Inspiration is evoked spontaneously and without intention. It is also transcendent of our more animalistic and self-serving concerns and limitations. Such transcendence often involves a moment of clarity and awareness of new possibilities. This moment of clarity is vivid and can take the form of a grand vision or seeing of something you have not seen before but was probably always there. Inspired people are motivated by something special that catches their attention at a deeper level. When inspired people are in this space, it could be said they are “In-Spirit.” It has been said that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience and that is where our inspiration comes from. From something greater than ourselves, but we are part of.
Inspired people are more open to new experiences and this openness is the precursor to inspiration. Suggesting that the more open we are to new experiences, the more likely we are to experience them. Inspired people are intrinsically which strongly impacts their work performance. It follows that an inspired individual adheres to an internal locus vs. external locus of control. Internally inspired people innately feel they have more control over their environment, and the outcomes of their desires. They believe they are responsible for their own success. Where people with an external locus of control believe that external forces like luck determine their outcomes. I tell people all the time that I don’t believe in luck. Luck is where opportunity meets preparedness.
To become inspired, you need to set up optimal circumstances for inspiration to occur. An easy first step is to simply recognize the sheer potential of inspiration and its impact on everything you do. Remember, you can’t motivate a soul, but you can inspire, which causes people to self-motivate, including yourself. As the late basketball great Kobe Bryant once said, “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so they can be great in whatever they want to do.” Inspired people believe in their own abilities and are optimistic by nature. Inspiration is the key that unlocks the fullness of life. It can turn a meal into a feast, house into a home, and a stranger into a friend.
