Inspiring Yourself To Inspire Others

When you ask a little boy what he wants to be when he grows up, you will likely hear things like a football player, race car driver, astronaut, or movie star. Most children do not admit that they want to attend meetings and work in an office all day. While some people do become astronauts and race car drivers, the vast majority of us have more 'normal' professions. Why do children dream of incredible jobs, then?

Children are inspired by the world around them. A child sees a gymnast land an amazing move, with her head thrown back and arms in the air in a 'v' shape. The child wants to be that gymnast. She might train for years but never quite reach the level required to be an Olympic athlete.

But, she will still be inspired by the movements and the joy that she feels when she stretches and flips. She may instead become a coach and share her knowledge and love for the sport with other children. She can teach her students how to work together as a team and how to support each other through difficult moments.  

Do you remember inspiring moments from your youth? Moments that made you whoop with joy and throw your arms up with sheer happiness?

Using Moments Of Joy For Inspiration At Work

According to a recent study, it is acceptable to display anger at work in 53% of cases, but it is only acceptable to show joy in 19% of cases. You would likely think nothing of watching a coworker slam down a phone angrily and then hearing them vent about the frustrating call.

But what if the same person had gently set down the phone, taken a deep breath, and expressed joy about their job and that the phone call was now completed? You'd probably think that your coworker was a bit weird.

However, which of these scenarios is more likely to inspire? The angry venting or the happy cheer? An inspired workplace will have more happiness than anger. Children aren't the only ones who can jump for joy or adopt a pose of victory.

Changing your physiology can positively affect the energy around you. Don't be afraid to stand like Superman or like an Olympic gymnast with a gold medal. 

The next time you look at a pile of work in disgust or feel frustrated after speaking with a client, pause for a moment and take a deep breath. Adopt a pose that brings you joy and positivity. If you change your energy, you will be inviting others to do the same. 

How Inspiration Relates To Collaboration

Inspiration is one of the 4 pillars under the competency of Collaboration in the . Being able to inspire and motivate oneself can translate into inspiring and enthusing others.  

will teach you how to develop your inspirational qualities and encourage collaboration from others.

5 Tips For Inspiration

1. Listen to inspiring music
2. Develop the habit of complimenting others
3. Laugh often and be enthusiastic
4. Avoid complaining or comparing
5. Volunteer for a good cause

Science tells us that we are more likely to be inspired when we are in a positive emotional state and we feel the energy around us. Changing your physiology can influence this energy. 

Finding what makes you happy will, in turn, make those around you feel that positivity and joy. Inspiration is not just what makes us want to do something; it is what makes us capable of greatness.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

John Quincy Adams