One day while coaching a business owner and team, they talked about being stuck and feeling like they were going through the motions without experiencing any forward movement. Their business was successful but they knew something had to change.
When they were asked, "What was it like the last time you didn't feel stuck going thru the motions?" they remembered a time when they had ideas and energy flowing effortlessly and freely. They described the time as "being inspired." In fact, keeping up with the ideas and energy was the challenge!
Upon reflection they realized it had been a long time since being inspired. So, "What inspires you?" Each team member was clear about the kinds of things and ways they are inspired which influences their work.
Their work suffered without inspiration and the remaining question was, "How is time for inspiration built in your work schedule?" Their faces looked like this question was spoken in a foreign language. Time for inspiration was done outside of work as if this was optional.
When they finally gave themselves permission to build in time for inspiration and regularly honor it, they were no longer going through the motions but back to the challenge of keeping up with the ideas and energy! That's another blog...
What inspires you in a way which keeps the ideas and energy flowing in your work?