Neither business nor life is just an intellectual exercise. All human beings have emotions that drive our actions. When we feel strong emotions, it tends to trigger strong reactions immediately. Negative emotions improperly managed can significantly hinder our progress and lead to actions that, in hindsight, we’d rather not have taken. There are also times when we experience a lack of emotion and feel as though life is merely passing by. I encourage you to be proactive in recognizing, creating, and/or finding moments that inspire strong, positive emotions.
People find inspiration in many ways. For some of us, it could be the bucolic beauty of nature. It can be watching your children playing in the backyard on a beautiful night. It could be a special piece of music that resonates with them. I am aware of numerous individuals who believe their cognitive abilities are at their peak after engaging in intense physical activity. I am also friends with others who get inspired by great pieces of writing or works of art. There have been moments in my own life when simply walking through the doors of a church or cathedral has inspired me. The list goes on and on. I have no silver bullet for you, but you do, and you should tap into it when it happens.
Inspiration tends to evoke positive feelings, which in turn make you feel good about yourself and what you are capable of. It creates an appreciation for what is and hope for what could be. These special moments also connect you to the world around you and bring meaning to existence. You end up viewing the world through the lenses of gratitude, hope, opportunity, and wonder. Some of the greatest ideas and achievements of humankind have been sparked by a simple moment of inspiration. Simply put, when you are inspired, you bring your best self to the surface.
Of course, it’s impossible to feel inspired all the time. Part of life is simply moving forward and doing what is necessary or required. We will also encounter the inevitable challenges and hardships that come with being human. However, there will always be small and big moments of inspiration that appear throughout your journey. It is the fuel that will keep you going and move you in the direction of your goals. Inspiration sometimes happens like magic, but don’t just wait for those moments. Create the conditions for them to happen, and then, when they do, see if they can pose a question, solve a problem, force a decision, or encourage an action that will make your life better.
Related Articles:
- Why Inspiration Matters (hbr.org)
- The Two Types of Inspiration (jameclear.com)
- Tap Into Moments of Inspiration (capacity-building.com)