“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” — Anatole France
Inspiring words from the 19th-century French writer with a clear intent to motivate. Taken to heart they are not simply a call to action but an encouragement to aspire to greatness through faith and vision. Whether the goal is in business or simply getting through this morass called life, this is a sentiment with impact expressed simply.
There are fragments of living when a little motivation or inspiration is necessary to get moving on something, to finish it, or from time to time, to just get through the day. Though the latter comes from mental stimulation and the former occurs when outside influences provide a motive to act, they are connected. One cannot be inspired with motivation and vice versa. We all need both. We all find them in different places.
Famed artist Pablo Picasso said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working.” The implication being therefore that without the motivation to tackle a job one won’t find the inspiration to make it exceptional. The late football star Vince Lombardi was inspired to take charge of his life to get positive results. “Perfection,” he said, “is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”
Shakespeare on the other hand, challenged people to dream. “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”
I’ve always been an introspective person. Many hours of my life have been whiled away in search of answers through the examination of my own thoughts and feelings. The revelations have often motived and inspired me. Thinking about what changes need to be made, what direction life needs to move, will provide some insights into how to achieve them.
But when the times come the stopper refuses to come unplug, it is nature that will free me. On this I suspect I’m not alone given that we often find words of wisdom stretched across a beautiful image of a picturesque sunset, majestic mountains, dark forest or rushing waters.
For today then I offer up these terrific photos as a backdrop to your favourite quote to inspire a little Monday motivation.
