Creativity, Inc.

1. Inspiration is the intersection of possibility and invincibility

We define the initial moment of inspiration—the spark—as the intersection of possibility and invincibility.

Inspiration expands boundaries. Possibility opens up new ways of thinking and visualizing what could be, extending beyond current limitations. It's rooted in hope and introduces novel approaches to problems.

Invincibility provides confidence. This complements possibility by providing the energy and courage to take action. It's not reckless abandonment, but rather a heightened sense of capability that leads to bold yet rational steps toward a goal.

The combination is powerful. When possibility and invincibility intersect, it creates a spark that can ignite transformative ideas and actions. This explains how inspiration can lead to revolutionary inventions, new industries, or paradigm shifts in thinking.

2. Everyone has unique sources of inspiration that evolve over time

What inspires each of us is highly personal and unique. In some cases, what inspires us can be traced to an event that occurred early in our lives.

Inspiration is like a fingerprint. No two people are inspired by exactly the same things in the same way. What moves one person may leave another unmoved.

Early experiences shape inspiration. Formative events, especially in childhood or young adulthood, can have a lasting impact on what inspires us throughout our lives. These experiences often attach strong emotions that enhance our memory of them.

Sources of inspiration change. As we grow and evolve, what inspires us can shift. New experiences, encounters, and exposures can push our inspiration into new territories. This evolution allows for continuous growth and fresh sources of motivation throughout our lives.

3. We have agency in choosing and cultivating our own inspiration

Although many people think inspiration is something that happens to us—that we are suddenly struck by it, often out of the blue—the truth is that we can impact how often we are sparked by inspiration and how much we sustain it in our day-to-day lives.

Inspiration is not passive. We can actively choose to seek out and cultivate inspiration in our lives, rather than waiting for it to strike randomly.

Self-awareness is key. Understanding what inspires us allows us to intentionally create conditions that are favorable for inspiration to occur. This might involve:

• Changing our environment
• Seeking out certain experiences
• Engaging with specific people or ideas

Intentional practice matters. By regularly engaging in activities and thought processes that inspire us, we can increase the frequency and intensity of inspirational moments in our lives. This turns inspiration from a rare occurrence into a more consistent resource.

4. There are 18 reliable engines that spark inspiration

We have identified eighteen engines of inspiration that fall into three categories: sparked by you, sparked by others, and sparked by situations.

Personal engines include:

• Connecting to values and purpose
• Using your strengths
• Progressing toward and achieving success
• Using your whole brain with unstructured time
• Developing new perspectives
• Activating body movement and presence

Relationship engines encompass:

• Belonging
• Admiring mentors and heroes
• Getting a lift from others
• Serving others
• Sharing a group mission
• Being vulnerable and transparent

Situational engines involve:

• Seeking environments that move us
• Overcoming constraints
• Witnessing excellence
• Using unique passions or qualifications to make a difference
• Sharing experiences with large groups
• Experiencing grief, loss, or failure

By understanding and activating these engines, individuals can reliably generate sparks of inspiration when needed.

5. Inspiration can be sustained through intentional practice

Inspiration doesn't have to be a fleeting state. It is possible to extend its presence, to sustain it and practice it so it becomes enduring.

Respark the engines. Regularly return to the inspiration engines that work for you, combining them in new ways to keep the sparks alive and potent.

Direct inspiration to desired outcomes. Translate inspiration into action across four key areas:

1. Driving to results
2. Intentional alignment
3. Connection and trust
4. Vision and innovation

Boost inspiration. Use positive rituals, accountability, and social support to amplify and maintain inspirational states.

Manage energy levels. Attend to physical, cognitive, and emotional energy to maintain the capacity for inspiration. Use resets to quickly shift energy when needed.

6. Inspiration is contagious and can spread to others

Like other emotions, inspiration is contagious.

Open limbic systems. Humans have an innate ability to pick up on and mirror the emotions of those around them. This biological mechanism allows inspiration to spread rapidly within groups.

Leaders as catalysts. Those in leadership positions have a unique opportunity to spark inspiration in others through their words, actions, and energy. Their inspiration can have a cascading effect throughout an organization.

Shared experiences amplify inspiration. When people experience inspiration together, it can create a powerful collective energy that further fuels individual inspiration. This explains why events like conferences or rallies can be so motivating.

7. Managing energy is crucial for maintaining inspiration

Inspiration requires a reservoir of aliveness and openness, so energy management plays a large role in sustaining it over time.

Three types of energy need to be managed:

• Physical energy (nutrition, sleep, activity)
• Cognitive energy (mindset, focus)
• Emotional energy (mood, emotional regulation)

Energy impacts inspiration. Low energy in any of these areas can make it difficult to access or maintain inspirational states.

Resets are powerful tools. Quick interventions to shift energy can help maintain inspiration:

• General energy resets: Clear mental slate and refresh focus
• Pivotal resets: Recover quickly from unexpected emotional challenges
• Pregame resets: Prepare for upcoming situations that require inspiration

Regularly monitoring and managing energy levels across all three domains is essential for sustaining inspiration over time.

8. Leaders play a vital role in inspiring others and scaling inspiration

Leadership is a critical ingredient in sparking, sustaining, and scaling inspiration across individuals in organizations.

Leaders model inspiration. Their own practice of inspiration sets the tone for the entire organization. Authenticity and vulnerability in sharing their inspiration journey can be powerful.

Four leadership styles support inspiration:

1. Driver: Sets ambitious goals and charts plans to achieve them
2. Pillar: Defends core values and strengthens processes
3. Advocate: Builds connection and trust among team members
4. Innovator: Advances vision and embraces change

Agility is key. Effective leaders can move fluidly between these styles as situations demand, amplifying inspiration across different contexts and individuals.

9. Inspiring teams foster psychological safety and shared purpose

Teams have to actively monitor inspiration levels and take responsibility for fueling them.

Psychological safety is crucial. Team members need to feel safe taking risks, admitting mistakes, and sharing ideas without fear of embarrassment or punishment.

Every voice matters. Ensuring all team members feel heard and valued contributes to a sense of belonging and shared ownership of the team's mission.

Social sensitivity helps teams thrive. The ability to read and respond to others' emotional states supports stronger connections and more effective collaboration.

Shared experiences build team cohesion. Engaging in activities together, especially those that spark multiple inspiration engines simultaneously, can create powerful bonds and collective inspiration.

10. Organizations can cultivate inspiration as a competitive advantage

Inspiration at the organizational level is a source of competitive advantage.

Purpose-driven organizations tend to be more inspiring. A compelling higher purpose that aligns with individual values can spark and sustain inspiration across the entire organization.

Systems and structures matter. How an organization hires, develops employees, measures success, and celebrates achievements can all be designed to spark inspiration.

Ambidexterity is crucial. Inspiring organizations balance efficiency in current operations with innovation for the future, pursuing both simultaneously.

Returns on inspiration include:

• Increased innovation and agility
• Higher productivity and extraordinary results
• Richer collaboration and information sharing
• Better talent attraction and retention (talent magnetism)

By intentionally cultivating inspiration at all levels, organizations can create a self-sustaining system that drives exceptional performance and impact.

Last updated: October 11, 2024