“People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy.” Oliver Goldsmith
I would like to change that to: “People seldom improve when they have no other model than themselves that inspire them.”
I think in today’s world we are often trying to stay too unique when trying to figure out what to do with our talents or how to pursue our dream. We don’t want to copy anyone else’s dream, creation, or passion. But why not? No, I’m not talking about copying other people’s work. I’m talking about letting their work inspire us.
I have many people around me that inspire me. I don’t copy their work. I can’t. I’m still me and not them. But I’m more than happy to let their work and experiences inspire me, teach me, and help me move forward. Some of them I have never met. Some of them are my friends. Some are co-workers or community leaders. I on purpose seek out people that have a similar goals as me or that can challenge me. I read blogs, books and interviews of the people I have never met. I ask friends for advice or suggestions. I tell people about what I am trying to do. I have mentors I can ask. I try to surround myself with people that support my dream and help me pursue it.
My dream is not unique. I am not the only person in the world that wants to have the freedom to create my own day and travel the world. I am not the only person in the world that wants to achieve running my own business that can be done from a computer instead of from an office. I am not the only one in the world that wants to start a non-profit and later on a foundation. I am not the only one in the world that wants to help people find their unique path, leave this world a more compassionate place and become someone’s inspiration.
However, by letting others inspire me and give me ideas on how to and what to, by paying attention to how they have succeeded doing what I want to do I am unique. I am following the path that I am meant to be on but I am still doing it my way.
Start thinking about who you want to surround yourself with. Who inspires you? Who makes you want to do more? Who challenges you? Who makes you believe in yourself? Who is your role model and idol? Who gives you that extra energy to follow your dream or figure out your dream?
So go ahead. Seek out those that inspire you so you can improve and see the greatness within you! Who inspires you?
There is no shortage of people that will tell you that you can’t do something or it will never work but just keep surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and your dreams. Those are the people you want to be around anyway because they will invest into your life and dreams!
You are spot on. People will always try to stop you from living your dream. Often because they are too afraid to follow theirs. I am very lucky to have my family support what I am doing but sadly too many have family members that are trying to stop them, and well, we can’t cut family out as easily as we can others. But we can make that choice to not listen to them. And that takes guts. But I have seen and supported friends that gone through that struggle. So when we come across those that need that support it is even more crucial we are there for them as their inspiration.