Finding inspiration in the small things

Author: Ashley

29 Jan

Some people look at others who have done great things and get inspired. They look at someone like Sam Walton and think “Wow! I want to do that.” And then they go out and start a business.

But not me.

Honestly, I get intimidated by huge empires. If I was going to be inspired by a retail store it wouldn’t be Walmart, it would be the local convenience store. The little mom and pop place on the corner that sells bubble gum for a penny. You know the place. That’s more my style. Not that I wouldn’t want to own Walmart. I just can’t see myself there. I can totally see myself starting the small shop. Then once I had the small shop I would then be inspired to move up. And then maybe move up again.

Yesterday No Debt Plan mentioned that he was inspired by Get Rich Slowly to start his blog. That’s awesome. But again… not me. If I had Get Rich Slowly, with it’s 75,000 subscribers, as my one and only example of a personal finance blog I probably wouldn’t have ever started this site. I don’t know if it’s a confidence problem, or a vision problem, or what, but I would have said to myself, “Wow, there’s no way I could do that“. Instead I was inspired by smaller blogs like Blunt Money and Remodeling This Life. They each had about 200 subscribers when I started out. That was something I could see myself achieving. And I have!

But now, I hope, I’ve stepped up my game a little bit. Now that I’m comfortable with this level of success I’m going for more. I’m still not aiming for 70,000 subscribers this year (or next year… or the year after that) but I hope for 1,000. That would be great. I can see myself having 1,000 subscribers. Something I couldn’t do a year ago.

I guess my point is that you should find inspiration where you can. You don’t have to start off the very best and biggest on day one. Grow, learn, and become something great over time.

So tell me, what inspires you?

pic by: tanakawho

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6 Responses for "Finding inspiration in the small things"

Miss M January 29th, 2009 at 9:17 am 1
I wouldn’t want to grow a large business either, I would prefer to have a small bakery or a little cafe. But, those types of businesses rarely last for long, so I stick with traditional employment instead. I would love to have GRS numbers, but my goals are much more humble. I have a full time job so competing with pro’s is silly. I can’t even imagine 1000 subscribers at this point, but I have raised my initial goals up a bit seeing how far you’ve come in a year
Emily@remodelingthislife January 29th, 2009 at 9:29 am 2
I completely know what you are saying. I never ever in a million years thought I’d have 1000 subs and now that I do, I just shoot for another in reach goal. As time goes on and the readers come and stay, the confidence builds. I don’t think I’d aim for big but if I got there, well, I think I’d settle into it okay. Aside from having stage fright from time to time.
Momma @ 3princessesmomma.com January 29th, 2009 at 10:12 am 3
I find inspiration in so many places, but none of them really come from other writers. My inspiration comes from my friends who call me up giddy from saving $30 on their grocery bill because of something they read by me. It comes from the conversations I overhear between my children when they are talking about their goals and dreams. I also find inspiration at the grocery store when my coupons are scanned and the cashier asks me for tips and advice. These are the things that keep me going and make me want to continue contributing.

I’m so glad you found your inspiration and it led you to sharing your voice with us. You’ve added value to my life.. and that’s all anyone can hope for.
Mr. NtJS January 29th, 2009 at 10:13 am 4
I’m inspired by your 351 subscribers!

Also, I tend to be more inspired by cause or nobility than size. I mean Wal-mart - big for the sake of being big. Lowest prices at any cost. ANY. Other than the fact that he drove a pick-up and dressed like any ol’ Joe despite his success, Sam Walton doesn’t inspire me.

so who does inspire me…. ? this might take some more thought
Ashley January 29th, 2009 at 11:01 am 5
Hey guys… thanks for your comments.

Miss M: That does sound fun… to run a little bakery. Except for the getting up early part. “time to make the donuts.” That’s the part that always gets me.

Emily: Your site has grown so much! I really hope for growth like yours in the coming year.

Momma: Thanks so much for saying I’ve added value to your life. That is such a wonderful compliment. Your absolutely right that that is all that matters. Big numbers are great for showing off but if you are not helping people then it’s a hollow victory.

Mr. NtJS: Thanks for saying I inspire you, that is very cool! Yeah, I just used Walmart as an example of something big.
bluntmoney January 29th, 2009 at 6:20 pm 6
I’m inspired by being on your list of inspirations. Thanks

I also tend to get motivated by dreams (literally).