What inspires me? I have found that it helps to ask myself this question at times when it can be far too easy to get bogged down by the negative and uninspiring. Knowing the answer can help to refocus on the positive, find any lost motivation, or maybe even notice some of the smaller, happier moments in life.

So what inspires me? Speaking both personally and professionally (because there is so much crossover), these are the things that come to mind.

Kindness

When someone is kind and generous to me, I can’t help but want to reciprocate. It’s as simple as that. What could be more valuable than feeling inspired to be more gracious and considerate? And the opposite is certainly true; when faced with rude, inconsiderate, or harsh words, I feel deflated and closed off. Others may get angry and lash out, but either way, that is not inspiring.

Gratitude

Those that express their sincere thanks for my efforts always inspire me to keep trying. Feeling valued and appreciated helps affirm our hard work and feel secure in the job we are doing.

Service

I am always motivated by the ability to help make someone’s life better. Helping others is what physical therapy is all about at its core; it is who we are.

Camaraderie

Feeling alone in any endeavor can often leave us uninspired, at least for me. But when part of a team, nobody wants to let anyone down. The team members can bounce ideas off each other and feed off each other’s energy to help inspire each other.

Perseverance

What is more inspiring than watching someone break down barriers to achieve their goals? This is one of the gifts of our job; we get to see examples of this determination every day. It helps to put our own barriers into perspective.

Education

Anytime I learn a new skill, I am invigorated to put it into practice and see the results. Learning means growth and makes us better people and better clinicians.

Peers

When someone is good at what they do, strives to do their best, and meets their goals, they can inspire us to do the same. Throughout my career, I have been surrounded by therapists who make me want to be better.

What About You?

These things are all around us, even though it doesn’t always feel that way. So the next time you feel disheartened, maybe ask yourself: what inspires you?