The Mindset You Should Take When Approaching Your Inspirations

As an active member of the wellness community, I know first-hand what it feels like to come across that one person that leaves you in complete awe. Everything about them, their life, their vibe…it’s just captivating. They’re so INSPIRING. They give you hope for what you can be and provide you with the drive you need to take you there.

But what happens when these motivations aren’t utilized correctly? Far too often, myself included, we get caught up in those who inspire us. We admire them to the point of wanting to replicate them. We want to change our diet to match theirs, we want to use the products they use, we want to do the workouts they do. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve been in the supermarket and picked up a product and my first thought was, “Would so-and-so eat this?”.

That’s beyond obsessive. And when I write it out, read it out loud, it sounds crazy. But I know it’s just a matter of inspiration being improperly exercised as opposed to anything else. For anyone in a similar position, I totally understand. Once I realized that I was growing obsessed with those who inspired me, I got scared. Does this mean I have to unfollow, to walk away from these people who in the beginning were so fun, and now are so (unintentionally) controlling?

I didn’t want to go that route. Instead, I decided to keep an open mind and imagine what else I could do. I realized that it was my OUTLOOK that was ruining these relationships for me. If I chose to admire the fuel behind the choices my inspirations make, not the exact choices themselves.

Here’s an example. Let’s say I follow an account that I thoroughly enjoy. They’re a vegan. I’m not. I see they are so happy with their lifestyle and life in general. I’m inspired by this, and I want to cultivate it for myself as well. Initially, I think this means I should go vegan. I walk past the meat aisle at the store and find myself talking myself out of turning around. “So-and-so is vegan, don’t you want to be happy?”

Looking back, yes, this is detrimental. It’s not the account’s fault, it’s mine. I have to take responsibility for my media consumption. I choose to maturely interact with inspiring accounts in the wellness community. I see that this person is happy and healthy, and instead of being inspired by their specific choices, I am inspired by their love for their lifestyle. How whole-heartedly and passionately they embrace their vegan choices. THAT’S what is inspirational about them. Not what they choose to eat and not eat, the workouts they do and don’t do.

I love following so many diverse accounts because it allows me to learn about new products, recipes, tips and tricks to wellness. I love to learn through others. However, I’ve been making a conscious effort to see these men and women as examples for my soul, for my outlook, for my perspective, not for my body.

Don’t be inspired by someone purely for the way they choose to treat THEIR UNIQUE BODY. Everyone is so different, and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for you. For my personal inspirations, I adore how loving they are, how excited they get about health and wellness, how enthusiastic they are. I love how they dive into whatever they do with all they got. I love how hard they fight and how selflessly they share their struggles for the sake of others, for me. I choose to be inspired by what’s behind the choices, because obsessing over someone’s idiosyncratic choices is not worth the mental battle it provokes within.

While this community is a loving and warm place, it’s no exception from the comparison game we all play whether we admit it or not. There are so many inspirational and motivating souls in this little family, and looking up to them is natural. But make sure you’re looking up to them for the right reasons. Comparison is toxic. As is a desperate attempt to replicate someone’s body or intake. Embrace their light, not their life.

Just my two cents! Hope this is relatable in some way :)

Sending love!!