GiVING Hospitality by Inspiring Others

Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something that gives you new and creative ideas.

If you describe someone or something good as an inspiration, you mean that they make you or other people want to do or achieve something.  Inspiration gives us so much hope in certain situations because it’s ultimately what compels us into action, to want to do or create something special.  

American psychologist, Scott Barry Kaufman’s article in Harvard Business Review points out notable research by Todd M. Thrash and Andrew J. Elliott which shows us just how magical inspiration really is.  

For any leader, coach, teacher, or professional, in any industry, on any level, here’s why inspiration is so impactful.  

Research tells us inspired people:

• Are more open to new experiences
• Have a stronger drive to master their work
• Set higher, more inspired goals for themselves and work harder to attain them
• Experience more purpose and meaning in life
• Reported higher levels of:
  • Belief in their own abilities
  • Self-esteem
  • Optimism
  • Creativity 

“Inspiration awakens us to new possibilities by allowing us to transcend our ordinary experiences and limitations.” – Scott Barry Kaufman, American psychologist

Grow yourself, so you can be an inspiration to others.

Here are a few ways we can consistently think about growing ourselves, as leaders, teachers, coaches, or professionals, so we always have our head and heart in the right place to grow our teams:

• Feed your mind
• Feed your body
• Feed your soul

Here are some ways to be intentional and purposeful about feeding our minds:

• Have a thirst for new knowledge
• Be hungry to learn all you can about every facet of your business
• Challenge yourself to learn new skills in and outside of work
• Give yourself time to relax your mind, free of thoughts, and stress

Here are some ways we can take care of ourselves physically, and feed our body:

• Exercise
• Strength training and cardio
• Proper posture
• Get outside
• Rest and recovery

Here are some ways we can feed our soul:

• Read books, blogs, and articles
• Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and music
• Find a faith-based or spiritual organization
• Join a community group
• Share what you learn

“What you feed your soul is what you harvest with your actions.”
— Shannon L. Adler, American author

Your GiVE Culture Challenge for this week:

Inspiration Station

Take five minutes and use your phone to find:

• One book, podcast, and organization (faith or community-based) that you will read, listen to, or explore in the next week to ten days. 

• List three people in your professional and/or personal life with whom you’ll share what you learn from each of these, to be an inspiration to them.

We’d love to hear your stories of how your friends, coworkers, students, or family members have shown you hospitality; or how you’ve taken it upon yourself to GiVE hospitality to others.

Share it in the Lead with Hospitality Facebook group here.

Have a great day, and never stop GiVING the best of yourself and looking for the best in others.

Taylor