Empower Your Mid-Life & Career Journey: The Transformative Force of Inspiration for Leaders
Inspiration is a three-beers-in guitar solo. It yields a moment of galvanizing energy and vision that precedes motivation and shoves it into action. With motivation, we take hold of an idea and run with it. With inspiration, an idea takes hold of us.
Find the Fire: Ignite Your Inspiration, Scott Mautz
Feeling inspired fuels my soul.
We all want to be inspired.
When you know what it is to be inspired, you have the ingredients for a more inspired life.
I’m not talking about a cursory review but a deep dive. A list of the experiences, people, restaurants, books, businesses, workouts, self-care, music, theater, movies, or anything that moves you.
I know that I’m inspired when my heart jumps a beat. When that idea, possibility, or opportunity plays on repeat in my head. When I see something and keep asking 'what if' with answers that get deeper with more discovery with each response. That thing I want to talk about until people get bored or bothered by me.
When I want more...it takes hold of me.
Feeling inspired moves you to take action toward a more inspired result. It sets you up for the day with that kick in your step.
Here’s the amazing...
The byproduct of being inspired is that your energy will likely inspire others.
Here are a few things that inspire me …..
I'm inspired by anything written by Yung Pueblo. I can read, re-read, and share his readings with anyone I want to inspire. What are you reading that's inspiring?
I am inspired by a woman I met who wants to be known for her accomplishments, not her disabilities. She has a rare disease that has left her with 5% of her eyesight and severe hearing loss. She navigates daily hurdles to deliver massive value and massive impact in her work. I want to role model her courage, drive, and ambition. Who inspires you?
Martha Stewart told me in my 20s to go learn something new every day and teach it to someone else. That advice has become a personal mantra for me. I'm inspired to learn almost anything (technology excluded!), and I’m driven to share what I’ve learned with anyone who will listen. What do you want to learn this year?
I’m inspired by women who stand up and share their powerful voices. I admire women who unabashedly share their voice – 'hear me roar' – and embrace their femininity as they know it defines them and makes them and others better. I’m inspired to role model that for myself. That’s living proof of the impact of inspiration. Who do you want to role model?
I am inspired by the visionary and purpose-driven leaders I work with. They dream of changing the world and then take action on their dreams. They don’t have time to compare and despair. They are steadfast in their pursuit of breaking through to the impossible. What are you dreaming about?
I’m inspired by the optimists who always see the glass as half full. Speed bumps are merely moments for them to double down and carry on. They leave success entitlement to others while creating their own success. Where can optimism fuel your inspiration?
I’m inspired by those who organize their life based on the results that they want. My coach shared with me her detailed 2024 calendar with weeks dedicated to quarterly tentpole themes, new areas to explore, and where she wants to commit her time—mapped out months ahead. I'm inspired by her living her future self now. Where are you inspired to spend your time next year?
Here’s a Google doc to inspire you to start with three ways to tackle your time in 2024 - Weekly, 12-week Sprints, and Annually. Please make a copy of it for yourself before working on it.
I am inspired by the unconditional love I receive from those in my life who want nothing more than to see me succeed.
These are just a few of my inspirations. Reading them back, I’m so grateful for the inspiration that lights me up and gives me the energy for who I’m becoming.
Take a look at what and who inspires you. It will move you to more of what you want for yourself.
Wouldn’t it be something if that which you are inspired by inspires others?
On this last Sunday of 2023, here are a few writing prompts to get your juices going to explore and get inspired for creating your best year yet!
• In 2024, I want to feel...
• I'll be over the moon if, by January 2024 I...
• I want to give myself permission this year to...
• What will I regret not doing this year?
• If I get stuck, I will remember to...
Joyfully inspired and grateful for your reading.
Happy New Year!
