 5 quick and easy ways to be inspired
Use motivation quotes and affirmations
It seems that no matter how many times you read or hear your favourite quote, it resonates with you almost as much as the very first time you heard it.
Adding to your collection will bring you an ever-flowing well of new inspiration.
And as your goals change, look for quotes and affirmations that reflect your new path so you can gain the inspiration to persevere in your new direction.
Also, make sure you create time for reflection during your day when you can look at these quotes and let them inspire or set you up for your day.
Here are some examples:
Find inspirational imagery.
Sometimes you come across inspiration by spotting something in nature, like a beautiful sunset or freshly fallen snow.
Other times you may be inspired by a photograph, an image in a book, or a painting at an art gallery.
An image can also remind you of your destination, which will motivate you to work ever more swiftly with laser-like focus to reach your goal.
Once you find an image that inspires you, rely upon it during stressful or difficult times as a visual reminder to keep moving forward.
Here’s an image that really inspires me…
It’s my brother-in-law and me on a hill in the Tankwa Karoo (Western Cape, South Africa) a couple of years ago.
This image speaks of space, freedom, Africa, my roots, family, good times, “holy-moments,” vastness, and makes me nostalgic and long for my loved ones in a way that my bones ache, every time I look at it.
It takes me back instantly to that moment on that hill in that beautiful place.
It inspires me to keep hoping that one day I might return to that place.
But until then, I need to do what I need to do to lay earn the freedom to do that.
Do you have images like this that speak to you on a deep and profound level?
Use them to inspire you.
Get to know new people.
Meeting new people can be truly life-changing.
At the recent World Masters Games in Auckland, I met quite a few new people from all over the world and it really inspired me to go away, train harder and come back stronger in my next season.
I discovered that many other 40yrs+ guys like me had very similar “comeback” stories to my own and hearing that really inspired me.
I learned that someone you meet by chance can bring you a completely new perspective on old challenges.
Or, they can remind you of WHY you started your journey in the first place.
We all have the need to feel like our journey means something, and connecting with others “like us” can definitely do that.
So, the next time you’re out, try striking up a friendly conversation and be open to any “gems” coming your way.
Let your neighbours inspire you with their stories.
Sometimes our greatest sources of inspiration are much closer than we think.
Not many people would consider the neighbours as a likely source of motivation or inspiration.
Yet, so many of the people we know have stories we’ve never heard that would most likely blow our minds.
It’s so easy to overlook those we think we know, but that’s a mistake on our part.
When is the last time you thought of your neighbour as someone who could inspire you to keep going in achieving your goals or a better quality of life?
Unfortunately, our world has become very me-focused and the smart devices in our hands are making it very easy to be isolated and stay that way.
We don’t have to talk to someone else in public anymore.
We don’t have to engage.
We don’t have to share anything about ourselves at all.
We don’t have to know our neighbours or connect with them, let alone be inspired by them.
Ironically, in spite of all our technological advances, people are more depressed, stressed, tired, isolated, unhealthy, over-weight, and socially inept than ever before.
We look to our “devices” for all the answers, yet walk past them in the street every day, or live next to them.
If only we looked at those around us again as our sources of inspiration and support, the world would be once again a healthier place I think.
Watch motivational videos.
Websites like YouTube offer a plethora of motivational and inspirational videos.
Some videos, such as the story of “Team Hoyt” has touched and inspired millions of people around the world because it reminds us all of the power of the human spirit and what love is capable of when on a mission:
People often use YouTube to tell their stories, share successes, and offer advice or encouragement.
When facing a challenge, or if you need some words of wisdom from someone who’s “been there, done that,” you’ll surely find inspiration here.
I just love this speech by Jim Carrey:
Or this one by Jeff Cavalier (AthleanX … I’m a disciple lol):
There are thousands more.
Take your pick.
It’s free and there is something for everyone.
Last thoughts on ways to be inspired
We all need ways to be inspired to stay the course.
Some can stay motivated a tad longer than others, but eventually, they too run out of steam and need some upliftment.
Therefore, the next time you feel like you need some extra inspiration, try these simple sources I shared today.
You may be surprised at how well they work to get you happily working toward fulfilling your goals and living the life you desire.
I’d love to hear from you.
Leave your comments or question below.
Talk soon.
