Inspiration. (National Commentary).

I recently was handed a book by colleague that I have found particularly intriguing. The name of the book, The Ten Demandments, by Kelly Mooney, explores the things that customers want, need and expect from the company they are doing business with. In it, the word Inspiration is defined as "the spark that lights a flame". To me, this translates to...a vision that gets you excited every morning and keeps you open to possibilities, a vision that gives you the courage to soar and the confidence to rake yourself to the edge.

You know, one of the things that inspires me most is being around people that I know are better than me: better because they re smarter, more experienced, or have found what to them is ultimate success--and this is obvious by the way they carry themselves and treat those around them. I aspire to be like each of these people for one reason or another, and being around them makes it clear to me that anything is possible, and that the possibilities are endless. It motivates me to explore those possibilities and be the best that I can be.

That's why I'm so dedicated to NACM-- these are all things I get out of being an NACM member. At every conference or educational session I attend, I am surrounded by people who are, like me, open to the possibility of bettering themselves through education. I always meet people who have different experiences, and can offer insight into my current concerns, and I always meet people who are smart and successful-and I want to learn from them. I also meet members who have spent, or are spending hours and hours studying for a certification exam; and their motivation and dedication inspire me, as well.

One of the key points in the book regarding inspiration is that people must feel connected to be inspired. You know, the network you are part of as an NACM member provides you with the ability to connect with peers. On a local level, regional level, and at the level of NACM- National you have access to a virtual grid of connection points throughout the U.S. A good illustration of how useful this network can be took place recently: a member in Houston called NACM-National to request assistance in resolving an issue. NACM National asked an attorney in New York to call the requesting member and provide any advice he could concerning the issue at hand. Within twenty minutes the member's issue was resolved. Now that is inspiring! Where else would you have access to a nationwide network of people that could help you resolve an issue so quickly and with such expertise?

Another key point mentioned in the book is Motivation. Inspiration and motivation are closely connected; for when we motivate people we are creating the aspiration--helping them pursue their dream of getting from here to there. Again, I immediately think of NACM and the many conferences seminars, and educational sessions offered that help each of us get from here to there In today's rapidly ...