Basic Principles of Inspiration
I'd like to share with you four great sources of inspiration and drive—four fundamental principles upon which a robust feeling of motivation and inspiration rests.
The Desire for Social Approval is a Primary Source of Motivation
Why do soldiers risk their lives fighting for their country? Is it out of loyalty to their country, conviction in a just cause, or dread of punishment by the military justice system if they disobey orders? Although all of these factors may come into play, studies have shown that a soldier's desire to earn the respect of his immediate combat partner is the primary factor that drives him to perform well in the heat of battle. In comparison to public accolades such as medals, this is far more significant. This is comparable to what drives car salespeople, students, and lawyers to succeed in their respective fields.
If you ask any player in the English Premier Football League, they will tell you that the greatest honor would be to be voted "Players Player of the Year" by his fellow professionals.
Motivate yourself by visualizing methods through which you might earn praise from your contemporaries. Put these into practice right now.
The Approval of Those in Positions of Authority is the Second Pillar of Motivation
Personally, I am grateful for the ways in which the fantastic American best-selling author has advised me and become a trusted confidante and friend. I was striving mightily to win his esteem.
Have you ever met anyone like that? It's crucial to keep in mind that a well-respected expert need not be a household name. Because of this, it is ultimately up to you to determine who meets the criteria, though it is likely that those who impress you will also impress others.
Don't be shy; if you've met such a person, or even if you've simply seen them from a distance or read an article about them, go up to them and introduce yourself. Most successful people are happy to share their knowledge and advice with others, unless you catch them at a bad time.
When you have a close relationship with a mentor, you may reach the point where you can practically hear them giving you advice even when they are not physically present.
Imagine a way that you can be acknowledged by a leading figure in your field. You can take this idea as far as it will go and use it to your advantage in any aspect of your life, from parenting to teaching to running a business.
Family is the Third Driving Force in People's Lives
Peer and expert endorsements may be crucial to your professional success, but no one has more impact on your life than your family.
Let me give you an example of what I mean by this: after I finished speaking at an event in Dublin, Ireland, last year, a man came up to me and begged for help quitting smoking since he knew I was the author of The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis. So I asked him why he wanted to quit smoking, and he told me:
"My wife is currently expecting our first child, and I would love to expand our family in the future." "I hope to be a positive role model for my kids by having fun and being active with them."
I had a lengthy conversation with him about particular methods and approaches. I haven't heard from him in a while, but I'm confident in his eventual triumph because of the strong influence his loved ones had on him. Consider your financial aspirations; many of us want to give our loved ones the best life we can afford.
Consider the Ways in Which Your Loved Ones Can Inspire You, Then Commit Those Ideas to Memory
Today's fourth pillar is a concept that's related to the third: using one's resources for the benefit of society at large.
My favorite tale about Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish immigrant who started the United States Steel Company in the early 1900s, is a great example of this principle. A message that Carnegie had written to himself on a sheet of yellow paper when he was in his twenties was discovered in his desk after his death. This note summarized his life's mission. It said:
The first half of my life will be spent amassing wealth; the second half will be spent dispersing it.
During his lifetime, Carnegie's wealth was estimated at $450 million, or about $4.5 billion in today's money. He created libraries in hundreds of tiny communities across America and became involved in scores of other charitable endeavors in addition to constructing Carnegie Hall in New York City.
What do you perceive when you examine these newly discovered motivational pillars? One thing that leaps out at me is how each one involves interaction with other people in some way, be they friends, teachers, relatives, or random strangers. Isn't that ironic? You need your own personal brand of inspiration in order to get anything done. Recognizing other people as reasons to believe is critical for developing and putting that quality found within into practice.
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