This past fall I watched my brother-in-law Fran compete in the Ford Ironman. It was held in Madison, Wisconsin on a rainy, blustery day. The triathlon involved a 2.4-mile swim in choppy Monona Lake, a 112-mile slick bike ride over Wisconsin hill and dale, and finished with a 26.2-mile grueling marathon run.

Fran finished the race faster than he thought he would in a time that qualified him to compete in all the Ironmans throughout the country. Not only is this amazing in itself, but it is doubly so considering Fran broke his hip only one short year ago. He was also in an accident as a young teen, so one leg is much shorter than the other; he wears a shoe lift to compensate.

Fran is an inspiring person, no doubt about it, but do you know who else inspires me? Everyday people who live life the best they can. Here are my top ten picks of world-class inspiring people who do not get the proper recognition they deserve:

1.) People who apologize for a wrong theyve committed and mean it. (Im also inspired by people who accept the apology and also mean it.)

2.) People who recognize theres a problem but rather than complain and blame, offer solutions and are willing to carry them out. These people are great teachers.

3.) People who use every ounce of their God-given talents without bragging, and always strive to improve.

4.) Im overwhelmingly inspired by people who arent the best at what they do, but always try their best no matter the circumstance. Failure is not in their vocabulary.

5.) People who count their blessings. They enjoy what they have whether its a little or lots, and know how to be satisfied. These people have peace of mind because they are not caught in the non-ending torture of always needing more. They enjoy all, but need nothingthere is a difference.

6.) I’m inspired by people who stop at a childs lemonade stand to buy what amounts to warm sugar water. They are the encouragers of tomorrows entrepreneurs.

7.) People who take a leap of faith and do as their heart directs, very much inspire me. Its not easy for people to do what feels right, especially if its something that goes against popular opinion, family members, friends, co-workers. This is undeniable courage.

8.) Good listeners who do not judge really inspire me. What an amazing gift of compassion. They are the world’s hope for peace and sanity.

9.) People who stop to help change a car tire, especially if it’s cold and raining. Total heroes!

10.) People with a great sense of humor. They put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. When I am with someone like that the weight of the world, at least for the moment, is off my shoulders.

Theres much inspiration to be found everywhere, but especially in each other; I could go on and on with examples. Our job is to notice and apply in our own lives the inspiration fostered by this great and growing legion of “Ironmen.”

Copyright 2007 Mary M. Bauer. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Mary M. Bauer is the author of five books, including The Truth About You: Things You Don’t Know You Know (VanderWyk & Burnham, 2006). For tips on how to stay encouraged and focused on your dreams, visit http://marymbauer.com