The Inspiration Hierarchy: Breathing Life Into Your Leadership

The word "inspiration" comes from the Latin "spirare"—to breathe. Its opposite, "expire," means both to breathe out and, more ominously, to die.

This etymology reveals a profound truth: inspiration isn't just a nice-to-have element in our lives—it's essential for living fully. When we stop seeking inspiration, something in us begins to expire.

After decades of working with leaders across 65 countries, I've discovered that inspiration follows a hierarchy. Understanding this hierarchy can transform not only how you experience inspiration but also how you inspire others.

The Inspiration Hierarchy

1. Immersive Experiences

At the top of the hierarchy are fully immersive experiences that engage all your senses and reflect your core values.

For someone who values performance, risk-taking, and mastery, this might be standing on stage performing. For someone else who values service, connection, and beauty, it might be working alongside others to create a community garden.

The key is total immersion. Looking at a picture of mountains is nice; hiking those mountains while breathing the air, feeling the ground beneath your feet, and hearing the wildlife around you is transformative.

2. Live Performances

The next level down is witnessing others perform what inspires you. If you can't be on stage singing, go watch an opera. If you can't be racing motorcycles, attend a race.

Witnessing others perform activates many of the same neural pathways as performing yourself. It's not just entertainment—it's participation once removed.

3. Nature

Nature is a universal source of inspiration. Its diversity and accessibility make it a powerful tool for restoring our capacity for wonder.

What's fascinating is how personal our relationship with nature is. Some are moved by ocean waves, others by mountain views, still others by the sounds of a forest. The key is discovering which natural environments restore you.

4. Music

Music has the unique ability to transport us instantly to memories of inspiration. It's not just background noise—it's a time machine.

Leaders who understand this create soundtracks for their lives and work environments. They know that the right music can transform a mundane Monday morning into a platform for creativity.

5. Stories and Dreams

Completing our hierarchy are stories that reflect our values and dreams that expand our vision. These more passive forms of inspiration still have power, especially when they connect to what matters most to us.

The Inspiration Trap

Many of us have fallen into what I call the "inspiration trap"—mistaking passive consumption for true inspiration. We watch cooking shows instead of cooking. We follow travelers on Instagram instead of traveling. We read about entrepreneurs instead of building something.

This passive approach to inspiration creates a deficit that affects every area of our lives, especially our leadership. Uninspired leaders cannot inspire others. It's impossible to give what you don't have.

Creating Your Inspiration Practice

The good news is that inspiration can be cultivated through deliberate practice:

1. Identify your values: What matters most to you will determine what inspires you.
2. Create immersive experiences: Schedule time for activities that fully engage your senses and reflect your values.
3. Cultivate your environment: Surround yourself with nature, music, and stories that replenish your inspiration.
4. Dream again: Allow yourself to envision possibilities beyond current realities.

Leaders who master this practice don't just perform better—they inspire better. They create work environments charged with purpose and possibility.

In the end, inspiration isn't just about feeling good—it's about breathing life into everything you do. When you're truly inspired, you can't help but inspire others.

What will you breathe in today?