All of us know people who struggle to get out of bed early to get the day started or accomplish a task. In fact, every single one of us, myself included, has been in this position at one time or another.  Really, what it all comes down to is not as simple as being motivated, but being inspired.

Are you now asking yourself what the difference is?

Someone can be motivated to get a task done the next day – such as working out – but if that person is not inspired by somebody else, or a vision they have created, or a story, or some kind of idea, the end result is the person was motivated to get something done but decided to stay in bed.  That exact same person however, if they were told by the doctor that “if they want to see their grandchildren, you better start exercising.” Notice what the inspiration is; see your grandchildren. Having that inspiration is a lot more powerful than just being motivated to work out for your health. After all, in many respects that is a vague motivation.

How about all the charity marathons that are done to raise money for an ailment.  The people who are running in those events are INSPIRED by somebody who conquered sickness, or the story of somebody with it, or the person might have an illness and is INSPIRING others to join the movement.  I think it is safe to say that 90% of people don’t like to run over 10km continuously just for fun, but when they are inspired, then the motivation exists to start training for a marathon too.

So when you look at your life and the people around you, has anyone gone the proverbial ‘extra mile’ to make a difference. Consider the story of Ruth who chose to stay with her mother-in-law despite both her sons dying (one of which Ruth as married to). Imagine a young woman still able to find another man choosing to take care of her mother-in-law.

Rth 1:16 –  And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 

— Ruth 1: 16

What a story of inspiration for other people to follow of the kind of love that one should have for their families. It is even more amazing that it is Ruth’s in-laws.

The importance that you should place on being inspired by somebody is integral to reaching beyond your boundaries in life.  If you want to be a better piano player, then it is time to get inspired by a great piano player. And once you start your journey, how far are you willing to go? Jesus said,

Mat 5:41 –  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

— Matthew 5: 41

If someone, or some story, idea, or vision has inspired you to take a chance and try for a time to achieve something, Jesus, says to walk another mile in the same direction. Notice it is not forever, but for the next stretch of time. People who are inspiring to yourself and to others are difficult to find in life, therefore, it is worth embarking on a journey to learn from them.

Just as it is important to be inspired, one should also reflect on their own composition, and see if they are being inspiring to others. This is equally something that can provide the fire beneath the motivation to do something great everyday. Something great does not equate to big or small, but doing what you feel you should do. Be authentic. The people you come into contact with everyday will naturally pick up and be inspired by you even just by smiling, holding the door, being polite, and executing your work. In fact, telling your family you will learn something new and bold, like a language or instrument, then taking the steps to learn it, and then use it – IS INSPIRING! Your colleagues won’t always tell you this during the struggle or even after victory, but rest assured it will come out and they will tell you.

No one finished a journey without persistence. No one who does not challenge themselves is inspired. No one who quit was inspiring.

Inspired by Jesus anyone? YOU BET!