One of the key components to maintaining a strong personal brand is the need to self-motivate. The outside world is busy and sometimes pushes back on what you believe to be your values, and that can feel frustrating, if not dejecting. In my programs and work with professionals to uncover and build compelling personal and corporate brands, the hardest part truly begins when you take your passion for the reputation you desire into the marketplace, where naysayers and skeptics can potentially challenge your conviction.
To work through this, I ask my clients to think of who or what inspires them. Finding inspiration is sometimes challenging for an Army infantryman who is facing his third deployment or a job seeker who has, yet again, been turned down for what seemed like an “ideal job for me.” But it is critical that we all, as human beings, find inspiration in our lives to sustain us.
When I ask the question, “What or who inspires you?” I get many different kinds of responses. For instance, I’ve heard:
- I’m inspired by the work of great philosophers who set out a path for future generations simply in how cleanly they looked at the world as it was in that moment….
- I find inspiration in my daughter, born with severe learning disabilities. She greets every day with such enthusiasm and hope and puts all the struggles of yesterday behind her. I wish I could do that…
- The sacrifices of our military families, who say “goodbye” to their sons and daughters as they deploy, hoping (but not knowing if) they will see them again. Their faith in the Nation’s commitment to defend the constitution at all costs is inspiring to me…
- I’m inspired by the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who took such a bold stand against what he believed to be wrong. He did so in a way that united people of all races and created a legacy that outlived him by generations so far. I’d like to build a legacy for doing what I believe is the right thing to do…
- I’m inspired by Apple. Their innovation, tolerance for risk, and consistency with their vision and mission shows me that it’s not easy to follow brand guidelines and principles, but it IS crucial in order to sustain a legacy for greatness…
It really doesn’t matter what or who inspires you. It also doesn’t matter if the target of your inspiration changes periodically. What is important is that you find yourself inspired enough to stay true to your values and passions and are able to share your gifts with others.
Think about this question for just a moment: What or who inspires you? I’d love to hear your story! Please share below if you feel comfortable.
