When did you last feel inspired? Did you do anything with that feeling? Inspiration often feels elusive, particularly to those who pursue creative fields. People call it their muse and often go off in search of it like it were a mythical creature. The word inspiration literally means, “breathed upon,” which has a divine quality to it. It’s when you hear your inner voice, or the universe or even God whispering a hint to you. When you give inspiration that kind of weight, it seems wrong to waste the experience.
Inspiration, like most of us, enjoys attention and doesn’t appreciate being ignored. Have you noticed that those who find inspiration easily also find it often? That’s because they honor their inspiration. When it shows up, they pay attention and take action. That’s not to say that every piece of inspiration leads you down the path of success, but many times it does. The problem is, you’re ignoring those moments far too often.
Inspiration doesn’t usually come on your schedule. It arrives at inconvenient times, like in the shower, or in the middle of the night, or when you’re waiting in line and don’t have a pen. Your heart races, your eyes widen, and you are struck in a flash by what seems like the best idea you’ve ever had. It might be. But just as quickly as it comes to you, it disappears. Inspirations are ethereal things. Your job is to make them concrete and to take action. Any action.
There are limitless conduits for inspiration. A good book, a fascinating lecture or seminar; maybe for you it’s surfing or taking a hike in nature. For others, it’s stimulating conversation with friends, or in some cases, adversaries. Inspiration is all around, and it is constantly flowing, like a river. Regardless of your belief system, every moment of the day, you are “breathed upon” by forces greater than yourself.
Make time today and every day to catch some of that inspiration and then act upon its message. Sometimes you will stumble, but no worse than if you ignored it outright. Take immediate action, even if it’s simply making a note of the aha within. Don’t wait for inspiration to move you, but always be moved by inspiration.
If the sentiment in this piece interests you, check out the special pdf version of GO GET IT!, Your Guide to Finding Purpose, Setting Goals, and Maintaining Success. available at LearnFromKarl.com
