Over the past couple of years, I’ve heard so many inspirational stories. Mainly throughout the pandemic, but more recently during the invasion of Ukraine. This has led me to think more deeply about what it means to be inspirational. To deconstruct the actions of inspirational people. So we can all learn their lessons.
I feel that it boils down to five key behaviours.
1 Demonstrate bravery
Inspirational people are often brave. They face up to dangerous threats. They stand up for what they feel is right. Often against more powerful forces. Often at great personal risk. History is full of these kinds of people. People who have changed the world for good. Rosa Parks when she refused to give up her seat. Wartime leaders who stepped up in the heat of the battle. Not least, President Zelensky of Ukraine. People who testify in court against powerful forces. Courageous, brave individuals.
These people make us feel I’m not sure I could have done that. But we’re immensely grateful that they did.
2 Act selflessly
People who inspire us often work on behalf of others. Usually for people less fortunate or in greater need. They put their ego to one side. They don’t seek personal glory. They make sacrifices. They put others before themselves. We saw this so many times during the pandemic, where NHS staff worked tirelessly to support the Covid victims. Local Tooting ICU nurse Anthea Allen used to send weekly emails to friends and neighbours asking for support. She eventually compiled all her stories into a best-selling book called Life Death and Biscuits.
We see this with activists and volunteers, such as The White Eagle Polish Club in Balham, not far from where I live, which is fundraising for Ukraine.
We’re inspired by their deep sense of empathy and compassion.
3 Strive for excellence
We’re in awe of people who demonstrate extraordinary levels of performance. We see this commonly amongst our sporting heroes who show incredible levels of skill and athleticism. Watch ‘The Last Dance’ if you’ve not seen it. It chronicles the story of Michael Jordan and his last year with the Chicago Bulls. Even if you’re not a basketball fan, you’ll be blown away.
But it applies to all fields of human endeavour. Artists, authors, architects, musicians, fashion designers, entrepreneurs. People who amaze and inspire us with their exceptional abilities. They add depth and richness to our lives. For example. Walter Isaacson brings this to life with his wonderful book ‘Leonardo’ which chronicles the life of the polymath Leonardo da Vinci.
We’re inspired in two ways. Firstly, by the scale of their achievements. Secondly, by their commitment and dedication. The lifetime of practice and commitment required to achieve such mastery.
We may never achieve the levels of excellence of our heroes. We may not be blessed with their talents. But we can still keep striving to be the best we can be.
4 Stay committed
People who are dedicated to their chosen field are also figures of inspiration. People who commit to the long term. People who continue to work hard at their vocation and have a real sense of duty. These could be teachers, small business owners, or carers. Often they’re not in the limelight, nor do they seek it. But their work can have an enormous impact and is appreciated by those who benefit from it. Watch the moment here when footballer Ian Wright meets his old school teacher.
We also admire people who don’t give up. People with grit. People who succeed against the odds. Particularly those who follow their dreams. Who stick at it, despite advice to the contrary.
5 Galvanise others
Inspirational people are often agents of change. They have the ability to encourage others to come along with them on their journey. They do this through their passion, the power of their words and the example they set. They have the ability to evoke powerful emotions and rally a community. To convince others to care about an issue as much as they do.
They’ve often assumed leadership roles, either through choice or through circumstance. Again I have to return to the example set by President Zelensky.
Summary
I believe it’s important to not only admire inspirational people but to try to imitate them. To learn their lessons. So we can continue to inspire each other. Ask yourself. How can I act bravely? How can I act selflessly? Where can I achieve mastery? What shall I commit to? How can I galvanize others?
We all need people to inspire us. To motivate us. To make the world a better place. We need them now more than ever.