I think of inspiration as something that touches, moves, and affects us. Through emotions, or the heart if your prefer, it reaches beyond the logic and filtering of the mind. When you are inspired and touched emotionally, you might shed tears in an instant, or simply feel a noticeable physical resonance with the source of the inspiration. There's no thinking about it. It just happens. There's a lesson in that process that is transferable to much of life. If you want to inspire someone, you have to reach their heart, not their mind. Inspiration isn't about thinking, it's about feeling.
Here's a look at how that works, partly based on Kristi Hedges' new book " The Inspiration Code."
Inspiration vs. Motivation
It's probably easier to understand the magic of inspiration when you add one more element to the mix. Encouragement would come in as the lower energy counterpart of motivation and inspiration. Consider your own life experiences. When someone encourages you to do something, it's an almost passive experience. It's like, "here, consider this as an option." Lifeless words.
Motivation normally adds some other element. There might be a reason given that makes doing whatever it is you're considering make sense. Consciously or subconsciously, you make an evaluation that echoes thoughts of "hey, this is a good/great idea."
But when you are engaged in an inspirational moment, there doesn't have to be the just the workings of logic or rationale. There's an unseen feeling that is present. What you feel is the enthusiasm, authenticity, and partnership that's coming along with the communication.
What Makes For An Inspiring Moment?
If you're wondering what all that might look like, consider that moment when your significant other is proposing marriage. If he or she is simply encouraging you to say yes, you're not likely to be very enthused about making such a lifelong commitment. And it's probably not going to be any more successful if they do a little presentation infused with facts, figures, and the occasional excited cheer.
But if you feel what they say, if the words aren't just words but have the magic of inspiration within and around them, you're probably going to be engulfed in the moment not because it's logical, but because you're sure they are in it with you.
That's inspiration on a very personal level. Learn to be inspirational and your world will change drastically.
How To Be More Inspirational and Less Motivational
Kristi Hedges summed it up perfectly in her new book, "The Inspiration Code," with four P's. While being motivational may result in varying degrees of reaction, when we're inspiring we are:
- Present. We engaged and focused on the person we're interacting with. We filter out background noise, keep an open mind, and make it clear that we're truly interested in them.
- Personal. By actively listening and being authentic in our communications, we help others to find their own best paths and best answers.
- Passionate. Starting with a base of conviction, we infuse emotion and energy into delivery. There's no mistake about our position and commitment, because we literally get it all over them.
- Purposeful. We don't just talk, we act and are intentional in being a model that reflects our words.
If you're serious about changing your interactions with others, in any situation, from routine to inspiring, Kristi's book will serve as a great primer to get you moving. Yes, it's fair to say she wrote the book on inspiration. You can read more reviews here.
I'm a serial entrepreneur, with a resume that makes me look like a Jane of all trades. Pretty sure we are all reluctant Messiahs, travelling through life planting seeds where ever we can. Hopefully, most of mine have been good ones! MA from Miami University (Ohio, not Florida), BA from Cal State.
