Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Explore More with TED Talks - Van Gogh and Mathematics

Learning should never stop! Keeping your mind active and open is key to overcoming fears, uncertainty, and self-doubt. One way I have found to learn and be exposed to various ideas is to listen to one or two TED Talks a week.

These videos, found on YouTube and TED Talks channel online, cover various topics, including business, knowledge, philosophy, and humor. There is a wide selection that is 5 minutes or less!

I randomly select topics as well as look for videos on items that interest me currently or intrigue me to want to explore more.

As a non-artist, I love visiting museums and art galleries. These experiences are invaluable. I visited the Seattle Art Museum’s “The Impressionists” and was once again captivated by Van Gogh. Several of his paintings are my favorites but I have always felt an attraction to “Starry Night” .



Recently I came across this excellent TED Talk Video that shows how Van Gogh’s art, during his struggling times, depicts the complicated mathematical explanation of turbulence. I hope you find it as interesting and intriguing as I did!



Monday, July 3, 2023

The Best Books on Motivation and Inspiration

There are numerous books that explore the topics of motivation and inspiration. Here are some highly regarded books in this area:

"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl: This book chronicles the author's experiences, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, and explores the importance of finding meaning in life as a source of motivation and resilience.

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho: A fictional novel that follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago as he seeks his personal legend. The book delves into themes of following one's dreams, listening to one's heart, and finding inspiration in unexpected places.


"Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink challenges traditional notions of motivation by examining the role of intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and purpose in driving human behavior. It offers valuable insights for individuals and organizations.

"Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action" by Simon Sinek: Sinek explores the concept of starting with a clear purpose or "why" to inspire action, drawing examples from successful leaders and companies. The book emphasizes the power of purpose-driven motivation.

Shop Amazon Now

"Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!" by Tony Robbins: Robbins provides practical strategies and techniques to help individuals unlock their potential, set and achieve goals, and find motivation and inspiration in various areas of life.

"I know that no matter where you are in your life, you want more! No matter how well you're already doing or how challenged you now may be, deep inside you there lies a belief that your experience of life can and will be much greater than it already is. You are destined for your own unique form of greatness."  -- Tony Robbins

 

"The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle: This book explores the concept of living in the present moment and finding inner peace. It encourages readers to let go of past regrets and future worries, which can be a source of inspiration and motivation.


"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey: Covey presents a holistic approach to personal and professional effectiveness, focusing on principles such as proactivity, prioritization, and continuous improvement. The book offers valuable insights and strategies for motivation and inspiration.


These are just a few examples of books that delve into motivation and inspiration. Each book offers unique perspectives and insights, so it's worth exploring them to find the ones that resonate most with you.

Motiving and Inspiring Others In Today's World

Are you wondering how to motivate and inspire others? What words and actions ignite passion, drive, and purpose in those around you? 

Understanding the difference between motivation and inspiration can help you unlock the secret to helping others achieve their goals and dreams.

Motivating and inspiring are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and implications. Here are the differences between motivating and inspiring:

Definitions of Motivation and Inspiring:

Motivating: Motivating refers to the act of stimulating or encouraging someone to take action, usually by providing incentives, rewards, or appealing to their desires or needs.

Inspiring: Inspiring involves filling someone with a strong feeling of enthusiasm, excitement, or admiration, often by appealing to their emotions, values, or ideals.

How does the focus differ?

Motivating: Motivation typically focuses on achieving specific goals, targets, or outcomes. It aims to drive individuals towards action by highlighting the benefits or rewards associated with the desired behavior.

Inspiring: Inspiration focuses on a broader sense of purpose, meaning, or personal growth. It aims to ignite passion, creativity, and a sense of possibility in individuals, often by connecting with their aspirations and values.

How do I motivate and inspire others?

Motivating: Motivation can come from external sources such as rewards, recognition, or pressure from others. It can also arise internally through personal desires, ambitions, or a sense of responsibility.

Motivation tends to be short-term and goal-oriented. It may temporarily boost energy or determination to complete a specific task or overcome an obstacle.

Inspiring: Inspiration often comes from external sources such as role models, stories of success, acts of heroism, or witnessing extraordinary achievements. It can also emerge from within oneself through self-reflection, introspection, or a deep connection with one's passions.

Inspiration often has a more profound and long-lasting impact. It can trigger a fundamental shift in perspective, mindset, or attitude, influencing one's overall approach to life, work, or personal growth.

What are the best ways to motivate and inspire others?

Motivating: Motivation often relies on practical and tangible strategies such as goal-setting, rewards, incentives, or performance evaluations to encourage action.

Inspiring: Inspiration often employs storytelling, emotional appeals, vision-setting, and the power of example to evoke deep emotions and create a sense of purpose and connection.

In summary, while motivation primarily focuses on stimulating action toward specific goals or outcomes, inspiration seeks to ignite passion, enthusiasm, and a broader sense of purpose. Both can be powerful personal and professional development forces, but they operate differently and with distinct effects on individuals.

Want to learn more? >> Check out our list of The Best Books on Motivation and Inspiring Others


Explore More with TED Talks - Van Gogh and Mathematics

Learning should never stop! Keeping your mind active and open is key to overcoming fears, uncertainty, and self-doubt. One way I have found...