According to merriam-webster.com, the word inspire by definition is: to influence or impel. And on a more theological level inspire is: to move or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration.
There are times that we all need inspiration. Hardwired within our nature is the desire and need to be advanced by factors outside of ourselves. Some have argued that inspiration can never be willed that it only happens to us and through us. Whether that’s true or not is an argument for another blog. I’d like to suggest however that there are things you and I can do to openly welcome that divine and supernatural motivator into our lives.
Although there are infinitely more, here are 5 ways that you can light some fire under your feet.
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- Monitor your GIGO meter. Garbage In Garbage Out. Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you what you are. This saying (although equally important food-wise) is referring to the “information” you and I consume. We are what we eat. Quite often and sometimes without being conscious of the fact – we let negative, pessimistic, de-motivating thoughts creep into our lives through our eyes and ears.
One way to monitor your GIGO meter is by performing an audit. Intentionally go through your music playlists, social media feeds, tv shows, friends, family, etc., and pay attention to how you feel after each encounter. Are you down or up? Frustrated or motivated? Are those things now weighing on you? If they are, then cut the fat, prune the tree, get rid of that which is keeping you low. Be intent, resolute, and hard-nosed about consistently listening to, following, and absorbing only that which will propel you upwards.
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- Raise the rim higher. In my yard, there is an adjustable basketball hoop. There are times when I want to feel like Giannis and so I lower that thing down to about 9 (probably 8) feet and tell someone to start recording. Yet herein lies the challenge – there is no challenge. The goal is too low. It’s too easily achievable, and after a while, it loses its fun. To ignite inspiration you have to raise your goals to a level that makes your heart flutter when you think about achieving them.
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- Getaway. Nature for me is always one of my biggest sources of inspiration, more specifically the beach. Doesn’t cost a thing to step outside and find inspiration where you are.
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- Inspire others. Offer a word of encouragement for someone who is down in the dumps. Find a person worse off than you and be a blessing to them, surprise them. Speak a kind word to a stranger. Pay for someone’s meal unexpectedly. Give a bigger tip than expected. Pay it forward. They say the best way to keep your cup from God full is to try and keep it empty. And finally…
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- Count your blessings – literally. If you are feeling down and out. Take out a sheet of paper (or your phone’s notepad), number it – and write one by one what you are thankful for. Not sure what to write first? I’ll help you….
#1. You woke up today
There are gonna be days when you won’t feel very inspired, and that’s okay. Make this a pit stop and not a parking spot. Your greatness is calling, and every great achievement started with that tiny spark and impeller called inspiration. Search for it, welcome it in, and soar!
Publication Date: June 15, 2021
In the realm of bestselling books like A Purpose Driven Life, The Motivation Manifesto, Author Derrick Gray has written this debut masterwork that touches the soul with relatable guidance and motivating prose. The author guides us through worldly experiences as a quintessential mentor of life. Students, administrators, CEOs, business visionaries, and others will find his advice for success nothing less than masterful.
This book profoundly dives into guidance that enables you to go through life at the level in which God intended. The execution of these words of wisdom lays out how victory is achievable for anyone. It’s all about self-appraisal, self-reflection, God’s direction, and personal growth. Everyone has a designed path and achievement is within anyone’s grasp. All it takes is the correct compass and no book maps it out better than Derrick Gray’s 10 Win Commandments.
Derrick Gray is a Christian Minister, business owner, filmmaker, and author of The 10 Win Commandments. A Long Island native and purveyor of all things hip-hop, he knows God’s not through with him yet. Derrick lives in York, PA with his wife and family.
