I’ve been searching for days for ideas to stimulate the writing of my blog. Turning subjects over in my mind, stopping and staring yet nothing sparked my interest, nothing said yes, I’m your next blog topic. This is until the 11th hour when I was muttering to myself the word inspiration.
Inspiration derived from the Latin inspirae meaning to ‘breathe into’. Inspiration is the feeling of being mentally stimulated to manifest what we want to create.
There was my inspiration right under my nose yet I’d not tuned into it or breathed into it. It got me thinking how do I notice being inspired? I think it is both a physical and emotional noticing. A feeling of excitement, a spark of interest, a waking up of my senses. There is an after effect of inspiration; it leaves me feeling motivated and engaged.
In a wider context of some quite challenging headlines, I was intrigued to reflect had I been inspired this week. But before then I was motivated to understand more about inspiration.
Kaufman,SB. (2011) Why Inspiration Matters Harvard Business Review Nov 08
In the article referenced above, Kaufman relays that inspiration is evoked spontaneously without intention. It also transcends our self-serving concerns or limitations, “such transcendence often involves a moment of clarity and awareness of new possibilities.” Finally, inspiration involves “approach motivation” where we strive to transmit, or express or actualise a new idea or vision. So, inspiration involves not only being inspired by something but acting on that inspiration.
He goes on to share that inspired people share certain characteristics. They were more open to new experiences and this often came before inspiration. Inspired individuals weren’t more conscientious, supporting the view that inspiration is something that happens to us and is not willed. Inspired people also reported higher levels of important psychological resources, including self-belief, self-esteem and optimism.
Inspiration is not the same as positive affect, Kaufman says positive affect is activated when someone is making progress towards their immediate, conscious goals where inspiration is more related to an awakening of something new, better or more important.
So, reflecting on these ideas have I been inspired this week? Yes!
I was interviewed by a coaching colleague to explore their PhD hypothesis. As the time went on I noticed an absorption in the material, a raising of excitement, a clarity of my thinking I had previously been unaware of. I left engaged in the subject area and motivated to explore my thinking and practice further. I notice the subject matter has been rumbling around my mind since.
Kaufman also talks about an important and often overlooked trigger of inspiration is exposure to inspiring people, role models and heroes.
I hope in some way this has sparked an interest to reflect on what inspires you today, tomorrow and next week……breathe into life!