We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.
Frank Tibolt
MEANING OF THIS QUOTE
Inspiration is a double-edged sword. That’s because while inspiration often kindles creativity, it is also the breeding ground for procrastination. In fact, the longer you put off doing something, waiting to get some inspiration before beginning, the less likely you are to begin at all. On the other hand, people who do not wait for the “good days” before embarking on an endeavor often generate the necessary inspiration along the way.
ACTION AS THE PRECURSOR TO INSPIRATION
Undertaking a project without any inspiration is not the same as doing it disinterestedly. All it means is that you are willing to take on a task without any fresh ideas or encouragement. It goes without saying that it takes a lot of courage to keep slogging away, anyway. You may not be at your best and there will be times when you might feel like giving up, but it is important to keep at it. Over time, all your hard work will pay off in the form of short-term results, which will translate into the inspiration you needed all along. At this point, having been in the thick of things, you will have both momentum and inspiration on your side.
On the contrary, people who keep seeking inspiration before doing something remain stuck in a circle of inactivity, one where they keep putting off action in the hope of some inspiration.
CONCLUSION
Inspiration might be critical to success, but it doesn’t have to be the starting point of our journey to the summit. More often than not, it is action that generates inspiration, further aiding our growth. Putting things off in the hope of finding that elusive spark of inspiration can, in fact, be counterproductive to our plans and aspirations.
Frank Tibolt was a writer and success trainer. Held in high regard for his self-help books, Tibolt was also known for his quotes on action and inspiration. One of his better known quotes on action go as follows: “We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.”