The Art of Inspiration: How to Inspire Others Daily
Contrary to popular opinion, charisma, wealth, or status don’t necessarily inspire others. Instead, it’s those who embody positive behaviours, trust deeply, and genuinely connect with others who truly touch lives. These are skills we can all cultivate, enabling us to make a difference in the lives of others.
My English teacher, Mrs. Botel, once asked my class: “Have you realised yet that your parents aren’t flawless?” This wasn’t the type of honest adult wisdom a class of fourteen-year-olds were used to receiving. (I hadn’t for the record). Mrs. Botel was like that. Her physical nature may have been unassuming, but her words carried power. She loved books and stories, and her insights helped me see the world in a new light.
Once in class, I submitted a book review of Richard Bachman’s The Running Man. Except it wasn’t so much a review as a comprehensive description of the plot—an eight-page blow by blow account. I thought it was great. Mrs. Botel handed back my (ungraded) paper with a kind smile and said, “This is a great review of what happened, but I want you to tell me how it made you think and feel. Why don’t you try again?” I did, and it’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten—one of the many gifts from Mrs. Botel.
In this era of relentless information and hyperconnectivity—where we have round-the-clock digital access to the lives of countless strangers and influencers—we invariably still gravitate towards those people and stories that inspire us. And often it’s not those with charisma, money, or status. Instead, it’s the people who believe in us and stand by us. Those who inspire by their actions and approach to life.
Anyone can inspire. Even better, we can all learn and cultivate this skill.
Inspiring others is a journey of self-discovery
The word ‘inspire’ traces its roots back to the Latin ‘inspirare’, which means “to breathe or blow into.” Much of the word’s early use had religious connotations and shared an origin with ‘spirit’. The word can be linked to the act of giving or breathing life [into others].
When we think of figures who inspire us, there are obvious examples from the world of sports, business, and entertainment. From the vantage point of our everyday, seemingly ordinary lives, it’s easy to feel inspired by these figures who have performed remarkable physical feats, revolutionised industries, and created incredible bodies of artistic work. And from that same perspective, it’s easy for us to think, how am I supposed to inspire someone else?
The problem is that too often, we equate being inspirational with being charismatic; of needing an “it” quality. This is a misconception. While there are certainly some individuals who embody both charisma and inspiration, charisma alone doesn’t equate to being inspiring. Nor does being popular.
Being a source of inspiration to others isn’t about seeking external rewards or validation. Rather, it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. By sharing your unique experiences and perspectives, you encourage others to explore their own potential and path, lighting a spark within them. This is a big part of why I love coaching and mentoring. Helping others gives a sense of fulfilment.
Those who genuinely inspire don’t require thousands of social media followers, a lengthy list of credentials, or a specific physical or emotional quality. It’s their essence and actions that inspire. That’s something every human being is capable of. If we want to inspire others, there are three key skills to learn and cultivate: modeling positive behaviours; trusting people; and making genuine connections.
#1 Model positive behaviours
Modeling the behaviour you want to inspire in others is built on the belief that enduring influence is shaped from within. Stephen M. R. Covey, in his book Trust & Inspire, identified three pairs of attributes fundamental to this process: humility & courage; authenticity & vulnerability; and empathy & performance.
The transformational journey of John McAvoy offers a compelling demonstration of the power of these attributes. In 2006, a British court sentenced McAvoy, then a member of one of the country’s most notorious crime families, to ten years in a high-security prison for armed robbery. While imprisoned, McAvoy began a dramatic journey of redemption through an intense fitness regime, breaking British and World records on a prison rowing machine. He owes much of his redemption to a prison guard called Darren, who helped nurture his talent and become the male mentor he never had, a fact he consistently credits in his interviews.
Today, as a Nike-sponsored Ironman Triathlete, McAvoy has dedicated his life to inspiring and mentoring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds like the one he experienced. He shares his shame for his past actions and the drive to turn adversity into a source of strength. He embodies the principle of ‘doing good’ in life, not despite his past, but because of it.
#2 Trust people
We need more trust in our world, not less. More belief in others, not less. Recall a time when someone trusted in you, perhaps even more than you believed in yourself. Someone who saw your potential and took a chance on you.
Richard Adams’ 1972 novel, Watership Down, is a notable example of the power of such trust. The main character, Hazel, despite not being the largest or strongest rabbit in the warren, proves an exceptional leader because he recognises and utilises the unique skills of each member of the group. He trusts them with critical tasks, from the smallest to the bravest rabbit. He’s also unafraid to let others come up with ideas. This extended trust not only breeds confidence among the warren but also fosters a harmonious environment that allows them to face the many challenges and dangers in their quest for a new home.
Through the character of Hazel, we see that extending trust is a powerful catalyst for inspiring others. As you reflect on the people who believed in you, consider the individuals to whom you can give the same trust. And think about what that belief in their potential might do for their journey.
#3 Make genuine connections
The impact of someone who is humble, authentic, and extends trust is huge. But by adding the third and final skill—making genuine connections with others—we complete the set. Because when we invest our time and energy into understanding and empathising with someone, they feel we have their best interests and wellbeing at heart. That’s inspiring.
Take Priti Patkar. As the co-founder of Prerana, she dedicates herself to end the destructive cycle of intergenerational prostitution and combat human trafficking in Mumbai’s red-light areas, which affects up to 30,000 women. Patkar’s ability to connect deeply with these women, understand their hardships and fears, and advocate for them, has been instrumental in her work.
Patkar takes as a starting point the needs of these women; their pride, fears, and risk of losing custody of their children. After a year of getting to know and becoming accepted in the Hamathipura red-light district and seeking the opinions of 500 women living and working there, she started a ‘night-care’ program to look after their children while they work. This has been a 30-year plus journey, marked by resistance, but Patkar is credited with pioneering work that has changed lives. This progress is largely because of her ability to connect with those she most wants to help.
Genuine connections not only provide inspiration, they can also transform lives.
A virtuous circle
Each of us can inspire. It doesn’t require fame, fortune, or force of nature. True inspiration comes from within. It’s grounded in who we are and reflected in what we do. Sometimes the most inspiring act can be as simple as helping someone see the path that gets them closer to where they want to go.
Perhaps one of the best compliments to receive in life is, “You inspire me.” The affirmation of having a positive impact on someone’s life can deepen our own sense of purpose. As Covey observed in Trust & Inspire, “Someone who might think they mean nothing to the world may very well mean the world to someone.” I think that encapsulates the essence of inspiration.
As we reflect on those people who believed in us, we each hold the power to pay it forward. We can all embody the spirit of a Mrs. Botel for someone today.
In fact, you probably already are.
Ready to add more inspiration into your daily routine?
Here are five practical actions you can weave into your everyday life to practice The Art of Inspiration. These actions echo the core skills discussed in the article—nurturing positive behaviours, fostering trust, and building meaningful connections.
Be genuine. Make a conscious decision every day to be true to yourself. That might mean asking for help or admitting when you’re wrong. This gives others the courage to do the same.
Practice active listening. Take the time to genuinely listen to those around you. In conversations, give people your full attention and be aware of when you are judging (and try not to). Make them feel heard and valued.
Live your principles. Strive to be the best version of yourself in your actions, words, and attitudes. People are often inspired by those they look up to.
Encourage others. Believe in people’s potential and extend trust to them. See the good in people. Your faith can be the catalyst that boosts their self-confidence and opens new doors for them.
Keep learning. Cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning can inspire others around you to adopt a similar mindset. Sharing what you learn can also be a source of inspiration.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you have other daily actions that inspire those around you?