How to Get Inspired

Catch your dreams before they slip away.
The Rolling Stones / Ruby Tuesday

A few years ago, I was given concert tickets to see The Rolling Stones at Twickenham Stadium, and I remember that as I cheered, danced and performed with my air guitar, it struck me at how inspirational those rockers are. Their ages range from the early to late ’70s, and they rocked the house like they were a bunch of 18-year old’s. Their faces were beaming with smiles, and it was apparent that they were genuinely having a great time. 
 
The Stones have been performing for 50 years, and it is evident to anyone who has seen them play that they have a genuine passion and love for their job. I take great inspiration from that. To do something you love for 50 years is truly remarkable.
 
To get inspired and enthused in our own lives, we can look to individuals such as the boys in the Rolling Stones, or other people who inspire us. When we turn to others for inspiration, it provides us with direction and different perspectives. In particular, when those that inspire us normalise their success and failures, it can spur us on in our own goals. Effectively inspirational people from all walks of life can change our outlook on what is possible and remind us what we are all capable of.​

Personally, I make it a priority to read one book a week about someone inspirational – I read about people from Elon Musk to Maya Angelou to Phil Knight to Tom Brady to Betty White. It’s not that I want to invent the next Tesla, become a singer, develop sneakers, or become a line-backer or an actress; but instead, I want to learn from other people’s success and failures – I want to be inspired. For their stories of success and failure push me to keep pursuing my dreams.
 
To become inspired, think about who you admire and what you can learn from their life experiences. If the people you admire are in the public arena, consider what books/podcasts/media, they may be featured in that you can read/listen to/watch to become inspired.
 
Because sometimes the best motivation comes from being inspired by others. And, sometimes we need to rock the house like we are still 18.