Have you ever attended a conference or a seminar and felt really motivated to change something? Maybe, it was a conference on time management, and you decided from then on to live life by the perfect calendar. Maybe, it was a motivational speaker who inspired you and motivated you to “live your best life” or “accomplish any goal.” Nearly all of us have had a similar experience where we attend an event, get fired up, but then come home to reality the next day.
The motivation slowly drains away in the whirlwind of life, and over time, your ability to see the goal fades away. Motivation is external – it comes from the outside. Inspiration comes from within. Because motivation is external, it can’t and won’t last. That’s why you must be motivated regularly!
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” ~ Zig Ziglar
And, as Robin Sharma stated simply, “Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.” We are focusing here on being inspired on the inside, so you can motivate others from the outside because you can’t give someone what you don’t have.
When you are committed to doing something, you must be able to clearly tap into why you are doing it. If you tap into why you are doing it, you will find the inspiration to keep doing it even when the new wears off, it’s not exciting anymore, or it’s not easy to do.
Simon Sinek, in his book Start with Why, wrote about how great leaders inspire others to take action when they “Start with why.” He states, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”
The same concept applies for ourselves. If we focus on why we are doing something instead of what we are doing, we’ll be inspired to continue doing it even when the going gets tough. And, the going will most likely get tough if it’s something you are truly striving to achieve.
“You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.” ~ Jerry West
Every woman has days and decisions that aren’t so easy, as all leaders do. Both roles come with responsibility to and for others.
When you can keep the vision of what you are working for clearly in front of you, you will find the energy to do the tough things and make the tough decisions. That’s why it’s so important to be purpose driven.
Inspiration gives us hope. Hope gives us the vision of something better. The vision of something better gives us energy to keep going.
As a leader, you must be inspired because you are the example. Others are looking to you as their role model. Do you only work when you feel good? Remember, energy and attitude are contagious, and people follow leaders who are inspired, not expired.
Discover and tap into your “why” to stay inspired. Here are five ways you can stay inspired as a leader:
1) LEARN SOMETHING NEW
At the end of each day, I love to ask myself, “What did I learn today?” It seems like a very small thing, but learning something new each day will help you stay inspired.
2) VISIT INSPIRATIONAL PLACES
If you want to find inspiration through experiences, visit inspiring places. The Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and even your local park are all places to get outside and be inspired by nature. Visit historical sites or unique places in your home town to become inspired by them.
3) READ INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS
Read a great biography of someone interesting. Take advantage of your local bookstore or library and browse until you discover books you find inspirational. If you are filling your mind with inspirational wisdom from others, it will be very difficult to not become inspired.
4) WATCH INSPIRATIONAL MOVIES
Sure, some sappy love story may be fun to watch, but the truly inspirational movies are the ones that are based on true stories. You can’t help but be inspired when you see someone else overcoming their obstacles. You will often find the strength to overcome your own.
5) DO SOMETHING
The famous boxer Muhammad Ali stated, “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’” In other words, he stayed inspired by remembering why he was working so hard. He took action even when he didn’t feel like taking action.
Like many, Ria faced adversity in life. Ria was sexually abused by her father from age 12 – 19, forced to play the role of his wife, and even shared with other men. Desperate to escape, she left home at 19 without a job, a car, or even a high school diploma.
Today, Ria is a motivational leadership speaker, TEDx Speaker, and author of 10 books. Ria shares powerful leadership principles and tools of transformation from her journey to equip and empower women, helping them realize, optimize, and maximize their leadership potential.
