I studied the lives of great men and famous women, and I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm. ~Henry Truman
There are only a few people that inspire me, one is a fictional character –Jerry Maguire (played by Tom Cruise on the movie of that name title), the other is a very familiar face in a U.S. penny or cent –Abe Lincoln (I wonder, why his face was not printed on the 100 dollar bill? This man have done so many things for the American people than any of the U.S. Presidents –past and present), and the last but not the least, is Oprah Winfrey. Why these three?
Jerry: Rising from the ashes of a ruined career
I can relate so much with Jerry Maguire in terms of what happened in my career life; in fact when I watched this movie, I thought they were showing my life in the big screen. I have watched this movie for more than a hundred times already, and each time it simple plot never failed to inspire me. I was so inspired that I literally watched it three times on the same day when it was first shown in 1996. Jerry Maguire is an epitome of a yuppie who got hit hard at the height of his career, rolled from the punches of corporate politics, and rose to redeem himself and his career; and in the end was greatly admired by his peers and clients for what he did.
Abe: Rising from the ashes of failures and defeats
Abraham Lincoln, IMO, is the greatest American President ever. While I greatly admire the administrative prowess of Clinton and the resiliency of Reagan, Abe is the only American president who went through a series of defeats in his political career before he became the finest US president ever. His dedication to the welfare of the American people, in spite of deafening criticisms and harsh oppositions, is unwavering. His simplicity and frankness in speech has earned him the reputation of being the most quoted US President of all times.
Oprah: Rising from the ashes of an ugly past and poverty
Oprah is the classic tale of ‘rugs to riches’ and ’shame to fame’ story ever. In spite of the ugly things she went through in her early life (raised by a poor unwed mother, and raped at the age of 9), she never wavered but instead rose above these ugliness that life brought her. Oprah has been ranked the richest African American of the 20th century, the most philanthropic African American of all time, and the world’s only black billionaire for three straight years. She is also, according to some assessments, the most influential woman in the world. (Wikipedia) She literally influences people across genders, colors, age and nationalities. The Oprah Winfrey Biography is a great read for anyone seeking to be inspired. For here is something that can genuinely remind us that the ugly things in our lives can be worked out to turn better for our own good.
What is your take on this? Let Oprah herself encourage you:
… not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.
Who inspire you? How or why? Share yours please.
It’s a shame that I don’t have an answer to your question. I don’t have someone to look up to.
I got so entangled in the mess I got myself into and focus on the problems at hand that I failed to see beyond the goal of just solving the problems.
Maybe I do need to look up to someone to be inspired… to be motivated.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Maybe, you are just stronger than many of us, that’s why.
At least now you realized that when we are confronted with problems and issues , we should be looking beyond what we see and feel at the monent but beyond.
It is always good to have somebody to look up to whenever we are down, discouraged or demotivated. I know you will find yours.
Btw, how’s your holiday vacation?
holiday vacation? the usual… just stayed in the apartment most of the time, slept til afternoon, ate, and watched movies.
How’s your vacation in Hawaii? Care to share some photos?