I spend a great deal of time trying to master the skills I need to have the career I want. Becoming a better writer? I push myself to read and write daily and seek feedback. Connecting people to the resources they need to be the change they wish they see? I pay attention to trends in social change careers while working with those ready to put their passion into practice.
Stuck in the Daily Grind
I love what I do. Yet doing what you love can be hard. As a result, it is still easy to get caught up in the daily grind of working and lose sight of your purpose. So while writing and connecting excite me, lately I have been forced to think more about how I can refocus on my work to ensure I am learning and savoring every minute of it.
For example, ever have a day (or week…or month) where you just can’t remember what you did? Or when someone asks you what you do, you can’t explain it? Do have trouble pinpointing exciting moments that have moved you forward this year? Do you have a sense of what moving forward means? This isn’t just a matter of finding the right work. It’s also about keeping the right mindset as you work.
Get Inspired
How can we stay focused on our purpose and truly live and learn in the moment? What’s been helpful for me is setting aside time to be inspired.
Define Inspiration: I like reading. I like being able to take my time and talk to the text. What moves me most are materials that focus on addressing and overcoming doubt, embracing failure, profiting from passion, and showing gratitude.
Seek Inspiration: I want my soul to be rocked regularly. In order for this to happen, I make it a priority. I’m not just open to it in terms of keeping an open mind and heart when things come my way (although it certainly helps); I set aside time to read and reflect while making plans to act. I ask people what inspires them and how. I subscribe to blogs that consistently ask hard questions while encouraging me to reframe my thinking.
Share Inspiration: I do it here and other places online. I hop on the phone with loved ones and share my joy and ask them to do the same. I also share my inspiration by acting on what I’ve learned. The best way to share a message is to embody it.
Inspiration doesn’t look the same for everyone. One of my closest girlfriends finds her inspiration during Bible Study where she is encouraged to think critically and share with others her understanding of the Bible. The stories of compassion, the ambiguity of certain text, and the community of learners all help her keep sight of her purpose.
So what inspires you? How do you act on that inspiration to help you stay focused on what matters?




