Being Inspired
I overheard a conversation of someone who said "I am so uninspired" and it got me thinking about what inspires me and what has inspired me. As an HR professional and executive coach understanding what inspires and motivates people is of much interest to me. But first, you must know yourself.
This is tricky as it can be simple but complex, and often we have to really reflect on how we get to a place of feeling inspired and who we are and why we are who we are.
Many people have inspired me. Some are famous, infamous, or great role models that live inspiring lives. Inspiration allows us to grow, develop, and evolve.
Does inspiration shift your thinking? Does it help you foresee the best version of yourself? Do you steal a part of them to build you? Are you an inspiration to others? It is where moments of thinking and reflection allow you to determine how you were built? What motivates you? What makes you tick? What grounds you?
Is inspiration related to your values, principles, or choices you make in living your best life?
My inspirations have impacted me throughout all of the stages of my life and have taught me so much. They all have a cerebral bend and introduce me to books, magazines, music, different POVs, and thinking that has taken me down plenty of rabbit holes full of discovery and richness (as well as a 30 year Vanity Fair reading habit – which led to so many other writers, interests, and information).
Robert Stigwood – saw things that others didn’t. He showed me you must trust your gut, be you, and persevere with your own essence. Go big or go home. Just do it!
Margaret Singer – there is injustice and unfairness. You have the ability to make changes. Understanding that individual voices can create a movement. It matters to do the right thing no matter how hard.
Christopher Hitchens – social justice, taking an alternative view and being comfortable with controversy. Staying true to yourself and your POV.
Rickie Lee Jones – Well… She is just cool. Jazz, freedom, coolness, and street-savvy with an incredible voice and talent fuelled my passion for music (plus she introduced me to Tom Waits).
Eleanor Roosevelt – a remarkable woman, privileged but with a very hard luck story in many ways. Lemonade out of lemons. Plus a quote that stuck with me: "no one can make you feel inferior without your permission." A core mantra – even in my darkest moments and uncertainty.
PJ O’Rorke – who sadly just recently passed away. He showed me observations, critical thinking, and opinions with solid facts and humour. He got me thinking and contemplating different views.
Bette Davis – she challenged people, was okay with not being liked, was direct, and was an amazing actress and woman before her time.
These are only a few examples of people that have inspired me at different stages in my life. There are so many more. Every day I observe, reflect, and open myself up to understand.
We learn, unlearn, and relearn. That is the evolution of inspiration – each day it may be something else you observe or reflect on. Be curious, be open, seek to understand – that is a life well-lived. Carpe Diem!
🎵 Song of the Week 🎵
San Diego Serenade (Live) by Tom Waits
“Be courageous. Challenge orthodoxy. Stand up for what you believe in. When you are in your rocking chair talking to your grandchildren many years from now, be sure you have a good story to tell.”