As I reflect back on this past week I note that I was continually inspired each day by things I was accomplishing, as well as the accomplishments of others in my network. Collaborating with people who are pursuing their passion has an infectious excitement. For me it is a privilege to share in their success, whether directly or directly. Having someone share their dream with me, and being part of the process as they work toward achieving it, either as an observer or a participant, is incredibly gratifying.
First, I consider it an honor that they share their confidences with me. While I’m used to that, I never grow tired of it. I would frequently be told highly personal, even intimate, information when I practiced law as a divorce attorney. In the early stages of my career I often wondered, “why are they telling me this?” While I was listening for the relevant facts of the case, I often received other information which one would put in the “too much information” category. In some cases, this was because clients didn’t always know how to compartmentalize the information and they would do a data dump of everything that was going on in that moment and other highlights throughout the marriage. However, over time I grew to appreciate how much they trusted me, not only as their lawyer, but as their confidante. I would never breach that confidence or trust. That trait and practice has stayed with me throughout my 20 year career, and also applies to my personal relationships. Today, in my role as managing attorney of a legal referral practice and as a legal consultant to lawyers, I am equally privileged to be party to confidential information which is often packaged in the form of goals, dreams, fears, and concerns. It’s not always easy for someone to admit when they could use some help, but it is often the only way to get the results they want. Whether it’s hiring a personal trainer to help with fitness goals, or an accountability partner you report to with business or personal goals and progress, or hiring a professional to assist you in your business, collaborating with someone you trust and respect will almost always produce better results than if you tried to achieve something on your own.
Secondly, when someone shares their dreams and success journey with me, it inspires me to reach further towards my own goals. All of us encounter obstacles, fears, and times of uncertainty as we set out to accomplish something, or from the curve balls life throws us. It’s how we respond that counts. Some of the great leaders have provided us with great quotes to help us get through these moments. Feel the fear and do it anyway, says John Maxwell. Martin Luther King Jr., reminds us that “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” The French writer and Nobel Prize winner Albert Camus stated, “You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.” Then there’s Nike’s classic short and sweet mantra, “Just Do It!”
Tell me what inspires you. Who or what keeps you moving forward in the success journey? Do you have people in your life who inspire you? If so, how? Do people in the media provide inspiration, whether they are sports figures, celebrities, world leaders, or other public figures?
Lori,
Great work on this. Over the past year or so it dawned on me that I surrounded myself with negative people. Sure we’ve all had difficult obstacles thrown our way but it’s how we deal with that adversity that makes a man…or woman as you so eloquently stated.
It’s easy to say why something won’t work, it’s much more challenging to actually figure out a solution and MAKE it work. Successful people see the possibility in almost everything, that’s the way I’m constantly try to wire myself. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we’re not so busy complaining.
Very nicely written, Lori. I believe that inspiration can be found all around us if we keep our minds and hearts open. Thanks for the post.