What does the term "inspiration" truly signify? I'm not referring to its dictionary definition; rather, the very act which was what compelled me to write upon encountering this topic.
My younger sister recently authored a book, "When Love Visits," where she dedicated two pages to acknowledging how I've been an inspiration to her. Her heartfelt gratitude concluded with,
"Thank you for revealing what was achievable from a young age and motivating me to refine my skills so diligently." Reading those lines brought tears to my eyes.
The satisfaction of knowing that my early storytelling, with my younger sister as my avid reader, would one day lead her to become a published author fills me with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment. It's the gratifying feeling that comes when your inspirational actions manifest tangible results.
I may not always be aware of when I inspire others, but the realization that people are achieving great things, becoming better leaders, and improving themselves because of our interactions fills me with indescribable emotions. It's a profound satisfaction knowing that my words, actions, and presence are observed, which in turn is leaving an enduring impact that could shape a lasting legacy. This realization serves as an inspiration that urges me to continue making a positive difference.
The question now is, how do I inspire people?
By being true and authentic to myself.
In today's society, the prevailing trend is a rush to conformity, with everyone eager to emulate the masses. Reflecting on a childhood favorite, the drink Krest, its slogan resonates: "Stand out from the crowd." True authenticity allows you to stand out from the crowd. It's when you're not blending in that you become noticeable and can inspire others. Many individuals may not want to conform, but the fear of ridicule often compels them to follow along. Witnessing someone who embraces their uniqueness and stands out serves as ample inspiration for others to embrace authenticity and be true to themselves.
I Care.
I'm a natural empath—I'm the person who reaches out when you've been silent for a while. Always willing to listen, I'm there to hear about your problems and concerns, offering solutions or words of advice. People appreciate knowing that someone cares about them. A small display of love, affection, and concern is often all it takes to inspire someone to preserve and let their light continue to shine brightly.
Lead by example.
As the administrator of numerous WhatsApp groups, I establish the rules and ensure adherence, holding myself accountable by enforcing penalties if I violate any. I firmly believe in "walking the talk." Receiving messages in my DMs expressing gratitude for my leadership qualities is a common occurrence. While my leadership qualities serve as a source of inspiration for them, their appreciation, in turn, motivates me to strive for more. Leadership isn't easy, and maintaining followership relies on consistently being a source of inspiration.
My life story, an experience to encourage others to do better.
Despite lacking formal degrees, my life experiences position me to potentially serve as a life and relationship coach. I draw from my journey to inspire others to take charge of their lives and navigate their desired paths.
In my country, there are significant disparities between polytechnic and university graduates, and as a polytechnic graduate, I have had my fair share of them. I advised a friend to pursue a university degree instead of a polytechnic one, even though she had just two years left in her polytechnic education. Overcoming her skepticism, I shared my own journey, emphasizing the potential benefits, and provided encouragement for her to consider the transition, even if it meant spending an additional three years at the university. Today, she is a graduate with a fulfilling job, and recently, she reached out to my WhatsApp DM to express her heartfelt gratitude.
Expressing my enthusiasm.
Many credit their crypto journey to my enthusiasm, stemming from my role as an admin in numerous crypto groups. I've observed that expressing genuine enthusiasm about a project is a powerful way to inspire people to actively engage and invest effort in the crypto space. Many individuals readily embrace a crypto project without hesitation, trusting my enthusiasm as a strong indicator of its potential success. The belief that my genuine excitement signifies a sound investment contributes to their quick adoption without second thought, and so far, the results have been very satisfying.
The image above translates as "Crypto Lord, you make these things possible. How can I achieve what I have achieved so far without you?"
The key to inspiring others lies within you. If you haven't heard that someone is inspired by you, it might be a sign to reassess your approach. Ego can be detrimental to relationships. To inspire, you must first build relationships. In building relationships, you must be emotionally self-aware, very tolerant, and accommodating.
All images are mine.