Inspiration: That Mysterious Force of Wonder…
What does it mean to be inspired? From what is it derived? And why are some more inclined towards it than others? Inspiration is one of those mysterious forces of wonder that we hope visits upon us more than naught.
History is chalked full with people who have lived inspired lives. Since the dawn of the human race, there have always been those who’ve led the way. From the discovery of the wheel to a man on the Moon, from the invention of the printing press to the world-wide web, there’s always been a certain type of individual imbued with a level of inspiration we can only dream of.
And yet why is that? Are they really much different from the rest of us? Is their genetic make-up such that they’re predisposed to origination of thought and brilliance, or is it something practical, something learned?
Although intelligence is a prerequisite for thought, it’s not necessarily a catalyst for inspiration. Intelligence, in itself, is useless if not put to work. We can be the best canvas painter in the world, but who would ever know if we choose not to act? Action is the key to inspiration, and inspiration is the key to action (see Take Action and Achieve Happiness…). One begets the other. The more we act, the more prone to inspiration we become. It’s as if the universe conspires to reward those who heed thoughts sent their way. Neglect the mysterious force of the universe and we shun the opportunity of unlimited possibilities.
That’s not to say that we can act on every idea or thought that churns our mind. Timing in life is a crucial element. What seems absurd today may seem appropriate tomorrow. Perhaps some thoughts are best filed away and saved for another day. But if we boundlessly close our minds to all and any thoughts, then just the same, the universe is liable to seek out others more accepting. In other words: if we don’t do it, sooner or later, someone else will – and most likely sooner than later!
Procrastination is the great killer of inspiration (see Procrastination: The ‘Demon’ hanging over us…). When we put off our ideas, we thwart our potential for inspiration and with it our potential for greatness. Greatness is not the birth child of inaction, but is born of the risk we take upon the ideas that inspire us.
The recently passed Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) said, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
Ali lived his words and not only passed as one of the greatest athletes of all time, but as a noble humanitarian. His inspiration became the inspiration of millions.
And in our own way, it’s time for us to unleash this mysterious force of wonder; it’s time for us to unleash the power of inspiration…
For more, check out The C.A.T. Principle: Change, Action, Trust – Words to Live By, a Global Ebook Awards GOLD Winner for Best Self-Help Non-Fiction Ebook of 2014, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. See the latest Amazon reviews here. Now revised and expanded, and a Nominee for the Best Self-Help Non-Fiction Ebook of the 2016 Global Ebook Awards.
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A 2014 Global Ebook Awards GOLD Winner for Best Self-Help Non-Fiction Ebook.
A 2015 & 2016 Global Ebook Awards Nominee for Best Self-Help Non-Fiction Ebook