How to Find Inspiration to Make Positive Changes

How to find inspiration to make positive changes, text over an image of hands making pottery on a pottery wheelIf you are aware that some things need to change and are ready to do something about it but need some inspiration to get started, keep reading. I’ll be sharing ideas that others have found helpful to inspire motivation to act. These profoundly simple ideas can make a huge difference!

Find Inspiration from Your Overall Vision

If you are struggling to find inspiration, perhaps you are having trouble envisioning what the overall goal will look like. Getting back to the basics of identifying a long-term goal, breaking these down into smaller, specific objectives, and being able to see what this looks like visually by creating a vision board can help get you started.

 

Read, Listen to (or Watch) Inspirational Stories

We can often relate to the stories of others, as many people are (or have) experienced similar struggles. There can be a lot of inspiration found from stories and they can help offer a different perspective and inspire action. Stories can also help us connect on an emotional level to the characters—sharing in the pain and celebrating in the joys. Personal stories, books, blogs, social media video content, and movies are all examples of places to find inspiration.

 

Seek Inspiration from Role Models

Is there a particular area that you are struggling with? If so, who do you know that excels in this area? Who is someone who has overcome similar adversities that you admire? Maybe there is a person who is an expert in a particular area that you want to develop that you can partner with. Role models are a wonderful source of inspiration. They can share words of wisdom and serve as a model of someone with admirable characteristics that you may want to emulate.

 

Find Inspirational Quotes and Create Personal Affirmations

I love finding quotes to help inspire me and then creating custom affirmations for myself. Think about what you need and the person that you want to become. For example, if you are having a hard time forgiving yourself for a past mistake that is preventing you from moving forward, it could be helpful to find a quote that includes ‘forgiving self” or “moving on” as key themes. Then you can also create a personal affirmation such as “I release the past and choose to move forward”.

 

Envision Your Future Self

Take a moment to imagine your future self. It can be hard to see the long-term results when you are starting by making small, incremental steps. Visualization is a powerful activity that can help you envision the future implications of intentional action now to many important areas of wellness such as financial and physical wellness. Starting to save money while you are young and making healthy choices now will have lasting, long-term benefits that your future and older self will be thanking you for.

 

Know That You are Not Alone

It can be a helpful reminder to know that you are not alone. Drawing on strengths such as spiritual support can bring comfort and inspiration. For others, knowing that you are surrounded by other humans, and can draw off the positive energies of other beings can help inspire. I encourage you to seek out resources and people who care about your well-being.  No matter what you are currently struggling with, there are people such as myself who are available to listen, understand, validate, instill hope, and inspire as you make positive changes.

Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC

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