Struggling with the Midyear Blues? Let’s find your Inspiration.
It’s early August, which means that we have soldiered through nearly seven months of the year. It is during this period when you might be wondering where your inspiration and motivation will come from for the remainder of the year. Generally, we refer to this as the midyear blues.
As part of Mindpearl’s Senior Management Team, certain responsibilities and accountabilities come with the role that sit beyond the commercial, financial and legislated obligations associated with leadership positions. As leaders we also need to manage, guide, mentor and most importantly inspire our employees to follow our vision and decisions. In order to do this, you need to be inspired yourself.
I recently reflected on where my own inspiration comes from, and what fuels my personal energy especially during busy times. I was genuinely surprised that my source of inspiration is so diverse. My hope is that my reflections will re-inject some enthusiasm into the way you approach the remainder of this year.
Appreciate beauty
If you know me, you will agree music, art and design greatly influence my world. Well actually, if I am honest colour in general inspires me. I just generally react to seeing beauty. I actively look for beauty in my everyday life and find it on a daily basis in very common and often not so common places. Whether it is a colour combination, someone is wearing or a beautiful piece of music or art. When you start actively looking for it and appreciating it, you will not believe the impact it can have on your inspiration and energy levels.
Take inspiration from others who have successfully dealt with adversity
Whether we like it or not, adversity is part of life. Overcoming adversity is one of the biggest hurdles we face as human beings. Every challenge and every difficulty we successfully confront in life serves to strengthen our will, confidence and ability to conquer future obstacles. In my daily interactions, I often come across inspiring stories of people who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. Nothing inspires and moves me more than learning from others who have dealt successfully with adversity.
Passion fuels passion
Some people go to work each day simply to make enough money to buy food and pay the bills. They might not feel inspired on most days if this is their primary motivation. Others, though, love their jobs and wake up in the morning inspired to do great things at work. I truly believe passion fuels passion, so I try to surround myself with people who are inspired to give their all to whatever task is before them. When you are inspired to do great things, great things usually, happen!
People that embrace change and take inspired action
In our line of business, major life upheaval can be commonplace. As an international organisation, there is sometimes a need for individuals to relocate to a different country. Whilst this is a physical change, they also undertake a personal and emotional journey along the way. It can be daunting to most. People who tackle these major life upheavals with a sense of adventure inspire me.
Proactive, enterprising people
I admire people who in addition to their daily responsibilities find the energy to help with small and large-scale projects behind the scenes. These individuals often turn ‘mission impossible’ into ‘mission accomplished’ with their proactive, enterprising approach to each task. Their individual contributions usually result in collective achievements and not personal gain. Yet, these individuals indirectly inspire and motivate everyone around them without intending to. These are our unsung heroes that motivate me to be the best I can be.
An island of Stability
We all experience stress in some form; some just handle it better than others do. I admire people who stay calm even when they are in a ‘raging storm’’. I call these individuals, ‘an island of stability’’. They ground everyone around them and inspire better decisions. Surround yourself with these islands of stability’ or be ‘an island of stability’ to others.
Great minds think a like
I am excited when I discover synergy with others. You know that moment when you realise without a doubt that you are on the same page and moving in the right direction. Often these moments result in one or the other person uttering the cliché phrase, ‘great minds think alike’. I live for these moments and feel re-energised every time it happens.
Body language
I recently discovered that someone else’s body language energises me. Unusual as this might sound, people that demonstrate happiness, content, respect, understanding and a zest for learning in their non-verbal communication motivate me.
Crossing paths – We are here to awaken each other
In my role, I spend a lot of time flying to and from our different Mindpearl locations. People often wonder if I ever get sick of traveling, but I embrace this part of my job. I intentionally make the trip an integral part of my journey, by having random encounters with other passengers seated next to me every time I travel. I believe we cross paths to awaken each other to new possibilities and new ways of thinking. Sometimes a complete stranger can answer our questions and give us insight and inspirational direction.
If you were stuck in a rut or just feeling the midyear blues, I hope this article has left you feeling inspired and ready to tackle the rest of the year. I hope my reflections have shown you that you can find inspiration anywhere; you just have to be open to it.
