How to Be an Inspiration to Others

from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Everybody looks up to somebody. They don’t have to be wildly rich or famous to be someone who is worthy of being looked up to. Your mother, teacher or even the weird man who always seems to be happy and cheerful all the time can be fantastic candidates for an inspiration.
You can’t seriously take steps to be an inspiration to others because being an inspiration is something that comes without deliberate effort. However, here are some steps which may aid you in being admired by your peers.

Steps

Do things people wouldn’t normally do: and do it silently and with ease. Don’t complain, act like it’s not a big deal. These kinds of people are admirable because they show compassion and selflessness, something that is becoming rarer and rarer in this selfish age. Show this kind of behaviour and people will see a soft and kind side that they will become drawn to
Listen and act: You must be willing to actually help others and take action for them, not just for yourself. If people seem like they are in need of help or guidance in anything, go for it. People love others who are willing to help them, and who don’t hold back in showing kindness.
Be accepting: Never discriminate against anybody. Don’t be racist, sexist or homophobic. This doesn’t mean you have to be passive, speak your mind and do it honestly. But also be ready to accept the lifestyles, choices and decisions of others even if you find it to be silly or ill-advised.
Take the blame: This is extremely hard but it earns you millions of inspiration ‘brownie’ points. If you want people to find you inspiring, revert the bad that others have done onto you and blame it on yourself. Blame yourself for more bad that comes onto you. This in my opinion is the most admirable feat that anyone can do. It also tends to soften the hearts of those who you don’t like, and you automatically step up higher onto the platform of admirable feats.
Take stupid risks: And never regret it. Bravery is something that many people wish they had more of. If you can demonstrate this, then people will feel your sense of courage and self belief. Because almost all human beings want these qualities, they will be drawn to you because they believe that you will be able to exert these traits onto them. Oh the marvels of silent learning.
Sacrifice: Be ready to sacrifice things for others. Give up the top bunk at camp for somebody else, give your best sweater to your sister to keep not borrow. When people give up things that they love for others, the recipient immediately feels a sense of trust and admiration for the giver. They also in turn see their selfish side and will want to look for you for guidance and advice.

Tips

The steps above can be generalized onto all cliques and people in different races, cultures, backgrounds or status, however remember that being an inspiration can differ in terms of all those things stated above. Being kind and caring may not be the most wanted attributes in an inspirational army leader or popular girl. Remember different inspirations require different steps, however the above pretty much covers all of humanity.
If you get the drift that someone doesn’t want your help or guidance, then don’t force it onto them. This will just make you seem weird and clingy. Back off swiftly and smoothly and if they truly need you, they’ll come back

Warnings

Being an inspiration can make you vulnerable and a target for vile and manipulative people. If you come across one of these unfortunate people you have either two choices which are both right. Either one, you can manipulate them back and give them a taste of their own medicine, or two you can continue to act kind and considerate despite the risk of getting burnt. Whichever you choose strengthens your profile as someone inspirational.

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Comments

Val Wilcox says:

04/16/2010 at 8:13 am

Angela,
I agree that you should step into a place of leadership by acting the way you desire others to act. You create a safe, open space for them to step into and become all that they can be.
Thanks for sharing,
Val

[Reply]
Beverly Monical says:

04/19/2010 at 5:56 pm

This is a great post. The steps are very good.Being a kind, considerate,and compassionate person will help attract people to a good leader.I will share this with my friends.
Beverly

[Reply]
Alisha Kruger says:

05/17/2010 at 8:06 pm

I feel that if you love yourself and are genuine towards others & do small & simple things like you said, like smiling at strangers, can really make a big impact on someone else…not including how good it makes you feel.

I know personally that I feel good when I make someone on the sidewalk smile even if it is because I trip over my own feet. Get back up. Laugh. Be real & be sincere. It’s the people that are “real” that we find rare and special in our lives.

Great post Angela! Thanks for sharing! -Alisha
Twitter: alisha.krugergmail.com

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Thanks Alisha! It is always great to make other people smile, I am glad I am not the only one who can laugh at myself.

[Reply]
Mark Hiatt says:

05/17/2010 at 11:38 pm

First of all, in reading the comments, I wholeheartedly agree with Alisha up there – helping people laugh is an awesome part of inspiration in my book.

Angela – thank you for the article – I never knew there was a WikiHow – HOW cool! I agree that being an inspiration to others is something you are, not something you do – but it’s interesting to see a list of how it begins.
.-= Mark Hiatt´s last blog ..Networking Lessons Learned From Leads Groups-Part 2 =-.

[Reply]
Dave and Dawn Cook says:

05/19/2010 at 4:34 pm

Angela,
You have some great steps and tips here that if followed, you’ll become an inspiration to others as well as a better person in the process. Thanks for sharing your comprehensive thoughts on this high-quality personal development topic. Being unselfish and taking unexpected and anonymous actions for others is so much fun to do!
Thanks for sharing all your insights! Look forward to reading more of your posts.
Dave and Dawn

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
May 19th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Thank you so much for your comment. It really is fun to be unselfish and give to others. Like the quote says, “it is better to give than receive.”

[Reply]
Eddie Espiritu says:

06/03/2010 at 7:46 pm

These are great tips but the one that sticks out the most to me is “listen and act.”

The art of listening gets lost among people sometimes. I have discovered that when we take the time to listen, to REALLY listen, to someone, that act alone can be inspirational to that person.

Eddie
.-= Eddie Espiritu´s last blog ..How to Succeed in Network Marketing – The Duplication Secret =-.

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 7:12 am
Love your tip Eddie! Listen and act is a great way to be an inspiration. I think too many people do not truly listen.

[Reply]