“Inspiration from others”

20 January 2020, 10:30 am
Speciality Bites by Paul Hargreaves

Like many people I spend a fair amount of time in my car and in the past spent most of the time listening to Five Live catching up on current affairs.

In fact during the Brexit shenanigans this became slightly obsessive and was regularly affecting my mood.  So since Friday 13th December, the day after the election, I have abstained from listening to any radio news whilst in the car and am now doing something uplifting rather than depressing on my journeys.

I am fortunate that my new electric car is internet connected and can download and play podcasts on the go.  So now I am currently listening to inspiring tales of entrepreneurship from the USA, furiously listening to the back catalogue.  When I have finished those I will move onto other podcasts that will be inputting into my life rather than bringing me down.  I recommend it just as much as I have recommended in the past taking time out regularly during your day in order to re-set and recalibrate for the rest of the day ahead.

I was also astonished recently to learn that 25% of the UK adult population never read books at all.  I haven’t got the data on what percentage of the 75% read non-fiction, but I find tremendous value in reading about the lives of those who are inspiring in one way or the other.  I have a great sense of my own imperfections and know that I can always learn from others.  Many would agree with that sentiment but don’t discipline their time well enough to fit it in.  Try turning off the television for a period each evening and pick up a book which may well inspire you and help you find purpose.

Whether audible or in print I have made a conscious effort over the past couple of years to be more sponge-like and to absorb the good from others.  Hopefully there are those that I can inspire too now I am well into the second half of my life!  This surely should be the aim of all of us?

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