So, this is the How to follow-up on my last post about Inspiration vs. Obsession, where I have mostly talked about the main idea behind drawing this healthy line between the two in order to benefit the most from the inspiration we feed ourselves with on a daily base. So, how do we do that?
In my opinion, the line between great admiration/inspiration and obsession is a very fine one. Therefore, there are a few things you should ask yourself frequently (yes, it’s an on-going process, as is social media) to make sure you stay on the right track. And of course, also make sure to get the most of those inspirations and ideas you see, hear and experience (I’m also talking about real life here). The following few things help me personally to keep it all on a healthy level (even though I sometimes get a little obsessed with certain people or topics as well, nobody is perfect):
- How realistic is this person/lifestyle/idea?
This is only to put your own feelings about a certain topic or person into perspective. Because if you realise that this is not real life but rather a facade or fake, you should definitely ask yourself whether it makes any sense to chase this “ideal”. If it is real, good for you and look at it a little closer!
- What is it that attracts me the most (which aspects)? Or what does the person have/do that I don’t?
I feel like that’s the quintessential point. At this point we’re making the difference between blind obsession and the act of benefitting from those inspirations. Because if you do feel very inspired about it, you probably want to achieve something similar in your own life (the extent can vary greatly) and that’s why you need to work out those essentials. Ultimately, those essentials will later be your tools. Write them down, make them more real and accessible. So, say you admire someone for his/her toned body, organised schedule, great achievements at work or happiness – you have to realise that what you actually want to go for then is discipline and self-love, getting a detailed overlook over your life and what’s complicating it, what holds you back from achieving great things and thoughts about why (or if even) you would actually call yourself unhappy. And those are just a few examples! But of course that brings us to the next question.
- What is holding you back from being the person you want to become? Why are you still just daydreaming?
This is a tricky part – because you need to be very honest with yourself and try to look at yourself and your life from a different angle. Earlier I said “work with what you’ve got” so, this means you need to clarify where you’re standing at this very moment and where you want to go. Mark those two points on an imaginary map in your head (or on a piece of paper, if you want).
- How do I get there? How do I turn Inspiration into real life actions?
Honestly, some of the hardest work you have already done! I’m not saying it will be easy from now on (not at all, depending on your goals) – but the fact that you have reached this point makes you be well ahead of most people around you. Because most people around you are still stuck in the obsession and imitation trap. But once you get over this, you can start to take real action. Take the lead! You have the plan, you have the tools – the only additional thing you now need is somebody to work with you and support you on this journey. You need – yourself. And you’re good to go! Brave the world girls (and boys), you can totally do it!
And don’t be afraid to fail – it might complicate things from time to time, but it’s not going to stop you. Contrariwise, it will help you grow and bring you even further!
So, this post has been a rather intense one. I even feel a little exhausted now – because I’m so passionate about this topic and it means so much to me to see you guys grow and blast your boundaries. Therefore, if this helps even only one person – it’s been totally worth it and it makes me super-happy! So, have a nice day and kick ass!
XXX
Laura
This reminds me of a comic from Zen Pencils</a about something Shonda Rhymes once said: That there are dreamers and there are doers. Dreaming of a better you, of a better life, of what you're going to achieve and how you're going to achieve it is nice and all, but it doesn't actually do anything for you. The doers are the ones that leave the dreamers behind and actually get their banging figure, their famous blog or their music contract.
I think what most people forget is that they don't need to do all and everything at once. Just like you once taught me that I don’t need to go to the gym for two hours every day and only eat veggies and protein to lose weight. It just takes some effort a few times a week and a lot of time. The dreamers only dream, but it would take only a little doing to take them much further than they have ever dreamt.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fuck, I definitely need to figure out HTML on this freaking website, lol.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha, one day you’ll be a pro! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person