Wednesday 24 July 2013

LinkedIn recently released the LinkedIn Inspiration Index (LII) which I was very happy to take part in.

LinkedIn recently released the LinkedIn Inspiration Index (LII) They asked people one simple question: How often do you feel inspired by your work?  
I got a score of 90 out of a 100 for my work with The Apprentice Academy - which is not surprising as inspiring a whole new generation of young people into doing something amazing and being an apprentice - is something that Jim Clarke our MD has been inspiring us all about. As developing future talent is our passion.  
Based on surveys of thousands of people across 8 countries and 80 industries, the index gives us a glimpse at what industries leave employees feeling inspired -- and what industries lack inspiration.
The Top Five Most Inspired Industries
Based on initial research, people in these industries felt the most inspired (LII score in parentheses):
1) Fine art (82)
2) Religious institutions (81)
3) Sports (81)
4) Professional training and coaching (80) (With people like us at The Apprentice Academy)
5) Nonprofit organization and management (78)
The Bottom Five Least Inspired Industries
According to the initial data, these industries will have you feeling the least inspired:
1) Semiconductors (61)
2) Defense and space (60)
3) Online media (60) (ouch as I used to be in this a little with digital marketing)
4) Industrial automation (59)
5) Architecture and planning (58)

This original article is taken from  Dave Kerpen from Likeable Local who adds: In the meantime, no matter what job or industry you work in, we can all use a little inspiration.
 8 Simple Ways to Inspire Yourself at Work
Whether you work in a typically-inspiring industry or not, you can benefit from feeling inspired. And while all eight of the above are excellent ways to get inspired, for me, the most important question isn't what inspires you - it's who inspires you. The best way to get inspired is other people.
1) Read a book.
There are thousands of great, time-tested books available for inspiration and motivation. I wrote on LinkedIn about nine great books that have inspired me and changed my life here. I'm currently reading another amazing, timeless, inspirational book that is having a profound impact: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. 
2) Write a blog post or letter.
Reading can be very valuable, but writing requires more thinking, and so it can be even more valuable. Write about something you're passionate about - write about how to solve a problem, or write an article about your business that you wish you had read yourself a year ago. You don't even need to publish it for writing to be effective. But if you do want to publish it, here's how to become a better writer.
3) Exercise.
Sometimes you just need to get the blood flowing. Go for a walk, or a run, or a workout. There are two great advantages of exercise: First, it's healthy for your body. Second, it forces you to spend time thinking - time when you can't be on your smartphone or otherwise distracted. As little as 15 minutes of movement can burn some calories - and set your mind on fire with new ideas and inspiration.
4) Write a thank you note.
Not a thank you email, or a thank you text, or even a thank you phone call - a physical, hand-written thank you note. Tony Robbins said, "Gratitude is the antidote to the two things that stop us: fear and anger." I have found that is impossible to feel upset and grateful at the same time. So every morning, I start out my day by writing three thank-you cards. Here's more about my thank-you card routine.
5) Perform a random act of kindness.
The ironic and amazing thing about acts of kindness is that they end up being kind-of selfish, because you feel SO great after doing them. Open a door for people leaving it for awhile. Help an elderly lady cross the street. Buy a homeless man lunch. Retweet a bunch of people. Whatever you do, take your mind off of yourself and your problems and focus on helping another person. You'll come back feeling rejuvenated.
6) Read inspiring quotes.
Reading a book or even an article can take more time than you have to spare sometimes. So it's worth looking at inspiring quotes from great leaders, writers and thinkers of the past. Google makes it easy - simple search for "Inspiring quotes about [whatever it is that's on your mind]," and feel better within seconds. Here are 25 of my favorite inspirational quotes for leaders.
7) Listen to music.
Plato said, "Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue." Looking to educate your soul? Or perhaps just to let off some steam and feel better about the work before you? Turn on your Itunes, or Spotify, YouTube, or even the radio, to elevate your mood through music. Here are 21 songs to inspire you at work- favorites from 21 entrepreneurs I know.
8) Watch an inspiring video.
As inspiring and uplifting as music can be, video can be even more inspiring. Whether it's your favorite movie, or, if you don't have time, a short video you find through a quick search on YouTube, you can get in a good mood in just a few minutes.

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