I've Found My Inspiration, What Inspires You?
April 25, 2009 by Skip Weisman
Filed under Motivating Yourself & Others
Last night, as I was driving home early in the AM from my 61st live performance of Bruce Springsteen (with & without the E Street Band, this one happened to be with) in Hartford, Connecticutt, my mind wandered and wondered.
I wondered, for the gazalionth time, why it is I am so passionate about the music, message and showmanship of Bruce Springsteen.
If you ask a question often enough you will usually get an answer that makes sense. The answer I got made perfect sense. I knew it was the perfect answer to the question because the answer could be applied beyond my obsession with The Boss.
My answer is I am inspired by Excellence and Mastery. When I see excellence in action and witness a master perform his craft I am usually in awe and that awe inspires me. It may not inspire me to follow the same course the subject I am witnessing is following, but to search for my own path and re-commit to pursuing excellence and mastery in the endeavors for which I am most passionate.
This was a huge and very fulfilling “AHA” moment. As I drove down Interstate 84 on the way back to my Poughkeepsie, NY home, a smile came across my face, and despite the time being 1:30 a.m. I immediately got energized and giddy for the final 30-minutes of my journey home.
Just one more time I can chock up to being inspired to pursue my own path of excellence and mastery after seeing it in play by Bruce Springsteen and the “Heart Stompin’, Hard Rockin’, Booty Shakin’, Earth Quakin’, Love Makin’, Viagra Takin’, History Makin’, Legendary, E Street Band!”
There are opportunities to experience and enjoy excellence and mastery all around us, if ours eyes are open and our mind is flexible enough to appreciate one’s craft. Take a look around and step back for a moment to appreciate someone else’s pursuit or excellence and mastery, as imperfect as it may be and allow their efforts to inspire you.
Thanks, Bruce, see you in Albany in a couple of weeks!
Oh, yeah and please leave a comment, and answer “What Inspires You?”
I am also inspired by excellence and mastery, especially in artistic endeavors. Writing is a passion I have had since childhood, but unfortunately pushed aside in my adult life for more “practical” pursuits. I am just now starting to become impractical again. For instance, I have spent a large part of today writing a page for my web site. Although I am physically uncomfortable due to injury, I was so totally absorbed in the creative process that I didn’t really think about it until I was finished and realized how much time had passed. Now, I am aware of the discomfort and ready for some pharmaceutical treatment, but the energy and sense of accomplishment I feel is inspiring me to write more.
Skip,
What a great Aha! I love those serendipitous moments that make us smile for a while, but change our thinking for a life time. It just so happens I was listening to Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brighton as I read this. (one of my inspirations both musically and for his incredible life story)
Seeing potential in others or things inspires me. I love to help people grow and change. The more impossible the situation the more inspired I am. To see someone create something from nothing or achieve great success in spite of tragedy, hardship or setbacks is the most inspiring thing I can think of.
Thanks for this thought provoking and inspiring post. I will be sure to pass this on to others.
Carece,
Thanks for adding tremendous value to the topic. I agree that stories of individuals who have overcome tragedy and hardships to thrive is inspiring as they show us all what is truly possible when we commit and we believe. The individuals who do so are no different than each of us and as such shows we, too, have the same capabilities if we just tap into our internal resources. I often imagine myself in those situations I read and hear about and wonder, if I would have the conviction to do what it takes to breakthrough and overcome those very same challenges. I’d like to think I would, and feel tremendously grateful that my life’s setbacks and tragedies have been mere speed bumps in comparison to so many others.
Thanks for inspiring me to write quality material. Love ya’