STRIVING FOR INSPIRATION

When you hear the word "INSPIRATION" what comes to mind? Among the definition offered by Webster's Dictionary we find this one:

"The action or power of moving the intellect or emotions."

I like the definition that top storyteller Jeremy Connell-Waite found for one of his posts:

“A motivational concept which acts as a catalyst...which...is evoked (generated) from a source and a person then finds some means to transmit an idea and is driven to produce some creative outcome as a result”.

I like the latter definition because it makes your mind go to a positive place, or at least the desire to be in a positive place, to do something good, to CREATE something good.

The word can also mean "to breathe in", as it makes one feel alive, full of desire to take action, filled with ideas that must be tried or executed. It can be a driving force that invites you, motivates you, and even guides you to act (Field of Dreams, anyone?).

For ages, the classic imagery of inspiration is something that comes from above. For example, the Greek mythology image of "the Muses". These are divine female beings that bequeath inspiration to whom they choose. Thanks to myths like this, inspiration can be perceived exclusively as a gift bestowed to a few destined to bless the lives of his or her fellow beings.

Maybe we have adopted this mythological imagery because it's really hard to feel inspired and full of creativity while facing life and work challenges. The satisfactory and positive emotion of feeling inspired to act, or the simple shot of dopamine one feels for having a new idea can be easily compared to a blessing bestowed from on high.

Going After Inspiration

While I believe inspiration can be a divine gift, I also believe that we shouldn't think that it's up to the whim of the Universe or its Creator to give it to us. I don't think it's given so randomly that our actions will have little to do with it. Inspiration should imply effort. It's a gift worth striving for.

Author Jack London is the genius behind some of the most notorious classic novels of the American repertoire, among them "White Fang" and "The Call of The Wild". His approach towards inspiration is a pragmatic one:

Now, I don't advocate extracting inspiration from a fellow human being by means of intimidation and much less brandishing a weapon (OK, I'm just having fun with his analogy). However, I do believe that it's worth investing energy, passion and time to obtain it (you get the picture).

What Can We Do to Get Inspiration?

I don't think that there is a specific formula that will guarantee you getting inspired to perform a task or create something every single time. However, I do think that we can take some actions to increase the chances of obtaining the inspiration we need in our lives.

Here are some ideas I find useful to that purpose:

Ask the Right Question

Davis Smith is the founder and former CEO of Cotopaxi a great outdoor retailer, currently on sabbatical as a religious minister. After a bitter business moment, he found himself one night asking himself the question: How can I change somebody's life? It was then that the ideas started rolling into his mind. In his own words:

"During that time, I experienced something I’d never experienced before, I felt completely inspired and directed. The business model was clear: I needed to build an outdoor brand that used its profits to sustainably alleviate poverty."

Davis is a great human being and I consider it a privilege to be called his friend. Notice that the inspiration came not as he was trying to figure how to make money, but how to effect positive change in people. Make sure you're posing the right question.

Find the "Flavors" Around You

A recent addition to my list of favorite movies is called "Flamin' Hot", directed by Eva Longoria. It's the inspiring true story of Richard Monta?ez , the Frito-Lay janitor who was trying to come up with a good idea to keep his factory open and move up in the company.

Along with other examples of innovators (and some praying involved as well), Richard found inspiration to his Mexican American heritage and flavors to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic global pop culture phenomenon. His idea is valued today at approximately $1 billion dollars.

Be aware that the universe might be trying to teach us something, and the answers might already be around us. Sometimes it's a matter of finding "new flavors" or "new spices" if you will. That new seasoning might take you to places you've never been.

Frequent “Inspiring” Circles

An old proverb cites, "Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres". ("Tell me who you're with and I'll tell you who you are."). I always thought to be a bit judgmental, but it has a point that is hard to argue with.

Our social life can affect our mood, attitude towards life, schedules, habits, etc. What if our social circles are just absorbing or providing good things in return? Any healthy relationship implies investing one's time and interests in it to work; it should also leave us uplifted, edified, feeling better about ourselves.

Our social circles should take us to better places in our lives. Places where we have the ability to create, to take on challenges, to feel courage in the midst of trials. It might be worth self-auditing our social life every now and then.

What if I don't have that kind of social circle?

Then you might be at a point of discovery in your life. At this point you can experiment with new hobbies, new interests, new social groups. This might be intimidating to some, but I'd suggest we focus on the potential emotional benefits and not on how hard the task of meeting new social circles might be.

In other words, it's up to you to make it an adventure or a test (but seriously, why not try to make it a nice adventure, Mi Gente?).

What if I'm not that social?

I'd adopt then a pace in which I can work progressively towards socializing. Start with getting to know what you like, what motivates you, what lines other people shouldn't cross when it's about socializing, etc. Then start one adventure at a time. Evaluate your social journey as you go and monitor your emotional health as you start socializing (social anxiety is a thing). Is it inspiring so far? If so, try to take another step; in other words, invest a little more time and emotion in a relationship; otherwise, learn from the experience and prepare for your next adventure.

Develop a Sense of Community

Before you start hopping from one social adventure to the next one like a Dungeons & Dragons player, may I suggest you try to find the commonalities you have with those around you? Despite the socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural or recreational background, you can always find something in common with the people that revolve around your daily life. Identifying commonalities and basing yourself on those to establish a relationship might be the start of a community.

There is power in establishing a collective will to connect at a human level and work towards a common goal. You might as well be open to joining a community or establishing it yourself. If you choose the latter, know that it might involve a great deal of giving. As I said before, please keep monitoring your emotional & mental health while doing that.

Inspire others

It might be hard to believe that our own story can be an inspiration to others. But if you have found something that has helped you in your life, sharing with others might bring some inspiration to it as well. Know that your experiences, your skills and your knowledge can help others along the way.

Start by doing an inventory of the things that have helped you. Remembering your own assets and offering to assist our neighbor will simply be invigorating; indeed, inspiring.

Cultivate Gratitude

Gratitude can open a lot of doors when striving for inspiration. It can also be the catalyst to inspire an entire community around you.

Late Christian leader, Thomas S. Monson said once,

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude."

Show gratitude to those who have helped you, it will only take you to an inspiring place in life.

Thanks for reading. I invite you to share in the comments what inspired you during the week. Be well, Mi Gente.