Showing up consistently as the best version of myself can be hard. The energy and force of will to be at my best as I pursue a full and meaningful life can vanish when I encounter demoralizing outside circumstances, feel distressed, get too scattered, or get tired. If enough of these pressures occur at once or one hits me with enough intensity, I can feel downright funky. A funk can last a while and put me into survival mode without a thought for bringing out my best self. Sometimes a little inspiration is what I need to get back on track.

But what is inspiration? Stories of epic people from history, motivational Youtube videos, an uplifting church service, a work of art?

Each of these could inspire one person but not another. I’m inspired by people facing challenges and achieving their dreams. A work of art doesn’t light me up like the story of a hero overcoming the odds. We are each inspired by different things, but the inspiration I most want to discuss fits this definition: an example that brings hope to its witness.

I mean two things by “example.” One is the physical source of inspiration–what you see, hear, or experience. The other is what that thing is an example of–bravery, creativity, perseverance, etc. If the thing you perceive is an example of something you want to do or be, it gives you hope. Why hope? Because the example is proof of someone doing something that speaks to who you want to be. The proof you witness demonstrates that the person’s achievement was possible and helps you believe your aims are also possible. Inspiration implies possibility, and possibility invites hope.

Hope is a funk-breaker. Hope is the feeling that the future can be better than right now. Inspiration re-energizes our belief that life can be more than our current experience of it. 

So, what should we do about inspiration? One prescription is to seek it out when you don’t think your dreams are possible. If you find a source of inspiration that motivates you to take action to become who you want to be, cling to that inspiration and let it guide you through difficult times. Another approach is to seek and lean into inspiration even when things are going well. Hope is especially powerful when you lack it, but there’s nothing wrong with seeking inspiration to keep your motivation and energy high. Another idea is to be the example that others can draw inspiration from. By being the example, you give others hope that bolsters them through times of discouragement. You can be the inspiration that gives someone else the hope needed to be brave, get back to their life’s calling, or keep fighting.

When we have more sources of hope and inspiration, we are better equipped to pursue our dreams and be who we can be. The more inspiration, the merrier. Different things inspire people. Each of us can inspire by living our lives fully, conquering the challenges unique to our lives, and giving back the way only we can. The contribution you make by living your life well may be the exact inspiration someone else needs.

Keep fighting and striving. Seek inspiration when needed, and be the example when you can be. Keep inspiration flowing. Let’s discover and demonstrate what’s possible so we can all live with more hope.