I know it’s cliché to say, “I’m so lucky to do what I do.”
As much as I didn’t want to start this email that way…sometimes you gotta jump on the idea when it strikes.
I do actually mean it. Not in the humblebraggy, #blessed way. In the eyes-wide-open, learning-something-new-every-day kind of way.
Because in my work, and in the everyday moments in between, I get to meet people who teach me something. People who inspire me to be better and do better. People who remind me what’s possible.
And lately? I’ve been surrounded by muses.
I think if we all look hard enough, we could all say that on any given day.
As I use my own skills and experience to support leaders and businesses, I’m constantly learning, seeing in others the ways and means to make myself better.
In just the last couple weeks alone, I look around and see inspiration everywhere…
#1 She’s single. 85 this week. On her own for at least 25 years. Frugal might be an apt description. She lives wisely. And she does whatever the h#ll she wants. She’s survived breast cancer. Two hip replacements. And knee surgery on the horizon.
“Slow down,” you might say. “Hunker down. Find some friends. Take up napping.”
Not this lady. World traveller is way more interesting.
Book a cruise around Australia.
Alaska? Bahamas?
No, this doesn’t come from being flush with cash. How about volunteering to play the organ at a Bahamian church in exchange for a place to stay?
Inspiration: Live independently. Do whatever you want. Don’t let age, gender or biology stop you.
#2 Business owner. Dentist. Mom. Marathoner. Volunteer dental missions to third world countries…all in her spare time. And probably dozens of other things I don’t know about.
Unstoppable drive. The kind that says…whatever the goal, I have 100% clarity I’ll achieve it. And she has. Sell her booming business? Nope.
Her mission is clear: Build it for the team and community she serves. Make it special. Invest in people. Make life matter more than money (even though we’re fans of the money, too).
Inspiration: An unflappable, unstoppable and unapologetic achiever using her power for good.
#3 Mom of 3. ER doctor as a first career. But now she’s onto a new one. A crazy smart, mid-forties entrepreneur carving out a space in healthcare that says: There’s a better way. Let’s put proactive health management back in the hands of the people inside the body they keep. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. It’s a program, a technology, and a personal commitment to finding the best in everyone.
And…the humility and drive to want to get better.
Inspiration: No matter how much you’ve achieved, keep asking, “Where are my skills best used? How and where can I do better?”
#4 23 years old. Law student. Brother to 6 siblings. David in a war with Goliath. Whip-smart and crazy accomplished. An example to Gen-Zers and the rest of us that limitations are just labels. Grab your smarts, your resources, and whatever you learned from your favorite video game and swing at the big problems, even when the crowd’s hoping you miss.
Inspiration: You won’t know what’s possible until you try. Do the thing, even when it’s unpopular.
#5 Business owners. Married. A gaggle of kids. Focus like I’ve never seen. Consistent, reliable…some may say boring (and they like it that way). Get this…they’re in financial services. And boring is their credo. They could use a dose of that with the markets behaving like erratic school children this week.
Inspiration: Do the right thing. Do it well. Do it consistently. It will be contagious. Life on the other side is profitable, predictable and exactly as you planned it would be.
Our team is reading a book right now High Performance Habits. It talks about the need to go beyond self awareness. It’s one thing to know yourself – that is solid work to do – in fact it takes a lifetime. It’s a whole other level to imagine who you could be … and then work to live up to it.
Who’s your muse?
What story, what person, what moment reminded you what you’re capable of?
I’d love to hear all about it. Hit reply, comment or share this with someone who inspires you.
Mary
P.S. To my husband, kids, mom, dad, teammates, and all the everyday rockstars I get to hang out with…don’t worry, I see you.
You just didn’t make this week’s list.
Try harder, maybe? 😏
P.P.S. We help visionary leaders and organizations achieve more impact through purpose, engagement and storytelling. When you’re ready, here’s how we can help:
- Build the story of your impact through Envision OnPrpose™
- Develop purpose-driven leaders and storytellers with Lead OnPrpose™
- Energize your people’s potential from the inside out with Engage OnPrpose™
- Amplify your industry voice through Influence OnPrpose™
P.P.P.S. Check out past One Thing Thursdays here.
