What Gives You Inspiration?

I love to read books and I have to admit, I enjoy self-help and informational books the most.  Putting more knowledge inside my head brings me a lot of joy.  One book my sister recommended to me was The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  Somehow this book really touched my life and helped me to find more happiness in my life.  I was more happy than I even realized!  One of my favorite quotes that I got from Gretchen was:

"You manage what you measure"

I have found that to be so true!  When I keep track of how I am doing with my health goals or business goals, I do better because I am paying attention.  It applies to money as well.  Maybe Dave Ramsey ought to start saying this quote too!

She also shared one from William Butler Yeats that has really spoken to me.  She talked about how sometimes we don't always feel happy but that when we are having life experiences that cause us to grow and change for the better, we are in essence happy.

"Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing or that, but simply growth.  We are happy when we are growing."

This quote to me means that when life seems wholesome or filled with wonderful things to do, it doesn't guarantee you happiness.  Growth can sometimes hurt or cause sadness, but when the experience is over...you have grown and now can share your knowledge with others.  I know I am most happy when I am growing and trying new things.

What inspires you?

I made my favorite quote into something you can print out and pin to your wall.  I hope it inspired you today.  Download it for free from Google Docs.