Inspiration is a mental condition in which an individual senses a feeling of purpose or a calling to act to achieve something out of the ordinary. The person’s mind often is stimulated to do something creative, or even spectacular. Sometimes, the inspiration is internal or spiritual. In this case, the inspired person might experience a profound desire to realize his of her true self, or to unite with a Supreme Force, such as God.
An individual might be inspired from within, of from external stimuli such as the achievements of others, nature, music, the arts, or even the words of others. Inspiration from within does not require external stimulation or deliberate action of the mind. It appears within the mind during the absence of active thought, such as during a state of quiet contemplation, meditation, sleep or rest. Inspiration can come during worship and prayer, or on a walk or even during exercise. It appears only when the mind is not deluged with activities that demand attention.
Purposeful Inspiration is not driven by self-interest. The inspired person is not motivated by the desire of material gains, recognition or status (desires of taking). Rather, the opportunity to pursue the vision is, in and of itself, is the reward that the individual seeks. The role of the individual, and particularly of a leader, is to transform vision into reality. The Principles of Purposeful Action demand that all transformational actions result in doing good to other, beyond just doing no harm. The Second and Third Principles assure the integration of ethics with action.