What is inspiration, and why might we need it every day? Some people think of inspiration as a spark of creativity. Others perceive it as a sense of purpose and meaning. Still others think of inspiration as a source of motivation. In fact, inspiration can be all these things depending on our mood, needs, and circumstances. In each of its forms, inspiration gives us energy, focus, and a sense of connectedness. It can be the source of hope, optimism, and confidence that carries us through challenging times and counters a tendency to go through the day without valuing and appreciating what life has to offer.
We might seek inspiration to find an innovative instructional strategy or approach. Some days, we may be looking for a new idea or creative way to express ourselves and connect with others. On other days, we might need motivation and confidence to overcome a challenge. On still others, we might just be looking for something that makes our mood a little brighter and our day a little better.
Fortunately, there are many places we can turn to fuel our inspiration and renew our spirit. We may not tap every source every day, but the more frequently and thoughtfully we seek inspiration, the more often we will find it. Let’s explore eight potential sources we can tap to give us the inspiration we need.
The first, and maybe most obvious, source is nature. Whether we are seeking beauty, serenity, majesty, or creativity, nature has something to offer. A beautiful sunrise, a soft rain, a blooming flower, or a fresh breeze may be just what we need to feel inspired.
Second, inspiration can be found in people. We can find inspiration in the lives of people who have made a positive difference in the world. They may have demonstrated compelling courage, amazing creativity, unwavering persistence, or exceptional leadership—history is filled with ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Equally important, we may have people in our lives that demonstrate exceptional caring, unusual compassion, and boundless generosity. Whether historical or present day, people can be the source of inspiration we need to keep trying, keep thinking, and keep hoping.
Third, consider the arts. An amazing feature of the arts is that inspiration can come from observing and appreciating as easily as it comes from performing. Listening to a new or favorite piece of music can be a source of renewal. Gazing at a favorite or unfamiliar painting can stimulate our appreciation for detail and symmetry and capture our emotions. There may even be a piece of literature or a poem waiting to be a source of our inspiration.
Fourth, we can find inspiration in reflection. Reflection helps us to be more aware of our thoughts, actions, goals, and values. Taking even a few minutes at the beginning or end of the day to reflect on what we intend to accomplish or the difference we made can help us stay grounded and focused. Reflection can also be a great way to identify skills we need to develop and areas in which we need to grow.
Fifth, while they may seem simple, affirmations can be powerful sources of inspiration. Our minds are tuned to what we say, repeat, and revisit. But our minds do not necessarily distinguish between whether our words are positive or negative, so positive repetition matters. Our words can shift our thinking, instill hope, and build our confidence.
Sixth, we should not overlook the inspirational power of laughter. Humor can lift our spirits and shift our perspective. In the face of challenges, humor can break the tension, lighten our mood, and lead us to think about our circumstances differently. We can also find inspiration by noticing the absurd, appreciating the ironic, and delighting in the unexpected and funny things that are a part of every day.
Seventh, we can let ourselves be inspired by kindness. Kindness, like the arts, can inspire us both when we engage in it and when we observe it around us. Helping others can inspire a sense of connectedness and value. Acts of kindness can inspire us to engage in other positive behaviors, and our kindness can inspire a more positive outlook toward others and the world. Similarly, even just noticing the kindness around us can lift our spirits and instill hope.
Eighth, we can be surprised by the inspiration gratitude can create. We might think that gratitude is all about us. However, when we reflect on what is good in our lives, those around us whom we value and appreciate, and the opportunities life presents to us, we can be inspired to give back, experience greater optimism, and make a difference for others.
Inspiration comes in many forms and from varied sources. However, to find it we need to look. Consider these eight sources of inspiration as places to start. Where else might you go to find inspiration?
