One of the most essential needs of an entrepreneur is
positive energy and inspiration. We encourage ourselves daily and grab hold of whatever we can to remain motivated, consistent, driven, and productive- and when the inspiration can't easily be attained from our immediate environments, we dig deeper and we find that motivation. We create an environment for ourselves that is
conducive to the achievement of our goals.
Every morning, a good friend of mine sends me inspirational quotes- and every morning I benefit from the message of those quotes throughout my day. On occasion, I may find myself somewhere like church, or in a class, or around a person that may give me an extra push to succeed and follow my dreams. This weekend, I attended a dance workshop and was greatly uplifted and encouraged when the guest instructor, Freddie Moore said about his own life, "I have to constantly train my body and perfect my gift because God isn't done with me yet."
Yesterday, I left with the realization that I cannot allow thoughts of discouragement and
inadequacy have any place in my life. I have to actively create an environment around myself that enables me to be successful. I have to be the driving force in my life that brings light and energy in my life- not the other way around. I can't just wait to be inspired- I have to take it upon myself to contain, find, and build inspiration and encouragement within my own self each and every day- and hold on it at every moment and share it with others.

This morning, I was inspired by several quotes by Norman Vincent Peale. He was a minister, a psychoanalyst, a writer, an
entrepreneur, and believed: "change your thoughts and you change your world." He is best known for his book entitled, The Power of Positive Thinking (1952). Many quotes from the book are very inspirational:
"
Formulate and stamp
indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself succeeding. Hold the picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop this picture."
"Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow."
"Think
enthusiastically about everything, but especially about your job. If you do, you'll put a touch of glory in your life. If you love your job, with enthusiasm, you'll shake it to pieces. You'll love it into greatness."
Some people dwell on their problems and weaknesses, but I truly believe in finding a place- where even in those moments where things are not ideal- I can find hope, peace, and power to endure. That is the kind of life I choose to live, and those who choose the same are the kind of people that I choose to surround myself with.
--