Here’s my truth. I love being in a state of inspiration. Part of the reason I consume so many movies, songs, musicals, books, articles, etc. is that I want to be moved to be more than I was yesterday. Or, at least pushed in the right direction. Recently, I’ve found myself reflecting on what seems to be a shortage of truly outstanding leadership among those who manage the global day-to-day. I mean, it all just seems so, well, uninspiring. Giving the benefit of the doubt as I’m prone to do, I’d like to believe we’re simply better informed now; that we’re more aware of the daily happenings and thus better able to see the flaws, the setbacks, and the imperfections than ever before. With that logic, we’d see the impressive all the more too. So…maybe that’s not the case.

This has me wondering if there could be a standard by which those leading the day-to-day might be measured. Maybe not officially, but at least by those of us trying to get through the day-to-day. So, I created a list—not of perfect individuals, nor a comprehensive catalog—but a collection that showcases some version of the best humanity has to offer. To me, at least. Your list is probably very different, and what an inspiring conversation it would be to compare the two (I’m in!).

So, here’s a list of 25 global citizens that, to me, model at least one of the very finest principles or practices that might help lead a complicated world to a better future. 25 inspired and inspiring women and men from history and around the globe that have done something awesome. Maybe it’s a list of qualities we look to when choosing leaders. Maybe. In the least, and maybe more importantly, it’s the kind of list that might inspire us in our day to day to believe we can do something awesome all on our own.

I think it’s a good thing to be inspired. Sometimes that requires looking beyond that which is presented; to look where you need to look, where you want to look, and where you’re all the better for the looking. Beyond the current, I choose to look at these 25.

In no particular order: 25 reasons to be inspired.

1. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Central leader of the non-violent civil rights movement and iconic speaker.

2. Jimmy Carter, Award-winning civic and community leader, humanitarian, and servant.

3. Amelia Earhart, Award-winning pilot and first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

4. Muhammad Ali, Three-time boxing champion and "Sportsman of the Century” (Sports Illustrator).

5. Walt Disney, Academy Award-winning animator, entrepreneur, visionary, and dream maker.

6. Jesse Owens, World record-holder and courageous 4-time gold medalist in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

7. Abraham Lincoln, Civic servant, seminal speech writer, abolisher of slavery, and “Preserver of the Union.”

8. Dalai Lama; Spiritual leader, author, human rights advocate, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

9. Malala Yousafzai, Courageous female and children activist and youngest Nobel Prize recipient.

10. George Frideric Handel, Prolific Baroque composer who completed the "Messiah" in just 24 days.

11. Hariett Tubman, Courageous conductor of the Underground Railroad, patriot, and liberator.

12. Winston Churchill, Twice-named Prime Minister of Great Britain and Nobel Prize recipient (Literature)

13. Bill and Melinda Gates (Foundation), Massive philanthropic foundation focused on health and poverty.

14. Martin Luther, Theologian, author, professor, and key figure in religious reformation history.

15. Steve Jobs, Ignited the personal computer and digital device revolution through unprecedented innovation.

16. Mother Teresa, Saint, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and caretaker of the destitute, sick, and dying.

17. Nelson Mandela, Central figure in the struggle against apartheid and South African President.

18. William Shakespeare, Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.

19. Marie Curie, Breakthrough scientist and Nobel Prize recipient in both chemistry and physics.

20. Leonardo da Vinci, Inspired and legendary Renaissance artist, inventor, and thinker.

21. Oprah Winfrey, Influential and inspiring television and film professional and philanthropist.

22. Mahatma Gandhi, Peaceful activist, mobilizing millions in a nonviolent struggle for independence.

23. Sir Edmund Hillary, First known climber to summit Mount Everest, also reached both Poles.

24. Helen Keller, Inspirational deaf and blind award-winning American author, activist, and scholar.

25. Jesus Christ, Central figure of all Christendom and Messiah.