Cocktails of Inspiration Vol. 1

The Importance of Mentorship and Inspiration

*Warning! The words "inspiration" and "cocktail" might appear more often than usual in this article, and it may seem like I’m overusing them due to a lack of creativity or a thesaurus. But let me assure you: this is entirely intentional! Sometimes, there's just no better word to express exactly what I mean. So if you see them a lot, just accept that these words are the key ingredients in this article—like the "current" best cocktail recipe!

Inspiration is like that little extra garnish, fruit, or dash of spice in our cocktail. Without it, our drinks would be bland and monotonous. Just as a pinch of spice or a small garnish can completely transform and enrich a drink, so can inspiration bring new depth and meaning to our everyday lives. However, inspiration doesn’t always come from within; we often need external sources, mentors, and role models who show us what’s possible when we dare to dream big and pursue those dreams.

I like to think of inspiration as life’s colorful array of cocktails. Not that I need them to enjoy life—though who wouldn’t love a refreshing drink on a sunny, sandy beach surrounded by palm trees, right?

You could say these are the sources of enthusiasm. Each has its own color, flavor, and place in our lives. When I think of one of my favorite cult films, "Cocktail" (1988 - Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, and Elisabeth Shue), I feel that creativity and joy of life are present in every glass. Each one is unique, magical in its own way.

When we "mix cocktails," we’re actually combining sources of inspiration, books, people, and stories that together shape our thinking and our lives. These cocktails are special because they’re made up of different ingredients for everyone, but the goal is the same: to find the strength and inspiration that propels us forward on our journey.

I won’t go into the potential effects of consumption, both positive and less pleasant... But as they say, everything in moderation, and of course, you can always go alcohol-free...

Why is it Important to Find Mentors?

Mentors play a crucial role in this process. They are the ones who have gone before us, who have already walked the path we are just starting. They guide us, support us, and share with us the experiences they’ve already gained.

For example, Matthew McConaughey, in his book "Greenlights," not only talks about his own experiences but also about his mentors who helped him throughout his career. One of them was the late Don Phillips. Phillips played a significant role in the early stages of McConaughey’s career, not only helping him land his first big role in "Dazed and Confused," but also providing valuable advice and support as McConaughey navigated the challenges of starting his Hollywood career. McConaughey has said that Phillips’ tough love and guidance were fundamental in how he approached and built his career.

Jay Shetty’s most well-known mentor was Gauranga Das, a Hindu monk and spiritual teacher. Following Gauranga Das’ guidance, Shetty spent three years in an ashram in India, where he learned the foundations of meditation and mindfulness. Gauranga Das helped Shetty gain a deeper understanding of spiritual life, and this experience inspired Shetty to become a life coach and share the lessons he learned with the world. The book "Think Like a Monk"  by Jay Shetty is a transformative guide that offers practical wisdom on how to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life by adopting a monk's mindset. Shetty, who spent three years as a monk in an ashram, distills his experiences and insights into lessons that anyone can apply in their daily life.

Louise L. Hay, a pioneer in self-help and positive thinking, greatly admired the work of Florence Scovel Shinn, who emphasized the importance of positive affirmations and self-knowledge. Shinn’s books inspired Hay to develop her own life philosophy, connecting healing and spiritual growth with self-love and positive thinking.

These individuals highlighted mentors and sources of inspiration in their lives that profoundly impacted not only their professional careers but also their personal growth.

As we mix these inspiration cocktails, it’s important to pay attention not just to the sources we choose but also to finding mentors who help us directly or indirectly on our journey. This search is a lifelong adventure during which we continually rediscover ourselves and the world.

In my journey, too, countless mentors, books, and true stories have played significant roles in getting me to where I am today. As I read, learn, and live my life, I’m constantly mixing new inspiration cocktails that enrich my experiences and shape my worldview.

I believe that everyone needs people and stories from which they can draw strength. That’s why it’s important to bravely experiment, read, experience, and find the mentors who truly speak to us.