How to Remain Inspired Every Day

I remember once when I was writing one of my books, I allowed a young friend to read a few chapters of the manuscript. He came back to me and said that sections of the book were outstanding, but other parts needed to be more rousing. I did revise those sections, but he said it was a shame I couldn’t maintain my brilliance! That is the funniest thing anyone has ever said to me. I will admit that his man was very young, only in his early twenties, and probably wouldn’t dare say something so patronising to me today.

Unless you are a true genius like Steve Jobs or Mozart, brilliance only comes in occasional intermediate flashes – it’s not constant. However what needs to be constant is our desire to excel and occasionally achieve brilliance. What needs to be constant is our will to achieve, but we can only maintain our will to achieve if we have inspiration, so how do we remain inspired?

To answer this question, I’m going to have to draw on my prosperity mindset philosophy.

1. Keep engaging in the world and learning

One of the easiest ways to engage and learn is to read. I like to read inspiring biographies about leaders who overcame challenges. We need to be reminded that the road to success is never smooth. Also it can be helpful to read good motivational books. When was the last time you looked at one of my books?

Reading is not the only way to stay engaged with the world. Go and look at some art. When did you last visit your state gallery? Do this by yourself or go on a tour and then return to the art after the tour and really study the pieces. This will enrich your soul and fire up your creativity – even if you don’t believe you are creative.

2. Do not be afraid to spend time alone

Have you ever spent any time on a farm and tried to separate herd animals? Horses hate being away from each other, as do cows and sheep. People are also herd animals. We gravitate to one another and want to live in healthy communities. Yet, everyone needs time alone to think and process their experiences.

Sometimes we recoil from alone time because we have to face uncomfortable thoughts or feelings festering in our minds. Being alone can feel a bit like getting into a cold swimming pool. Getting into the cold water or just starting alone time is hard but once you are there you will discover that alone time is beneficial. Often it’s the mental health equivalent of going to the gym.

Ideally you should be spending half an hour every day in prayer or meditation.

3. Gratitude and giving are sources of inspiration

It is too easy to go through life focussing on what you don’t have – focussing on the glass half empty, not the glass half full! We live in a wonderful country that values freedom and humanity. We are blessed with health, family and friends. Of course there are going to be challenges along the way. The former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser once famously said that life is not meant to be easy! To feel inspired it is essential that you regularly feel thankful for all of your blessings. Earlier I said it was essential we all have half an hour of alone time every day. I now suggest that giving a prayer of thanks is a great way to start alone time. Alternatively you could write out lists of what you have to be thankful for, and pin them up. From time to time in the day, stop and read from these lists and give thanks. That will undoubtedly lift your inspiration levels. Being grateful reinforces what you do have, and you will soon become certain that you don’t want to lose it or take it for granted!

As part of my prosperity mindset I have always encouraged you to give to charities and support other less fortunate than you. By helping others, you become more aware of what you have earnt through hard work. Contribute to the world and know that you can make a huge difference in other people’s lives. Also take time to learn about the people around you. Find out about your work colleagues. How can you support and encourage them? I’m not suggesting you become intrusive but be a friend and source of love in this world.

Friendship and healthy relationships are often our biggest sources of inspiration. Be connected to your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Anchor yourself in the community. That is inspiring.

4. Do not be afraid to earn money

Money is not the source of evil. Money is just a tool and can be used for good or bad. By giving to worthy charities you are using money as a tool for happiness. Be motivated to get out there and earn. Do not be afraid to spend money on yourself. You are allowed to celebrate your success. Also do not be afraid to appear successful. Money brings you freedom and choices. Money can enrich your life. Be inspired to get out there and earn.

5. Never lose sight of the big picture

What are your core values? What do you really believe in? What motivates you? If you are an artist you may say you want to create beauty to give to people. You want to encourage others to think and feel and engage with life. If you are a research scientist you may say that you will keep working until you find a cure for a disease that causes suffering. Once you have established what you really want to do and why, start setting up smaller goals that will help you achieve your ultimate goal. Have a plan for this year, a plan for this month, a plan for this week. Have a vision of what you want but also the courage and flexibility to adapt your vision to the realities that you encounter, but most importantly, never give up.

I promise you inspiration is all around you, you just have to remember to keep searching for it.