Truly, I’m inspired by this current stage of my life. In fact, I have time to share with others the fundamental life precepts. So, who inspires me? Keep reading to find out!
Interesting question – Who inspires me?
Elements of inspiration
One answer is to think of the different things that inspire us.
For example, inspiration leads me to act on something.
Or, what someone is doing will inspire us.
Likewise, inspiration leads me to change myself. That is, to be a better version of who I am.
And, most obviously, my relationship with God inspires me.
Regarding inspired spiritually, I’m currently studying the Book of Proverbs. As such, Solomon inspires me in the area of precept-driven, personal growth.
Why? Because it’s not at all about native intelligence or common sense. Instead, I’m learning his views on how to be transformed as a person.
Personal transformation
Well, what does that personal transformation look like?
When I change WHO I am I dramatically change WHAT I do.
How so? Because I have a clear understanding of my WHY. Which is? My divinely-given purpose in life.
Proverbs 4.18 says that the life path of a just person is like a shining light that gets brighter and brighter as he/she moves toward what God is preparing them to do! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Right now, at this stage in my life, that purpose is to share what I have learned, and am learning, about life and leadership. Where? Actually, I’m sharing through the outlets of daily LinkedIn posts and this weekly blog.
But, what’s the outcome? Knowing WHO and WHY enables us to live with purpose, on purpose! That possibility is inspiring to me personally!
Where I came from
As an older teenager I was inspired to develop my Bible study skills by a senior pastor.
Unfortunately, he was a disaster when it came to interpersonal relations. However, he was a brilliant Bible teacher.
The result? I learned to draw out what you can from someone while tolerating obvious, and very serious, flaws.
Certainly my parents inspired me.
For example, my father was always an example of hard work, faithfulness, and personal integrity.
And, my mother wanted me to perform well academically so she encouraged that area of my life.
More critically, both my parents were faithful spiritually, recognizing the importance of that aspect of my life.
Therefore, from both my parents, I learned that inspiring others can occur simply by living a faithful life.
Professional transformation
My personal and professional growth was inspired by several individuals, especially late in my career.
As such, mentors inside and outside higher education, where I spent thirty years of my career, challenged me to grow professionally.
And, as a result, I became a more capable administrator.
However, those skill set changes were fairly minor.
Why? Because most importantly, I was inspired to become more adept at expressing concern for co-workers. Additionally, I was pushed to become more outward-facing in my views as a professional.
A hinge-point
Now, all careers have unexpected challenges. I like to call those challenges hinge-points. That is, a place where we must pivot to grow.
For me, I was turned down for the job of academic dean.
Consequently, I determined to continue growing professionally rather than become bitter.
Why? Because I truly believed I could do more and become more professionally.
So what? Well, several years later I was able to step into that role because I had continued to grow. Therefore, I was prepared when the opportunity came.
That experience, I believe, is an example how luck is really a factor of persistence and preparation!
Learning from others
Now, in regard to being inspired by the actions of others, I look to my immediate family.
Simply put, it’s deeply satisfying to me when my children are succeeding in their careers and their lives as parents and professionals.
Why? Because I get to watch them successfully overcome serious physical and emotional challenges in their immediate families.
Similarly, I gather great joy in watching my grandchildren flourish. For example, in being caring humans, in academics, and in athletics. I enjoy watching them persist in the face of difficulty.
Those behaviors are deeply satisfying to me.
Inspired by world events
More generally, I find the world’s response inspiring in regard to Russia’s murdering of Ukrainian citizens and destruction of the country’s infrastructure.
Unfortunately, a few extremist on the far right in the U.S. praise Putin.
However, most of the world condemns his godless, inhumane actions.
Always remember, knowing the right thing to do and doing the right thing are two very different things! proverbsforprofessionals.net
The take-away? We are witnessing just how deadly it is to live with no moral compass at all! Thus, doing right in the face of evil is inspiring to me.
Inspired by nature
Finally, living in the mountains gives me lots of opportunity to be inspired by nature.
How so? Well, we have creeks and springs on either side of our property, and views of mountain sunrises each morning.
Therefore, it’s hard not to be inspired by what I see of God’s creation right here where I live. Actually, the photos in this story were taken during my walks around the neighborhood.
Therefore, choose life. Therefore, live with purpose, on purpose!
Truly, I’m inspired by this current stage of my life. In fact, I have time to share with others the fundamental life precepts from Proverbs.
Apply This Today!
Inspiration is a choice, just like growth is a choice.
Making excuses and only seeing the negative blinds us to the possibilities we have. So, find inspiration and run with it!
Truly, we can find inspiration all around us if we choose to look for it. The hard part is to act on that inspiration as desire alone is insufficient.
Growth and change is a life-long and deliberate choice we get to make.