How to Draw Inspiration from Others

Think about the last article you read about someone who inspired you. Perhaps it profiled the person in adverse situations and described their conditions and pains. Maybe it was someone who faced adversity but was still able to achieve their health or fitness goals. It probably explained how the person managed to escape  conditions that would hold most people back. The experiences that helped them to succeed can also serve as a model for your success.

The story you read may not be exactly like your situation. However, it may have a similar feel overall or elements that resonate with you. It’s rare that people start out from a successful base. For example, people who have money from a young age aren't always successful, even though we think money is what leads to opportunity and success. Often, they are not hungry for success. Starting from a difficult position isn’t always the case, but it is frequently the way these stories go. If you have to work for something, then you are more likely to see long term success and also to have a better skill set and more options the next time things get tough. 

No matter whose story you read, if you don’t continue reading stories, they are likely to fade from your memory. Inspiration is most effective when it is current. So, you need to constantly reinforce the inspiration by reading the profiles of many people. 

The stories don’t have to be from famous people. You will find plenty of inspirational stories online. Don’t limit yourself only to the stories of people who are well known. Sometimes, reading or hearing stories about local people can give you a local insight that is impossible to get from a famous person. It could be something that helps you solve a problem that's been causing you to struggle.

You should also look for inspiration from stories you would not typically read. Try reading the story of someone from another culture or an environment that's different to yours. If you are young, try to get a different perspective from an older person and vice versa. When you diversify, your brain won’t know what to expect which can be great for ideas. 

Look out for biographies from athletes or people that share the struggles they face. Sometimes they can come from a surprising source. Reading Gary Barlow's autobiography, gave me an insight to another person's struggle with weight loss. 

Of course, there is nothing wrong with reading profiles of people who are famous or who are more like you. Reading is part of how to keep the inspiration engine fresh. In fact, it’s a great idea to have these within reach for easy reference, in case you need that boost.

Don’t be afraid to reread a story of someone who inspired you. Sometimes, you can pick up more than you got when you read the story the first time. You will also have a different frame of reference because you know most of the story. Your brain will look for what it didn’t find before.

All the inspiration you gain will be of no use if you don’t take action. It’s great to get inspired. However, it is a waste of time if you let it sit in your brain.