Itโs a simple fact. Inspired coaches grow bigger and better businesses than those who are uninspired.
Great results come when we are inspired to do great things.
But thereโs a problem. Business-building requires daily attention. We canโt just sit around and wait for the inspiration fairy to come. If we did that, weโd never work at all.
So what is a hard-working Christian coach supposed to do?
We wonโt wait until inspiration comes to us. Instead, weโll actively seek inspiration and cultivate it every day of our lives.
Here is a list of 30 things that keep my well of inspiration full. I hope it sparks some ideas in you and that youโll share those in the comment section below.
1. ย Reading books about my niche
2. ย Listening to podcasts
3. ย Being open-minded about new things
4. ย Attending conferences
5. ย Being with like-minded people
6. ย Successfully serving others
7. ย Music
8. ย Stories of people who have succeeded in the area I care about
9. ย Stories of people who have overcome the odds
10. ย Beauty in nature
11. ย Checking things off my to-do list
12. ย Learning something new
13. ย Acting in spite of fear
14. ย Taking a class
15. ย Giving thanks for ALL things – even hard things
16. ย Prayer
17. ย Reading the Bible
18. ย Taking a walk
19. ย Scheduling in fun
20. ย Using my strengths
21. ย Using my spiritual gifts
22. ย Lunch with a friend
23. ย Keeping track of progress
24. ย Kind words from a client or friend
25. ย Using a new marketing strategy
26. ย Trying out a new time-saving tech tool
27. ย Reading blogs
28. ย Scheduling my day to fit with my natural energy flow
29. ย Taking time off every day
30. ย Taking time off every week
31. ย __________________ (What inspires you?)
In the past few posts, weโve focused on the importance of inspiration to ensure ongoing marketing motivation. Weโve coveredโฆ
- How to Grow Your Business and Have Fun Doing it
- Marketing: Live Inspired or Die
- How Inspired Am I Quiz
- Get Motivated to Market
- How the Marketing Momentum Program provides ongoing inspiration
What will you do with this information?
Remember, inspired coaches get results, and what gets scheduled gets done!
Itโs Your Turn
What inspiring activity will you schedule into your week?
This is great Kim. Mine would be to spend time in person with people.
Because of reading the post and all the great information that Kim has
This is great Kim. Mine would be to spend time in person with people.
Because of reading the post and all the great information that Kim has
The key for me regarding inspiration is making the space for cultivating the sparks – reflection, connecting the ideas, sharing and bouncing the ideas around with others, and then picking a next step and using it!
Today I’m incorporating the feedback I received to re-haul my free offer.
The key for me regarding inspiration is making the space for cultivating the sparks – reflection, connecting the ideas, sharing and bouncing the ideas around with others, and then picking a next step and using it!
Today I’m incorporating the feedback I received to re-haul my free offer.
I was encouraged after chatting over lunch with a woman in leadership that works at our Christian radio station. She wants to invite me into her circle of other leaders! Very excited!
I was encouraged after chatting over lunch with a woman in leadership that works at our Christian radio station. She wants to invite me into her circle of other leaders! Very excited!
i’m inspired when I hear the successes of my clients and what God is doing in their lives. I’ve also learned that I can get motivated by listening to interactions I have with clients/potential clients, as I see what a difference I can make and want to make more connections to do just that.
i’m inspired when I hear the successes of my clients and what God is doing in their lives. I’ve also learned that I can get motivated by listening to interactions I have with clients/potential clients, as I see what a difference I can make and want to make more connections to do just that.
I am inspired each day as I read the Word and put it into practice in my life. I’m working through a yearlong devotional based on Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life” and already this year it has asked me some challenging questions and is helping me get even clearer about my goals for coaching and life. I am also inspired by my client’s successes and changed perspectives. I also just began kickboxing which has helped me reduce stress, have a great workout and feel good about my fitness goals. I love it!
I am inspired each day as I read the Word and put it into practice in my life. I’m working through a yearlong devotional based on Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life” and already this year it has asked me some challenging questions and is helping me get even clearer about my goals for coaching and life. I am also inspired by my client’s successes and changed perspectives. I also just began kickboxing which has helped me reduce stress, have a great workout and feel good about my fitness goals. I love it!
Inspiration comes from many sources. I find that I need to be aware and alert to opportunities. Studying about the brain inspires me. Tomorrow I will be going to a class on cutting-edge research with Dr. Dan Siegel as he talks about his new 2014 book Brainstorm.
Inspiration comes from many sources. I find that I need to be aware and alert to opportunities. Studying about the brain inspires me. Tomorrow I will be going to a class on cutting-edge research with Dr. Dan Siegel as he talks about his new 2014 book Brainstorm.
I have begun to create a daily journaling prompt program for my current clients. I am considering formatting it into a “Free” or “low fee” program that I can market to prospects.
I have begun to create a daily journaling prompt program for my current clients. I am considering formatting it into a “Free” or “low fee” program that I can market to prospects.
I operate so much on inspiration sometimes it scares me. I try to ground what inspires me directly to serving into my business – not always an easy thing to do. The suggestions here are excellent, to which I would add that while I’m staying open for The Lord to firmly establish my niche! I’ve decided that each time someone gives me their business card I consider it to be a prayer prompt for The Lord to make himself known to that person and impact the kingdom through them. Praying for my future clients maybe, only The Lord knows.
I operate so much on inspiration sometimes it scares me. I try to ground what inspires me directly to serving into my business – not always an easy thing to do. The suggestions here are excellent, to which I would add that while I’m staying open for The Lord to firmly establish my niche! I’ve decided that each time someone gives me their business card I consider it to be a prayer prompt for The Lord to make himself known to that person and impact the kingdom through them. Praying for my future clients maybe, only The Lord knows.
Love your list! Thank you for sharing it. My one addition really is just a different way of saying some of yours like #5, #22 and #24-connecting. It inspires me when I am able to connect with others; hearing what God is doing in their lives, hearing the challenges they are facing. I am inspired to step forward in my profession, using my gifts & talents for God’s glory.
Love your list! Thank you for sharing it. My one addition really is just a different way of saying some of yours like #5, #22 and #24-connecting. It inspires me when I am able to connect with others; hearing what God is doing in their lives, hearing the challenges they are facing. I am inspired to step forward in my profession, using my gifts & talents for God’s glory.
Here’s so thing that makes my spirit soar – riding my bike. The wind on my face feels like God’s breath.
Here’s so thing that makes my spirit soar – riding my bike. The wind on my face feels like God’s breath.
I am inspired in times of solitude when I use the “Reviewing My Day” visual map from oneLifemaps. It contains powerful questions including When did you notice God’s nearness today? What prayers did He answer? etc. Then, of course, it is important to listen to His Spirit guide you into keeping on the right track or submitting to change.
I am inspired in times of solitude when I use the “Reviewing My Day” visual map from oneLifemaps. It contains powerful questions including When did you notice God’s nearness today? What prayers did He answer? etc. Then, of course, it is important to listen to His Spirit guide you into keeping on the right track or submitting to change.
My comment doesn’t seem to want to submit…but it is in solitude and completing powerful questions on the REviewing the Day life map…and listening to God’s Spirit speak.
My comment doesn’t seem to want to submit…but it is in solitude and completing powerful questions on the REviewing the Day life map…and listening to God’s Spirit speak.
I have been inspired by this challenge. Today, I wrote my second blog of the week, shared it on FB, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram (my new blog planner book has boxes to check for sharing, and I love checking boxes – a little thing that inspires me!). I also set up my blog so people can receive it by email again. It took a total of three hours, but I think it was time well-spent:-)!
I have been inspired by this challenge. Today, I wrote my second blog of the week, shared it on FB, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram (my new blog planner book has boxes to check for sharing, and I love checking boxes – a little thing that inspires me!). I also set up my blog so people can receive it by email again. It took a total of three hours, but I think it was time well-spent:-)!
Kim, Thank you for the list. So many of the items on your list resonated with me. Music, reading, walks, checking things off my list, and time with friends and family are all things high on my list of things that inspire me. And in the past few years God has certainly been weaving my story to bring me to a place where I can act in spite of fear. Until about 8 years ago I was generally crippled by fear. Through a series of God orchestrated appointments/seasons, I can now in most cases act in spite of the fear. Only God! Today I posted one of my blog articles on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
Kim, Thank you for the list. So many of the items on your list resonated with me. Music, reading, walks, checking things off my list, and time with friends and family are all things high on my list of things that inspire me. And in the past few years God has certainly been weaving my story to bring me to a place where I can act in spite of fear. Until about 8 years ago I was generally crippled by fear. Through a series of God orchestrated appointments/seasons, I can now in most cases act in spite of the fear. Only God! Today I posted one of my blog articles on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
Seeing the light turn on when people have a-ha moments always inspire me.
Met with ladies’ ministry leader to discuss a group-coaching approach lesson for Monday’s mtg. I’ve started the prep and excited about the topic.
Seeing the light turn on when people have a-ha moments always inspire me.
Met with ladies’ ministry leader to discuss a group-coaching approach lesson for Monday’s mtg. I’ve started the prep and excited about the topic.
Today I also arranged for my ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 17th. They come to my office with Ambassadors in red coats and actually cut a red ribbon. They take a picture and put it in the paper. I renewed my office contract for a year as well at a low price…less than garbage pick up costs at home.
Today I also arranged for my ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 17th. They come to my office with Ambassadors in red coats and actually cut a red ribbon. They take a picture and put it in the paper. I renewed my office contract for a year as well at a low price…less than garbage pick up costs at home.
Today I wrote an article for a site where I am a content expert on healthy Gluten Free living!
Today I wrote an article for a site where I am a content expert on healthy Gluten Free living!
One blessing of being a coach is the freedom to do these things! I read a great ebook about how to maximize the impact of what we learn and one nugget was reading things 4 or more times and taking notes. I’m applying that to these posts you are writing!
One blessing of being a coach is the freedom to do these things! I read a great ebook about how to maximize the impact of what we learn and one nugget was reading things 4 or more times and taking notes. I’m applying that to these posts you are writing!
I’ve been REinspired as I began reading through the Bible again this year. Doing the 90-days version. ๐
I’ve been REinspired as I began reading through the Bible again this year. Doing the 90-days version. ๐
I am inspired when I take the time to really listen to my God. I love to hear Him comfort, encourage and sing over me. Always amazes me when I have gotten away from taking the time to listen when I am spending time with Him how much joy comes from listening.
I am inspired when I take the time to really listen to my God. I love to hear Him comfort, encourage and sing over me. Always amazes me when I have gotten away from taking the time to listen when I am spending time with Him how much joy comes from listening.
Today, I did something very important for my marketing and it’s also something that helped me stay inspired to continue my marketing efforts. A local study group called wanting to use my book for their January Bible study, yesterday; and guess when they wanted their books… well it wasn’t yesterday… but it was today. I hesitated (remembering that someone else’s lack of planning doesn’t need to constitute and emergency on my part) but I also felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to adjust my boundary fence and say “yes.” That led to a conversation with a lady (that wouldn’t have happened had I not ventured out of my home office to deliver the books 45 minutes away). That conversation led to a new client. ๐ God is good all the time, and if He asks you to step outside your comfort zone or your boundaries, He won’t disappoint! ;o)
Today, I did something very important for my marketing and it’s also something that helped me stay inspired to continue my marketing efforts. A local study group called wanting to use my book for their January Bible study, yesterday; and guess when they wanted their books… well it wasn’t yesterday… but it was today. I hesitated (remembering that someone else’s lack of planning doesn’t need to constitute and emergency on my part) but I also felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to adjust my boundary fence and say “yes.” That led to a conversation with a lady (that wouldn’t have happened had I not ventured out of my home office to deliver the books 45 minutes away). That conversation led to a new client. ๐ God is good all the time, and if He asks you to step outside your comfort zone or your boundaries, He won’t disappoint! ;o)
I get inspired reading this blog ๐
Today, I am re-pulling some stuff together to send to graphic designer. Good thing for planning (and writing it down) at the beginning of the week or I wouldn’t have been taking even small steps this week.
I get inspired reading this blog ๐
Today, I am re-pulling some stuff together to send to graphic designer. Good thing for planning (and writing it down) at the beginning of the week or I wouldn’t have been taking even small steps this week.
I will re-incorporate my daily exercise and/or walk. This helps me focus and get energized! The daily prayer and reflection has really been key to my inspiration and motivation ๐
I will re-incorporate my daily exercise and/or walk. This helps me focus and get energized! The daily prayer and reflection has really been key to my inspiration and motivation ๐
Amazing, I came here to comment on Kim’s post and have had it multiplied ten fold by reading the wisdom of others who have left their own comments. Guess this is the power of a healthy community. Thank you!
Amazing, I came here to comment on Kim’s post and have had it multiplied ten fold by reading the wisdom of others who have left their own comments. Guess this is the power of a healthy community. Thank you!
This is a little funny to say, but I get inspired by going to luxury hotels. Usually all I pay for is a cup of coffee and sometimes parking, but spending a few hours walking around one of the Disney hotels (I live in Orlando), or my personal favorite the Ritz, re-energizes me and held me dream big. I’ll usually spend a couple of hours journaling and “visioneering” with a legal pad. Sometimes can find an empty conference room to pray in or maybe even a grand piano at the end of an empty conference hall. It’s so much richer than sitting in a busy starbucks.
This is a little funny to say, but I get inspired by going to luxury hotels. Usually all I pay for is a cup of coffee and sometimes parking, but spending a few hours walking around one of the Disney hotels (I live in Orlando), or my personal favorite the Ritz, re-energizes me and held me dream big. I’ll usually spend a couple of hours journaling and “visioneering” with a legal pad. Sometimes can find an empty conference room to pray in or maybe even a grand piano at the end of an empty conference hall. It’s so much richer than sitting in a busy starbucks.
Because of reading the post and all the great information that Kim has, I have blocked off two hours per day to spend on getting really inspired. These bite-size chunks of information help me to not be overloaded with way too much information. Thank you Kim for this challenge.
Because of reading the post and all the great information that Kim has, I have blocked off two hours per day to spend on getting really inspired. These bite-size chunks of information help me to not be overloaded with way too much information. Thank you Kim for this challenge.
Mine would be reading about how other people overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to do the thing that they loved. ๐
Mine would be reading about how other people overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to do the thing that they loved. ๐