Need inspiration? The two things that will push you forward are the books you read and the people you meet. And while a book might be a good start, I think people are the key to living an inspired life. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find those inspirational people to surround yourself with.
Here are four places I’ve discovered inspirational people seem to hang out. Put yourself intentionally in any of those locations, prepare to meet people, and I guarantee you’ll start getting a group of inspiration friends around yourself.
The Airport (in the International Terminal)
You might not find the most inspirational people in the Southwest gate for a flight to Tampa during spring break. But if you put yourself in a gate for a flight heading somewhere international, or even to a city that connects to international flights, I guarantee you’ll be surrounded by some pretty amazing people – even if you don’t know it. I always look for ways to strike up conversations with people in these gates. I’ve met some amazing folks doing this.
Pro tip: You don’t have to even be on these flights to hang out at the gate. If you have a long layover and don’t have lounge access, consider hanging out at a gate that isn’t your own.
Coffee Shops (During the Day)
Look for the guy sitting with black coffee – refillable – and strike up a conversation with him. He probably freelances, writes, or does some other unique job that allows him to work from a coffee shop all day.
Pro tip: The people who look the coolest aren’t always the coolest. It’s often the person with the most boring drink buried in their laptop who will be the most inspiring.
Local Development Groups
Find a group like Creative Mornings in your city. These are meetings that gather amazing minds together in one room to learn from each other. Attend one of these groups and ask questions. Ask about other people. You don’t have to be particularly impressive to have an impressive conversation with someone. Just ask educated questions and seek to learn.
Church Staffs
Finally, I’ve found most everyone on a church staff tends to have a cool background. You have former rock stars, genius leaders…top notch people. Get involved volunteering with a team filled with inspiring people. Get into the inner circle. You’ll find amazing people.
It’s vital you surround yourself with inspiring people if you want to live an inspired life. How do you find the people you need surrounding you?
