Why Inspiration Matters

It opens us to new possibilities by allowing us to go beyond our ordinary experiences and limitations. Inspiration propels a person from apathy to possibility and transforms the way we perceive our own capabilities. 

And the good news is that it can be activated, captured, and manipulated, and it has a major effect on important life outcomes.

• Evocation: it is evoked spontaneously without intention.
• Transcendence: it involves a moment of clarity and awareness of new possibilities.
• Approach motivation: it pushes us to transmit, express, or actualize a new idea or vision.

Inspiration involves both being inspired by something and acting on that inspiration.

Inspired people report higher levels of important psychological resources, including belief in their own abilities, self-esteem, and optimism.

Mastery of work, absorption, creativity, perceived competence, self-esteem, and optimism are all consequences of inspiration.

Inspiration is not the same as positive affect.

Inspiration involves elevated levels of positive affect and task involvement and lower levels of negative affects, but it is more meaningful and driven than a mere positive feeling.

Inspiration births creativity. Inspired people view themselves as more creative and show actual increases in self-ratings of creativity over time.

The link between inspiration and creativity is consistent with the transcendent aspect of inspiration since creativity involves seeing possibilities beyond existing constraints.

The pursuit of goals is more successful among inspired individuals, with them experiencing more purpose in life and more gratitude.

Inspiration increases well-being due to the overall positive affect, purpose and gratitude that inspired people exhibit.

Inspiration is also more strongly related to future than to present satisfaction.

• Using strategic vision to motivate and inspire.
• Empowering employees at all levels.
• Accumulating and sharing internal knowledge.
• Gathering and integrating external information.
• Challenging the status quo and enabling creativity.