Inspiration

I am intrigued by the topic of inspiration.  I've listened to Joe Rogan podcasts lately where incredible individuals have discussed their accomplishments.  Sharing their stories has helped other people pursue their dreams.  

Colin O’Brady (podcast link) was the first person to cross Antarctica by foot alone, dragging a 350-pound sled.  He discussed entering a flow state and how his mental endurance was integral in achieving this physical feat.  This was not his first major accomplishment.  He is also the world record holder for the Explorers Grand Slam, a challenge to make it to the North Pole, South Pole, and the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.  In his twenties he had major injuries due to burns from a flaming jump rope accident in Thailand which resulted in tendon damage that should have prevented him from walking normally.  His inspiration to heal? His mother’s positivity and her helping him set a goal for himself to participate in a triathlon.  He not only completed it, he won.  

After listening him share his story, the topic of inspiration and endurance came up.  He and Joe Rogan discussed how most people give up at 40% effort. Colin theorized that most people give up at 1%, “I’d love to_________, but I can’t,” only stating, then quickly dismissing their dreams.   

Of course, this got me thinking about my own dreams, the physical and mental challenges I haven’t fully pursued.  I’ve always thought how rewarding it would feel to run in a marathon.  I watched my ex-brother-in-law train for one a decade ago and thought, how do people know how to do that?  I was impressed but I didn’t even consider that I might be able to do it also.  One of the blessings of our current digital age is the access to information.  Not only can I easily find a training plan, there’s an app for that.  As I type, the words of Russell Wilson come to mind, “Why not me?” I know I possess the mental fortitude to difficult things.   

Another guest Joe Rogan had on the show was C.T. Fletcher (podcast link), a powerlifter who is known for his motivational YouTube videos.  He’s achieved great feats of physical strength but also mental fortitude.  Most impressive is his enduring positivity and faith through open heart surgery and then years later, a heart transplant.  He doesn’t understand why people are so moved by him since he’s just a normal guy from Compton.  He said many people had waited in line three hours just to shake his hand and that several had cried telling him that he had prevented them from taking their own lives.  How powerful is that?   

This is another blessing of this age of information. There are so many platforms and genres of media for people to share their stories.  Inspiration can come in so many different forms and doesn’t need to tie directly to one’s own goals.  I’m not planning on crossing Antarctica and I pray that I never have to endure a heart transplant, but I love that I can strive for my own greatness through the story of others.  I hope my experiences blogging, running a marathon, and maybe someday writing a book can inspire others to feel empowered to attack their own challenges and get that fiery feeling inside that comes from knowing you can do something if you set your mind to it. 

What are your dreams that have been neglected? Who has sparked your internal flame? I’m dying to know! In the words of my one of my Facebook friends, "Go be great!"