Six small things we can do daily to stay inspired, motivated, and make lasting change
Ah, the first days of a new year! The gyms are full, the diets are anew, and ambition is oozing from our pores. It’s funny how almost every human gets excited about a new year, but so few people actually make any adjustments in their everyday lives to initiate change before the next NYE. Jim Rohn said it best: “If you’re not happy where you are, MOVE. You’re not a TREE!”
I’ve mulled this over more times than I can count over the past few weeks. The fact is that in order for any of us to really incite change, we have to be inspired. Life tends to get in the way of even the best of intentions, doesn’t it? If we aren’t inspired about each month of the year, each day of the week, and each minute of the day, the centrifugal force of our day in and day out inevitably holds us back from any chance of making a change. After all, it’s
I keep myself inspired each day in really small, simple ways: listening, reading, and learning. I have an insatiable desire to know better and to do better. I joke that I have to listen to these things, read these things, and learn these things over and over again because I’m just that dense. Maybe it’s not really a joke, after all! It’s in these small, consistent things that I’m reminded of who I am, who I want to be, and where I’m going. As a child of God, a wife, a mom, and a woman, it’s important to stay focused and inspired in these areas.
Staying in the Word
Waking up early to read and study a chapter in the Bible is the key to keeping my head on straight. No matter how much I’m tempted to catch up on work or sleep in those gloriously silent morning
Reading
It’s true, I’m always chatting about the latest non-fiction book I’m reading, but hear me when I say: this is a huge part of what keeps me inspired! I’ve become a sucker for audiobooks lately because #workingmomlife and such, but those are still books, so I think I can still maintain book nerd status. I’ve found I can ingest them so much faster and so much more frequently when I’m listening and not having to stop and read actual words. (To be clear: Reading actual words are my favorite thing ever. In my office, of course: the bathtub.) If you haven’t read my post on my absolute favorite, most life-changing books, hop on over to this post asap! I’ve updated it with my newest favorite book I read in 2018 and added links for the audiobooks.
YouTube
It’s YouTube’s world, and we’re just living in it. Play it on your phone, your computer, or your TV. If you’re in need of some inspiration, open up YouTube and the world is your oyster. Just type a word like inspiration, motivation, happiness, etc, and you’ll be presented with a million different brilliant minds that will mess you up (in a good way). My favorite? Search for Jim Rohn. Whatever comes up by him – listen to it! I adore him and every single bit of his wisdom. I wish he had lived on forever. The good news is that his teaching does, and we can all still learn from it. He’ll dish out a hearty dose of reality and make sure you walk away feeling motivated and totally capable of accomplishing whatever you set your mind to.
Podcasts
Have you jumped on the podcast bandwagon? From murder mysteries to financial guidance, there’s sure to be a podcast you’re dying to hear. I listen to several. Just type in whatever topic you’re hoping to find and a plethora of choices will come up.
Before I get sidetracked and start talking about my Up and Vanished obsession, I want to share with you the most inspiring podcasts I’ve been listening to.
Rachel Hollis hosts Rise and Rise Together (the latter is done with her husband on the topics of relationship and marriage). This girl was born with a fire inside her that just can’t be put out. She makes me think maybe I can go for it, too! Here’s the best part – she’s all about giving actionable steps. She doesn’t just spit out a pearl of elusive wisdom and send you on your way. Nope, you’ll know what to do.
Another one of my favorites is The Crystal Paine Show. Crystal is known as the Money Saving Mom on IG and Facebook. She inspires and encourages women to be the best we can be, to be content with what we’ve got, and to save money every chance we get. She’s a total girl-next-door who feels like a friend. She also has some pretty rad book recommendations. I adore following her on social media and on her podcast!
Use Instagram wisely! IG can be a place of inspiration or just a massive comparison trap that brings you down. What accounts do you follow that genuinely make you smile, inspire you, or make you want to be a better version of yourself? Follow those. Unfollow the rest.
Here are just a few of my favorite, inspiring accounts:
The Sister Studio. Jennifer Reed is my friend IRL. I adore her perfectly imperfect self. She is my go-to for achievable, affordable fashion suited for every body! I also love her easy-peasy hair and makeup tutorials and her fun, oh-so relatable stories.
Cotton Stem. Erin is NOT my friend IRL, but I feel like she is. She’s a
Rachel Mitchell. @racheljmitchell is a sweet soul I met on IG. She’s a fitness gal with a soul on fire for the Lord! She cares about working out her mind and spirit even more than working out her body (which she cares about a lot). She reminds me that I can be who I want to be, do what I need to
Music
Pump up the jams, people! Did you know music is clinically proven to improve mood and increase endorphins? I love praise and worship music and that’s usually my go-to. However, when I feel like gettin’ jiggy with it, I tell Alexa to play Top 40. Let’s just say I can be found shaking my booty in my kitchen and/or singing at the top of my lungs on a regular basis. Just ask my family.
Be intentional. Stay inspired. Make a lasting change this year!