I was recently chided for reading “nothing but self-help” books. Even though I wouldn’t be able to find the Self-Help section in the bookstore if you paid me. I am guilty of primarily reading non-fictional books on entrepreneurism, leadership and self-actualization, but I wouldn’t think to classify them as “self-help”. I am perpetually seeding my mind with inspiration in the form of books and film like today.
I just watched Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Invictus, about how Nelson Mandela boldly unified his country through sport and inspired a team to achieve more than they ever thought that they could. He gave them motivation through a greater purpose than simply winning Rugby’s World Cup. If this type of experience is considered by some as self-help, so be it. I’m inspired and motivated into action.
No matter where you find it, we all need to be inspired to be more than we are now and to create something bigger than we ever thought we could. If you are inspired by Twilight or Harry Potter, who am I to criticize you. I only care that you find your own inspiration and dare to be great.
If you are more of an Invictus kind of person like me, I’ll leave you here with William Ernest Henry’s poem:
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
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