We won’t stay inspired if we set our goals based on societies version of greatness. Sure, money, fame, and power, is a common standard for success—but it doesn’t have a lot of substance. We’ll be a lot happier if we avoid using that guide as a measuring stick for our own lives.
We are always going to be more motivated by what we find important than when we’re trying to impress other people. Developing habits that inspire action are easier when our goals align with our own talents, values, and beliefs.
1. Set Short-Term Goals
While setting long-term goals are important for seeing the big picture, a key to staying inspired is to break these down into more manageable steps. Setting short-term goals allows us to see consistent progress.
2. Brainstorm Regularly
Brainstorming is a powerful opportunity to promote innovation. It also allows us to focus on our goals while keeping our priorities in the right order. We should always consider our loved ones, responsibilities, needs, and wishes. These four things will likely bring us the most fulfillment in creating a life we love.
It can help to write down everything that means the most to us and then organize them into an order of importance. Also, coming up with a personal vision statement can help us stay on track.
3. Seek Inspiration
Let’s face it, we usually need a good deal of inspiration to move us forward toward a goal—especially when life knocks us down. It’s also easy to lose momentum when we don’t feel supported or we seem to fail no matter how hard we try. Life’s discouragements are one of our biggest roadblocks. So, it’s essential to keep ourselves fed with the things that inspire us the most—whether it’s the dream of coastal living or a fetish for all things pineapple.
Remember, we will rarely find an inspiring story that wasn’t filled with a lot of hardship. And don’t forget what it feels like to struggle—we should pay it forward when we can.
4. Develop Self-Awareness
Daily reflection is critical in developing self-awareness. We can promote our understanding of ourselves through journaling, meditation, and introspection. It’s about being objective with ourselves and paying attention to our thoughts, motivations, and actions.
Additionally, self-awareness supports the healthy development of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) which refers to an individual’s ability to recognize and manage their emotions. A high EQ can minimize anxiety and stress, enhance communication efforts, boost empathy, improve relationships, and diminish conflicts.
5. Master the Fine Art of Observance
If we want a better life, we should participate in creating a better world by looking beyond our own goals and desires. Life is complicated. Circumstances and opportunities are not handed out in equal measure. If we understand this fact, we may be more apt to see others with a heart of compassion and be more willing to lend a hand than sit in judgment.
While we’re not always in the position to help, we can learn to be more mindful of our surroundings, words, and actions. Giving even a little help can foster hope for a day. Giving a lot of help, may change lives. Everything we do has a trickle effect and the power to wound or enrich.
Also, observance can help prevent blindness by our own needs or success. We should try to be the inspiration we want to see, help in a way we would like to be helped, and be very careful to whom we give the power of influence—never be misled by the masses or popular opinion. While we may admire certain individuals for their accomplishments, we should question if they are a good role model.
“Judge tenderly, if you must. There is usually a side you have not heard, a story you know nothing about, and a battle waged that you are not having to fight.”