So, I decided to compile a small collection of videos that really have the ability to inspire you to get off your couch and go get what you want to in life. This is a music blog, so obviously, some of these will be centered (in theme) on music and artistic creation. Some of them, though, are not necessarily about music; they’re more general. But just try and watch a few of these, and tell me they don’t really hit ya deep. Especially the funk one!
Kinda wondering if maybe that one’s more inspiring just to people who like funk?
Whatever, though.
10.) We are Created to be Individuals
I hand-selected these. And, a funny thing about looking through inspiring videos – there’s a ton of weightlifting videos to be found, when you’re looking for inspiration. I mean, on the one hand, it makes sense; as I’m sure body-builders need a good amount of inspiration. It’s just interesting, because a lot of the ideas brought up by weight-lifting videos could be almost directly applied to anything – physical or mental, creative, business-oriented, etc…
9.) Kai Greene – Rage Philosophy
So, weightlifting. A good focus might be to attack your musical goals with the intensity and ambition of a bodybuilder or fitness nut.
A side note, but still on topic: I remember hearing that Andre 300 and Big Boi, when developing their craft and practicing their lyrics, they would run down the road, reciting all their lyrics as they became more and more physically exhausted – but they worked through the pain, in a kind of hyper-ambitious cross between physical and mental endurance.
8.) Workout Motivation
7.) Gary Vaynerchuk – Gratitude
On to business, this is a clip of Gary V. If you haven’t heard of him, I really recommend checking out some of his work. There are some great keynote speeches he’s done, which I really enjoyed. They are all pretty long, and I wanted to keep this post relatively shorter than that, so you’ll have to find them on Youtube. Easy to find, though.
6.) Seth Godin Quotes
So, after I started doing this post, I realized how much bullshit there was out there claiming to inspire people. Most of it’s complete nonsense. I don’t about you, but I’m not super inspired by a three-year old with no legs. I’m sorry, but I’m not! I understand it might be inspiring to other people, though… and I know that’s horribly insensitive of me, but I’m just being honest. I’m not hating on anyone, either, it’s just that 99% of ‘inspirational’ videos out there are like that… Anyway, back to the videos…
5.) Various Motivational Videos
With the exception of the video footage of Donald Trump, this one’s generally good. A compilation of inspiring words by various people. I also did not enjoy the douche with the sunglasses in the car. Yea, the whole video is really a mixed blessing for inspiration. Maybe I’m being too skeptical. But, if you can get past the bullshit, there are some good thoughts in there, for sure.
4.) Marilyn Manson on Bill O’Reilly
So I realized, at some point during this top ten, that, well… rather than ONLY having the standard clips of “You can do it!” and so on, I figured I would also include clips that I personally find inspiring. So here’s one of Marilyn Manson on Bill O’Reilly. Why is it inspiring? Because it’s Manson intelligently defending his ‘crazy’ music and image on one of the most conservative talk shows on TV a few years back.
3.) Nike “Rayguns” ad with Bootsy Collins
This one inspires me because… well – look at the team funking it out in basketball, and look at how goddamn funky they are! ‘Nuff said, in my opinion. I wish I could be so funky. The commercial is based on the story of Dr. Funk, an incredible basketball player from 1975.
2.) Saul Williams @ Lollapalooza
1.) Rage Against the Machine – Killing in the Name of
Fuck it, this is one of the most inspiring videos I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s hard to blast this at peak volume and not be inspired. Also, I thought it would be good to end this documentary with a good music video to help with inspiration. I love the last minute where Zach (the vocalist) stops the bouncer who wants to keep that kid from crowd surfing!