Those who inspire you

Finding someone who inspires you can also motivate you to do great things. This isn’t a coincidence as Psychologists Todd M. Thrash and Andrew J. Elliot dug into why we feel inspired.

Their report states that those who are inspired by others are more likely to make big changes and achieve goals. People who find inspiration in others also have an “Openness to Experience” different aspects of life and can be a lot more adventurous.

Other characteristics you might possess if you find inspiration in others is a bigger drive to be better at certain tasks without being competitive with those doing similar work.  The inspiration might actually make you more likely to help others in the same task as you might also learn from the experience. 

These are just some of the positive changes being inspired by someone can do for you as it can also improve your creativity and your physical well-being.  Recently, we asked our Starts at 60 community who inspired them and got some fascinating stories.

Our community member Paula posted, “Those who have served this country through all wars. Grandfathers, fathers, husbands. Now also females. I admire them all. Those who volunteered and those who were drafted.”

Stewart had one that hit closer to home when he posted, “My wife………Also I am impressed by people who do not make a big deal as to what they do and brag about it. I am impressed by people who do great things and do not say look at me.”

A lot of our community, and rightly so, are impressed with the life of Fred Hallows. The ophthalmologist who dedicated his life to ensuring better eye health for Australians and those around the world. Maria said of Fred and those like him, “Anyone whose a quiet achiever, people like Fred Hollows who gave sight to third world countries. I admire Dr Chris O’Brien from RPA, who battled an aggressive brain tumour. I also admire anyone who rises from the depths of despair with courage to embrace their lives again!”

While so many of our community found inspiration from their spouse and children, one comment hit home with a lot of people when Elizabeth shared this about her Grandmother, “Eldest of 12. Migrated from Bristol before WW1 and basically brought me up.And boy could she cook…..never used a recipe so unfortunately no written record….just memories from watching her.Her old bent silver spoon she used to hold over the gas, full of sugar.Then use it for darkening the gravy.”

It’s those moments that remind us the importance of being inspired.

Who inspires you?  We would love to read about them in the comment section below.