Inspiration vs. Prespiration

For several years now, I’ve chanted the mantra, “Live Inspired! Be the hero of your own story.” I have observed that nearly anything significant we accomplish in life begins with a dose of inspiration. Something ignites a spark within us, and we embark on an endeavor.

However, while inspiration may spark ideas, these ideas manifest as a result of the first part of the challenge, which is “Live.” Inspiration alone can make you feel warm and tingly, but if that is all that happens with your bright idea, you will find yourself sitting in the same spot a year from now. You’ve got to live inspiration.  

“When all is said and done, if anything is to be done, it all comes down to hard work.” You have to live out your inspiration, which means getting up from the idea chair and getting to work.

I belong to Truefire, a guitarist’s training site. Nearly every day, I receive an email featuring a famous guitar player's photo and a solicitation to purchase their online class. Truefire offers hundreds of guitar lessons across every genre and skill level. The pictures are always so inspiring. I think, Hamilton, you should get back to playing the guitar. Then, I respond to myself, saying, "Yeah, you’re right, let’s do it!”

A Guild True American violin-backed, acoustic/electric, cut-away guitar is sitting about five feet from where I am writing. A cool-looking adjustable stool sits next to it. It looks really nice beside my Yamaha piano. Behind me, to the left, hanging on the wall, is one of my favorite electric guitars: a black Hamer duotone that plays as smooth as silk. It is a lovely addition to the décor in my living roo

Are you catching some innuendo here? When it comes to guitar playing, I’ve been inspired many days, but I’ve only lived inspired on a precious few. When all is said and done, a lot more gets said than done.

What inspiration is lying dormant for you these days? Losing a little tonnage, walking around the block, eating more veggies and fruit, reading the Bible, starting a new class, getting that business up and running, planning a vacation, etc., etc.  We all have our list.

So, how do you turn inspiration into perspiration? Here are some ideas.

·      Take action now! Your chances of success decrease exponentially as the time between inspiration and perspiration increases.

·      Start small. Here’s the catch: most inspiration comes with a picture of a completed goal. For example, I can envision myself sitting with Eric Clapton jamming. He is such an inspiration. However, you are often a long way from achieving that picture.

Eric recounts the first time he saw the renowned guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, perform. Hendrix was invited to join Clapton’s band, Cream, at a gig in 1966. Clapton was so astounded by Hendrix’s abilities that he considered himself an amateur. He told fellow musicians that the standard had just changed, and none of them could hold a candle to Hendrix. It is said he locked himself in his room for nearly a year, practicing for hours every day. He emerged as – well – Eric Clapton!

I don’t know exactly how much more Clapton practiced, but we know that he and Jimi became friends, and Eric made every effort to play and practice with Hendrix.

Yeah, Clapton inspires me! To do what? Read more stories about Eric Clapton instead of practicing the guitar like Eric Clapton.

Good to great goals happen one step, one practice session, one recipe, one lap, one pushup, or one keystroke at a time.

What is the smallest step you can take today to realize your vision? Take that step now.

·      Get help. Nothing of consequence happens alone. In whatever form it takes, you need help.

Last fall, I was struggling with pain in a hip that has haunted me for much of my life. I finally decided to take action. (It only took about fifty years to take this step.) I went to an orthopedic doctor who told me I needed physical therapy. I thought, Really, that would require effort. Can’t you just give me a pill, Doc?          

I went to therapy for three months, and the pain mostly subsided, but I needed to continue my exercises. How long do you think that lasted?

So, in February, I decided once again to do something about it. I hired a trainer. I’ve always enjoyed working out, but I tend to work out three weeks on and four weeks off. This is not a regimen for success. I have all the tools I need in my home gym except one – someone to hold me accountable. I am happy to report that I have found that person who does not take “no” for an answer. “I expect you to show up, and I will hold you accountable.”

I am happy to report that I’m in my fourth month of training and feeling good.

Perspiration needs some assistance. Inspiration comes and goes, so we all need someone to kick us in the seat of the pants to help us get where we want to go.

·      Celebrate small wins before the big win. I’ve done a fair amount of research on the value of celebration in the workplace. Leaders who consistently recognize and celebrate small milestones with individuals and organizations achieve higher quality and successful work.

We are designed to actively enjoy our achievements, big and small.

A few months ago, I read Arnold Schwarzenegger’s autobiography. I find him a fascinating person. Arnold suffered from heart problems for years and had a pacemaker installed in 2024. During his recovery, while in the hospital, he felt he was getting out of shape. So, he devised a simple device to help. The Terminator placed a large calendar at the end of his bed. After completing his workout regimen each day, he marked an “X” over the date. This tiny little celebration kept him moving forward.

I’ve adopted the same practice. I have a large calendar in my kitchen featuring monthly pictures of different muscle cars. When I complete any type of workout, including walking, I take out a Sharpie and mark the date with an X. I love reaching the week with at least three Xs, which I’ve achieved for several months.

Celebrate small wins. Don’t wait until the project is finished to party.

·      Perspiration breeds inspiration. Many of your best ideas will emerge while you are working. When we labor towards a goal, we uncover new methods to achieve it, and often our initial idea evolves into something better or more refined. In the process, we acquire the skills necessary to pursue our next inspiring vision.

Inspiration vs. Perspiration: Who wins? Evidence shows that they are two sides of the same coin. You cannot get anywhere by just being inspired. You must live inspired to bring your dreams to life.

Live Inspired,

Don Mark