Stuck between mediocrity and excellence

What is your source of inspiration for the work that you do?  Is it the people that you work with?  Is it the actual work that you do?   Is it specific purpose or goal that you are trying to fulfill or accomplish?  For many of us, we start out inspired when it comes to doing or creating -- and then something happens.  "Poof!" The inspiration disappears.  Inspiration comes from being present and being engaged with the environment and the people around you.  It comes from reading books. It comes from listening to podcasts. It comes from listening to your favorite music. It comes from continuing to grow yourself.  It may even come from quotes on social media--- or maybe not.  If you start to lose interest or find that your work is waning, search hard for a source of inspiration.  It will get you through the rough patches.

When I asked a friend of mine what defines a leader, he said that leaders "inspire."  He is absolutely correct.  You can tell who is a leader just as much through a 5 minute conversation  as you can a 1 hour presentation.  Do you come out of a leader's presence inspired?   Absolutely.  Will you come out of a manager's presence inspired?  Not entirely.  So despite all the rhetoric around leadership and what "makes" for a good leader- just ask yourself if a person inspires you to get to a better place or  to do your work, no matter how menial the task is. That's how you know you are in the presence of true leadership.