Mukesh Bhatnagar, Delhi . Each one of us at some point of time or the other face the dilemma of making a choice, while deciding the course of action. It is not that easy as it may look like, as it entails many factors to be taken into consideration and thrashed upon before taking the plunge. Basically there are three factors that determine the course of our action and it is about the choices we make, at a given point. The choice to act. The choice of purpose. The choice of principles.
Eventually these choices become the foundation for a life time. Be it passing of an exam, choosing a career – whether commercial or professional ; political or social, but they invariably revolve around the three choices as stated. The choice to act represent the energy one brings to life – his will power. The choice of purpose represents his destination – where he chose to go in life, what he want to accomplish. The choice of principles then determines the means as to how he will get there – how he will attain his goals. His action and purpose of life if governed by the right set of principles, sets an example for others to follow. What need to be understood therefore is to understand and inculcate value based principles in oneself.
Whether you have just started out on your career path or occupy a plush office as an entrepreneur or is a life coach or beginning a new inning after retirement, you should have the ability to make a difference in the lives of those around you every single day. Of course, that difference can be positive or negative. But if you want the power to light a spark inside of others, and make them want to be better, stronger, bigger, and more of who they are …. you can, by your words, by your actions, by your ethics.
Every truly inspiring person share two fundamental qualities : they believe in themselves and they believe in others. But they also share other critical traits that make those around them want to be better, reach further, leap higher.
They express positivity. They are not necessarily “upbeat” every second of every day – nobody is – but they are enthusiastic about their work, their colleagues, their lives, their families. They spread their positive vibes and good energy to others, like a joyful contagion. Being with people who are passionate about what they do makes everyone feel good. Their enthusiasm prompts us to do our best work.
They have empathy for others. Those who inspire us understand and care about our personal stories – who we really are and what we feel, deep down. They appreciate who we are inside, which makes us feel safe to be more authentic without worrying we wll be humiliated for our differences or our weaknesses. Empathetic people are capable of showing their own vulnerabilities, which puts others even more at ease with them.
Inspiring people have the inbuilt quality of observation. They listen carefully. They really pay attention to what others say to them and respond appropriately, asking questions, offering suggestions, and furthering the conversation. They never just let things go in one ear and out the other. They want your feedback and encourage you to contribute to the common goal. This creates a shared sense of value because when everyone participates, everyone is important.
They also foster equality. The people who inspire us the most, are not full of hate, jealousy, bigotry, or racism. They don’t harbor or encourage thoughts of who is “better” than someone else, or who “deserves” more. They strive for equality. They use caring, accepting language, and are inclusive rather than divisive. Understanding, compassion, acceptance, and appreciation are at the heart of who they are and what they stand for.
They are trustworthy. We look up to those who show integrity. When a person always tells the truth, systematically delivers on what they promise, and lives honestly and earnestly, we can’t help but be inspired by them. We know they won’t use anyone for their own purposes or to cover up their misdeeds. We can rely on them in a crisis; we know we can count on them if we tell them something in confidence. They always place the common good above their ego, as hard as it may sometimes be. No matter, how they get treated by their fellow beings.
They are generous by nature. Inspirational people try to give others what they want whenever it is possible or reasonable. They understand that, while money is a motivator, so too are praise, recognition, non-monetary rewards, saying “thank you”, and publicly celebrating an individual’s contribution to a successful endeavor. Speaking directly to you about the value that your work provides for the organization is also inspiring – and fulfilling.
An inspiring person is the most satisfied person. He seldom gets perturbed by the condemnation and comments of peer group. Rather it act like a fodder to them to be a better version of self. They never shun responsibility, notwithstanding there is recognition or not. They never fear about the outcome of their action, because they know whether there will be success or lesson out of it. However ensure, whatever they do is on the premise of sound principles. People will see them as an inspiring personality.
