What Inspires You?
I think it’s safe to say that inspiration and motivation are basically synonymous words that work together to help each and every one of us make it happen.
If this is so, what are the ingredients that go into the whole inspiration/motivation melting pot? Hold on a minute, don’t answer that quite yet.
Each of us are unique and different, so I’d say we’re all holding a slightly different pot. The things that get me going and where I look for inspiration are likely much different from what does it for you. There’s no right or wrong….if it inspires or motivates you, then it’s a bone fide rocking good thing in my books.
So I’m curious, what the things that fill you up, fire you up, and help move you towards your dreams? I really want to know. I’m talking about life on and off the bike here. What is that one thing that gets you to dig deep and push the pedals just a little bit harder? What things in your day to day life fill you with inspiration and the feeling that you can do anything?
Maybe you’re like me. I know certain things motivate me, but to sit down and list them out is a little challenging. If that’s the case, have a look at this little list of instructions provided by eHow and find out what motivates you.
Instructions:
1. For seven days, keep a running list of activities that spark your interest. On the eighth day, put these items into categories according to themes. For example, if your interest is captured by playing football, watching golf on TV and exercising at the gym, you may wish to group all of these into a category called “sports”.
2. Reflect on the things that bring you the greatest satisfaction in life. Assign them to one or more of these categories:
a) Things I want to accomplish in my lifetime
b) Things I will do to maintain balance in my life
c) Things I absolutely enjoy doing
3. Think about the activities you do at work and home that energize you. Each time you get a burst of energy from doing something, describe the feeling and make a note of the time you spend at this increased level of energy.
4. Discover your inner drive. This is your personal action orientation or the driving force that compels you to achieve and succeed. You will find clues to this drive even in the small things you do daily.
5. Now focus on your aspirations and sources of inspiration. Describe your wishes, wants and desires. How determined are you to get them?
6. Share your findings with friends and family as appropriate. Ask for their observations.
I feel that Motivation and Inspiration are the building blocks of life. May your days be full of both.
There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something
– Henry Ford. Read more quotes http://thequotes.net/2012/11/6-ways-to-motivate-the-people-using-motivational-quotes/
Awesome! A quote by an automotive tycoon capturing the very essence of cycling. Riding a bicycle is nothing but work & even the shortest of rides can bring about the air of accomplishment. The irony of this is amazing!
As per normal I am going to start by saying, I love this post!
I read a quote today that was new to me although it may have been around a long time. When I read this post just now it reminded me of the quote, and think MORE about it. It speaks to how I feel.
I am inspired by people who DO things, not just talk about doing them.
The quote is “an activist is NOT someone who complains that a river is dirty, an activist is someone that works to actually clean it up”.
I am inspired by people that get off the couch and DO the things that they think are important enough to talk about. WHATEVER those might be.
Thanks Eric. I agree with you about activist type people being good motivators. It’s easy to talk big and pump people up, but to actually see people doing things is super motivating.
I think motivation and inspiration are separate but dependent. Motivation gets you to the bottom of a hill, inspiration gets you to the top. It’s the IT factor that turns “want to” into “doing”. I also believe there is a third component…Determination. This trifecta of goodness is what separates champions from spectators.
Dang man, I should have had you write this post…..nicely worded, Joel.
Love that “Motivation gets you to the bottom of a hill, inspiration gets you to the top”, need to remember that.
This is a good list of instructions. Every day I feel tired doing some things, yet I get a burst of energy when doing others. I will make note of these and see if I can narrow down what exactly it is that brings me motivation. Thanks for the list.
Hope it helps, Robert. Let us know how you make out.
I’m inspired by music that directs me to the afterlife. As great as I feel while I’m pushing the pedals, I know a much greater and more fulfilling reality awaits me beyond the roads and trails of this world. I suggest Switchfoot’s recent albums.
Thanks for sharing, Collin.
Nice post, I’ll give these suggestions a try this week!
Thanks Kristy, let us know how you make out with finding your motivations.