Representing Your Inspirational Ideal
Posted: March 13, 2024
How is your progress so far in 2024? Is it what you expected? Are you further ahead or falling a little behind and need a boost? Let me assure you, no matter where you fall there are eyes watching you. Friends, coworkers, family members etc., know whether you feel like you are winning and happy or losing and frustrated. As I have often said, a big motivation for me is to take my perfectly imperfect self and set the very best example possible for those around me. Doing for others can be a strong driving force that can be used to keep you on track. With this in mind, I researched a number of different opinions on the qualities we want to possess to be that inspirational ideal for others. In my research I found seven reoccurring themes that came up over and over again, regardless of the profession.
- Hardworking – though it may be out of vogue to speak of, the fact remains that without the willingness to put in the hours and work on your craft, you will not reach your full potential. It is a simple matter of input and output - if you are only willing to put in what everyone does you will only get what everyone else gets - and that may not be enough. I believe we all have a genius inside of us. Never regret spending time in a worthy pursuit that is aligned with your genius, no matter what the work is.
- Health Habits – “A healthy person has a million dreams, a terminally ill person has only one. “ Taking care of one’s self is an expression of self-love. Getting enough sleep, choosing healthy foods, listening to and reading things that inspire you, and staying focused on your daily habits are at their core, the love you steadily give yourself. Doing so provides you the energy to reach for your goals and realize your PERSONAL BEST potential.
- Walk the talk - I am reminded of the story of the mom who brought her son to meet Gandhi for the purpose of asking her son to stop eating sugar. Instead of complying with her request Gandhi asked her to come back in 30 days. Upon their return he told the boy to stop eating sugar. When the mom questioned why he wouldn’t tell the boy 30 days previously, Gandhi replied, “Because 30 days ago I was eating sugar.”
- Targeted thinking - Having a purpose shapes your thoughts, actions and behavior! It tightens your habits and feeds self-discipline. How many boats, cars or planes would arrive at their destination without the clarity of which direction to head? Like it or not, writing down goals and reviewing them daily increases your success rate so profoundly that to not do it, intentionally robs your potential.
- Powerful mindset – Adversity is part of any worthy journey. Without the belief that in the end you will persevere, the struggle will create doubts that you will not be able to overcome. Championships would not be won, businesses would not be created and Personal Best Black Belts would not be earned without a positive attitude that is the seed of faith in a worthy future outcome.
- Respect for others and the humility to be part of a team – “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Worthy destinations and achievements require the input of lots of different perspectives. When I think of the Personal Best Charity Turkey Brigade, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt it would not have had the impact in our community that it does without my listening to different ideas and feedback, and the active participation of many people with varied talents.
- Service above self – when someone shifts a focus from personal gain to impact for others, internal motivation is multiplied and more people will want to join in on the mission to serve. Is the motivation to go to war to serve yourself or to serve your country?
These 7 themes create the seeds to be your best self and create that inspirational ideal to inspire others. While I’m sure you have all of them within, little adjustments in the right direction can make a big impact on who you become and how many you have the privilege to inspire.