Finding Inspiration Beyond the Office

Inspiration is a powerful force that can come from anywhere, often in unexpected places. As an executive coach, I constantly seek new sources of inspiration to help my clients and myself thrive both professionally and personally. Two such sources that have profoundly impacted me are the realms of fiction books and athletics.

Lessons from Legendary Athletes

Athletes who reach the pinnacle of their sports not only showcase physical prowess but also embody key leadership qualities that can inspire us all. Here are some examples of athletes who have created legacies that will likely stand the test of time, along with the leadership lessons we can learn from them:

1. LeBron James: Breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record.

   • Versatility: LeBron's ability to adapt and excel in various roles on the court demonstrates versatility, a key leadership quality that allows for dynamic problem-solving and effective management of diverse situations.

2. Joe DiMaggio: His 56-game hitting streak, which will likely never be broken.

   • Consistency: DiMaggio's legendary hitting streak exemplifies consistency, an essential leadership trait that involves reliably performing at a high level over an extended period, building trust and dependability.

3. Wayne Gretzky: His all-time points record—even if you took out his goals, his assists alone would give him the points record

   • Selflessness: Gretzky’s record for assists highlights his selflessness, a critical leadership quality that involves putting the team's success above personal accolades and fostering a collaborative environment.

4. Tom Brady: Winning a record 7 Super Bowls

   • Resilience: Brady’s record-breaking Super Bowl wins showcase resilience, a vital leadership trait involving the ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue striving for success despite challenges.

5. Tiger Woods: Revolutionizing the game of golf and winning 15 major championships despite numerous setbacks and injuries

   • Innovation: Woods’ impact on golf through his unique approach and techniques underscores innovation, a crucial leadership quality that involves thinking creatively to bring about significant improvements and transformations.

6. Mark Cavendish: Winning his record 35th Tour de France stage

   • Perseverance: Cav’s record-breaking Tour de France stage wins highlight perseverance, an important leadership trait that involves maintaining determination and effort in the face of prolonged challenges and obstacles.

7. John Wooden: Winning 10 NCAA championships in 12 years by focusing on the small things, even seemingly insignificant things like how players tied their shoes

   • Attention to Detail: Wooden’s emphasis on the fundamentals and small details illustrates attention to detail, a leadership quality that ensures precision and thoroughness in planning and execution, leading to sustained success.

As you take time to recharge this summer, think about athletes who inspire you. Listen to stories about athletes from around the world and the stories behind their success. Understand the adversity they faced and how they overcame it. Then, think about how to apply this to your life and leadership so you can reframe your challenges, gain strength, and reshape how you want to manage your career and life.

The Power of Fiction

You can find inspiration everywhere, especially in things you are passionate about. Sometimes, though, you need to mix things up and try new experiences. I love to read and continuously learn. However, some of my most impactful inspiration has come from reading fiction. Diving into a good story offers numerous benefits, from igniting your imagination to providing a much-needed escape from the daily grind.

Many friends and clients who focus on reading non-fiction look to me for recommended stories. Here are some of my favorite fiction books/series of all-time:

1. “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card

2. Mitch Rapp books by Vince Flynn

3. Jack Ryan books by Tom Clancy

4. “Kane & Abel” by Jeffrey Archer

5. Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

These stories have provided me with unique perspectives on leadership and life. They offer rich narratives that stimulate creativity and present scenarios that require complex problem-solving and strategic thinking—skills that are invaluable in the professional world. Fiction can also serve as a form of relaxation, helping to recharge your mind and reduce stress, which is crucial for maintaining peak performance.

Other Sources of Inspiration

In addition to sports and fiction books, there are countless places you can draw inspiration:

• Nature: Spend time outdoors to gain a fresh perspective and clear your mind.

• Art and Music: These creative fields can offer new ways of thinking and seeing the world.

• Travel: Exploring new cultures and environments can provide valuable insights and broaden your horizons.

• Personal Relationships: Friends, family, and mentors can offer support, guidance, and motivation.

Inspiration is all around us, waiting to be discovered. By exploring different sources, you can find new ways to recharge and thrive, both personally and professionally. I encourage you to seek out what inspires you, embrace it, and let it fuel your journey to success. And I would love to hear about who or what inspires you—please share your experiences and recommendations.