EP133: From Inspiration to Action (Even with Obstacles)
RIDE THE WAVE OF INSPIRATION!
Don’t let the barriers get you off track.
Enjoy!
Listen Here:
(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
As a lifelong learner deeply immersed in the realm of personal and professional development, I thrive on inspiration. Whether it's being a better leader, entrepreneur, parent, or individual, personal growth is my jam. Through my podcasts, workshops, and other endeavors, I aim to provide insights and inspiration. In this episode / post, I want to discuss turning that inspiration into action, especially when obstacles arise.
Recently, I attended a leadership event with remarkable speakers. Eric Harkins, a local HR executive turned author, and Kevin O'Connell, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Both delivered incredible talks. I was fervently taking notes, eager to share their teachings with you and my clients. However, a familiar thought surfaced: what happens next? After the event, how will we use this newfound knowledge? Will it translate into action, or will it fade away, overtaken by our day-to-day routines?
Beyond the Event: Transforming Inspiration into Action
Inspiration often strikes us at events, workshops, or even while listening to a podcast. But the real challenge lies in what we do with that inspiration once the moment is gone. I pondered this as I looked around the room filled with engaged attendees. Here are some common scenarios:
The Doers: Some people immediately apply their learnings, implementing new ideas and strategies with enthusiasm.
The Returners: Others return to their routine, their inspiration slowly dissipating without any significant changes.
The Doubters: A third group feels inspired initially but then starts doubting themselves, leading to inaction. This can be due to a lack of confidence, vision, or comparing themselves to others.
Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles
Let's delve into why these obstacles occur and how we can overcome them. At the core, it often comes down to mindset. Here are some common barriers to action:
Surface-Level Reasons
Lack of Time: This is a frequent excuse. Our schedules are packed, leaving little room for new initiatives. But there is always a choice in how we optimize our time.
Lack of Support: Whether it’s from leaders or the organization, insufficient support can hinder progress.
Financial Constraints: Sometimes, we can't afford new programs or coaching sessions.
Misalignment with Values: If new concepts don't align with organizational values, implementing them can be challenging.
Lack of Skills: Not feeling competent enough to apply new learnings can also be a hurdle.
Deeper Reasons
Lack of Confidence (Imposter Syndrome): We may doubt our abilities, thinking, "Who am I to implement this?"
Lack of Vision: Not seeing ourselves in a bigger role or as an inspired persona can be a significant barrier.
Comparison: Comparing ourselves to successful speakers or peers can be detrimental.
Mindset Matters
Your mindset plays a crucial role in how you handle new learnings. Recognizing this can be the first step toward overcoming barriers. For instance, one of the speakers at the event shared a framework for having difficult conversations using the "Four Cs": Confident, Calm, Committed, and Cautious. While it sounded actionable during the event, applying it later might bring up doubts about our confidence. This is where mindset shifts and intentional preparation come into play.
Real-Life Example
A personal example: I recently joined a new gym with a nutrition coaching program. Initially, I was excited. But as days passed, doubts crept in: "Can I maintain discipline?" "Do I have the time?" Acknowledging these thoughts, I revisited my initial excitement and commitment. It's about recognizing these thoughts as protective mechanisms and choosing to act despite them.
Final Thoughts: From Inspiration to Implementation
Transforming inspiration into action requires awareness and intentional effort. It's natural to encounter doubts and obstacles, but understanding their roots can help us overcome them. Whether it's through optimizing time, seeking support, or working on our mindset, we can ensure that inspiration leads to meaningful action.
Let’s keep growing, attending workshops, consuming wisdom from inspirational speakers, and crucially, putting that wisdom into action. If you ever find yourself struggling with this, I'm here to help. Connect with me, and let’s explore how to transform your inspiration into tangible results.
What Do You Think?
How do you turn inspiration into action?
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