Why Reflect? For Inspiration!
My friend does this crazy thing when she finishes a fantastic novel.
At the end of the story, she shuts her eyes and holds the book for a few minutes. Then she goes back to the beginning and flips through the chapters, stopping to reread some paragraphs or sections.
The first time I saw her do this was many years ago on a plane heading home from a vacation. Curious, I’d asked why she’d re-read something she’d just finished!
“A beautiful ending is richer when you look back and appreciate how all the pieces of the story fit together,” she’d explained. “I get inspiration from just about every novel I read. To me, authors paint stories with words. I love to savor the most impactful passages, but this time from the lens of the completed story.”
Made perfect sense! Her reflections brought her inspiration. Not so crazy after all.
As you probably know if you follow my blog, reflection is an important annual ritual for me.
Just as no two novels are the same, I find every year tells a new story and inspires me in different ways. Even when there are similar themes from one year to the next, the situations and characters come, go and evolve.
Revisiting the memories, insights and lessons from the past year inspires me to approach the coming year with renewed energy and enthusiasm. To continue to grow. To achieve new goals.
And to motivate others to do and become their best!
Power Challenge: Find Inspiration in Reflection
Think of reflection as a gift to yourself, celebrating another year of being you! See it in a positive light: You don’t have to reflect; you get to reflect.
The very act of reflection gives you a chance to unwind physically and mentally. It gives you a head start on recharging the batteries you’ve been slowly draining over the past year. (Or quickly draining during the final push of the year!)
Reflection is highly personal. That’s why it’s so important to make it meaningful for you. Set aside a block of time free of distractions or interruptions. Don’t try to jam it in “whenever you can find the time.” Trust me, you’ll never find it. You have to make it!
Be thoughtful in choosing a day of the week and time of day when you’re likely to be calm and able to reflect. As you put yourself in the right headspace, you allow your own wisdom — or spiritual guidance — to come forward.
What’s inspired you over the past year? How can you reflect on the past year to find inspiration for the year to come? The questions below can help frame your reflection. Use any or all:
- When did you feel most inspired by someone else? Why?
- When did you surprise yourself in a way you now find inspiring?
- What inspiring new ideas did you come up with — or glean from other sources?
- What environment was most inspiring to you, and why?
- What positive, inspiring affirmations or mantras did you adopt in place of negative self-talk?
- What wins — however large or small — will you celebrate? How will you use this positive energy to inspire you as you make plans for the coming year?
Recap: A Year of Inspiration
Who doesn’t need a boost of inspiration every now and then?
Over the years, I’ve found inspiration comes in many forms. Sometimes, we need to actively seek it. Often, it’s right in front of us!
This year’s blog posts have focused on inspiration —where we can find it, how to garner its benefits, and ways we can share it with others.
Following is a recap of these posts. May you continue to be inspired throughout the coming year — and beyond!
#1 Let’s Make 2024 Our Year of Inspiration!
Inspiration is a powerful motivator. It can light a fire in us. Navigate challenges with more energy. Put a little spring in our step. Help us to be and do our best.
#2 Be Inspired: Do the Things You Love!
Embrace your passions to spark inspiration. Pick one passion to nurture, and weave it into your routine. Don’t aim for perfection! Simply take delight in regularly participating in an activity you enjoy.
#3 Negative Inspiration Doesn’t Work!
Stop beating yourself up! Self-criticism undermines motivation by bringing on feelings of shame and discouragement. Positive inspiration is a kinder — and far more effective — way to build a cycle of energy, optimism and action.
#4 Give Your Resiliency a BOOST!
If you feel stressed, stretched too thin or overwhelmed, you aren’t going to perform at your best. By proactively creating a “resiliency” toolkit, you’ll have plenty of strategies to draw upon to refuel your tank and inspire you to move forward.
#5 Inspire Yourself: Try Something New!
As adults, we’re big on routines. They provide structure, predictability and safety in our day-to-day. But YAWN! Want to rediscover the excitement and energy you had as a kid? Try something new! Novelty stimulates the brain, releasing dopamine and enhancing learning and memory. Plus, it’s fun!
#6 Give the Gift of Inspiration
Like a good joke, inspiration becomes richer and more meaningful when shared with others. It can connect and uplift others in profound ways. Just make sure you tailor the inspiration to fit the other person and the situation.
#7 Fuel Your Inspiration: Take a Vacation!
I used to wear busyness as a badge of honor. Until I realized being on go, go, go drained my batteries. Vacations are like “spa days” for the mind. Whether you travel to an exotic location or enjoy a staycation, disconnecting from the daily grind is essential to growth and creativity.
During our teen years, societal pressures to fit in can lead us to lose sight of our true selves. But those days are over! Stop trying to please everyone. Instead, focus on being yourself. Notice the spark you feel when you act in alignment with your authentic self — and how it can lead to increased confidence and trust.
#9 Create Inspiration in Your Environment
Our physical surroundings significantly impact our inspiration, energy and productivity. Give your motivation a boost by tailoring your environment to help you think and perform at your best. Start with small, manageable changes, such as rearranging pictures or organizing your workspace.
#10 Your Values: A Powerful Source of Inspiration!
Our core values define us. When we make decisions and take actions in alignment with our values, we find greater fulfillment, energy, and inspiration in our lives. Reflect on your top values, and use them as a source of guidance and motivation.
#11 Look to Younger YOU for Inspiration
One of my earliest independent decisions — to embrace my faith — continues to inspire me every day. We can all draw inspiration from our younger selves by recalling past experiences when we felt empowered, proud and confident. Curate a collection of these memories and tap into them to motivate you today — and into the future!
Wishing you the best this holiday season and Happy New Year — see you in 2025!
Looking for a motivational speaker for your next event? Carla energizes and inspires attendees to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Contact her today.
