This week the American writer and poet Maya Angelique died at the age of 85. She was known for a number of inspirational quotes, here are a few that I like.
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude about it.”
“I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.”
Most of us have triggers that inspire us…maybe they are heroes, maybe they are historical figures or sports stars, or maybe they are just quotes and sayings that move us.
Whatever inspires you, it’s a good idea to find ways to tap into that inspiration on a regular basis.
One of our company traditions, like “icebreakers” with new hires, is to ask them three questions. The intention is for their peers to get to know them a little better and strike up a bit of conversation. One of those questions is asked in different ways, but basically it’s “who is your hero”…past or present and (based on experience) not one of your parents. Over the years, the responses have been wide and varied, from serious religious responses to TV stars and sports celebrities.
It doesn’t really matter who or what inspires you, but how powerful is when you can harness that inspiration to change your circumstances.
Maybe you’re having a bad day, so you “tap into” your inspiration and feel your mood lift and your productivity increase as a result.
Maybe you’re in a sales slump and use some inspirational quotes to remind yourself that, with the right effort, you’re capable of anything.
You may be training for some event and feel like it’s too difficult, but your inspiration can help you get past that hurdle.
I have some sources of inspiration that work for me:
I am positively motivated by quotes and sayings that align with my own beliefs. I love quotes about “living your life”… like James Dean’s. “Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you were to die today.” or quote from the movie Braveheart, “Every man dies, not every man truly lives.”
I get inspired when I see the achievements of others… it could be the story of a life lived against all odds, like Nick Vujicic with his famous saying: “No arms, no legs, no problem.” It could be the story of a successful businessman like Frank O’Dea who once lived on the streets but later founded The Second Cup chain of coffee shops.
I am inspired to work hard using reverse psychology when I read about businessmen who failed due to poor decisions. There are plenty of failed businesses to look at and I keep a file with a few stories clipped from the newspapers… just to remind myself that I can never be complacent.
People are inspired by their family and the desire to improve their lives. Others are inspired by their favorite golfer, tennis player or soccer team.
If you can get inspired, tap into that energy you can get when you get inspired, and focus on your goals, then you will see a positive impact. What inspires you AND what are you doing with it?