We don’t talk about inspiration enough, especially in high-performance spaces. But without it, everything starts to feel gray. So, we’re sharing the science of inspiration, a real story from one of our clients, and practical ways to reconnect with what moves you—before you lose momentum or meaning.
Sara Sweat, MA – Founder & CEO, Mindshift Advisors
We’ve all had those days where everything feels…gray. You’re doing the things—checking the boxes, answering the emails, making the calls—but there’s no spark. No wind in your sails.
It’s easy to assume the problem is you. Your lack of motivation or discipline. Your inability to navigate the “season” you’re in.
But what if there’s nothing wrong with you? What if you’re not lazy, lost, or in need of a better plan?
What if you’re just low on inspiration?
Why Inspiration Actually Matters
Inspiration isn’t fluff. It’s fuel.
The Latin root of the word literally means “to breathe in.” And that’s exactly what it feels like—like something fresh and alive entering your system.
A study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who regularly experience inspiration are more likely to pursue meaningful goals, persist through challenges, and report higher levels of well-being and creativity.
Inspiration isn’t a luxury. It’s one of the most reliable drivers of performance, progress, and purpose that exists.
And yet—most of us are starved for it.
We consume a nonstop stream of information, opinions, and entertainment, but very little of it actually inspires us. It’s like snacking all day but never actually eating a meal.
Bourbon and a Laptop
Not long ago, one of my clients was really struggling. With a long list of competing priorities, he felt like he was failing in every area of his life.
He wasn’t sad, exactly. Just numb. He described it like someone had turned the color down on his life. He knew he had things to do. People counting on him. A long list of good reasons to rally. But all he could muster was his routine – work – gym – dinner with the family – bourbon and a laptop. Rinse and repeat.
There was neither room nor capacity for anything to surprise him. So, we started by analyzing why. We walked through every moment of his day – detailing how he was spending his time. Then, we cut the fat & created some breathing room. We developed ways to intentionally disrupt his routine & build more life into his life.
It didn’t fix everything. But it reminded him that he still cared. That there were things that moved him, pulled him forward, made him want to show up fully again.
He made the room for inspiration and it arrived. It energized him. Because, that’s what inspiration does.
How to Find What Lights You Up
You don’t need a new job or a sabbatical. You need access to the stuff that wakes you up.
Here are a few ways to invite inspiration back into your daily life:
Collect sparks.
Quotes, songs, stories, scenes from movies—anything that makes your eyes widen or your heart ache in a good way. Keep them in front of you. Revisit often.
Chase what makes you curious.
Curiosity is the gateway to inspiration. That topic you keep Googling? That random thing you’ve always wanted to learn? Go down the rabbit hole. It matters more than you think.
Talk to people who are lit up.
Energy is contagious. When you spend time with people who care deeply about something, it rubs off. Even if it’s not your thing.
Limit what numbs you.
Scrolling isn’t evil. But hours of passive consumption dull your senses. Be honest about what’s adding light—and what’s dimming it.
Make space.
Inspiration needs breathing room. You’re not going to find it if your calendar is packed and your brain is fried. Build in margin. Protect your peace. Say. No.
And, remember.
Inspiration doesn’t always look like a lightning bolt. Sometimes it’s a quiet nudge. A lump in your throat. A flicker of wanting more.
But it matters.
Because burnout doesn’t just come from doing too much—it comes from forgetting why you’re doing it in the first place.
So today, don’t push harder.
Pause.
Breathe.
Let something move you.
Who knows what greatness you might inspire?
