INSPIRATION can be a powerful thing. It can keep you going when all around you cries out "quit!" It is even more powerful than motivation. Motivation gives you your basic reasons to keep going. But inspiration fills those reasons with hope, possibility and enjoyment keeping the “grind” from becoming too “grindy.”

But just what does inspiration consist of? I posit three elements: purpose, vision and mission..

1)Finding your purpose is the crucial first element. Your purpose is greater than your career, or even your wildest dreams. It begins with God. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life never makes sense. His purpose is revealed in His word the Bible.

2)Once you realize your purpose, you can begin to have a vision. Proverbs 29:18 says "Where there is no vision, the people perish." But how do you get a vision? First, you need to narrow your perspective. You can’t attempt to "ride off in all directions at once," so to speak. Try to decide what it is you are looking for, so you’ll know it when you see it.

Next, try to locate and choose an opportunity (business, career or job) which you feel is right for you--which will fulfill your purpose and thus further your vision. You will probably have to pick several at first and study the things which each one offers and try to evaluate the potential of each one as you see it. Settle on the one which you feel has the most potential with the least amount of hassle.

Once you have chosen your field of endeavor, stand behind it in every way and don’t quit or change your mind. B.C. Forbes said "Without loyalty, nothing can be accomplished in any sphere..." Think of yourself as being in it for the long haul, no matter what. Try to envision, based on what you know, how things will be down the road. Keep that picture before your mind, and never doubt. Napoleon Hill said "What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve, and the Bible says, in Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Once the vision stemming from your sense of purpose is firmly implanted in your mind, let it become your driving force. Let the vision excite you with the possibility of its fulfillment and you will automatically begin the next step--you are on a mission. Your mission is to bring about the realization of the vision. If you keep the vision in mind, you will move forward in the mission, accomplishing enthusiastically step by step that which is necessary to bring the vision into reality. You will have developed a sense of excitement, importance and urgency which will keep the fires of inspiration burning in your heart and moving you ever onward and upward.

Author's Bio: 

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James M. Becher id s seminary graduate & Bible teacher and a Sci-fi and historical fiction author (see: jamesmbechersuniquenovels.blogspot.com ) as well as publisher of the "Inspirational Success Tips" ezine from which this article was taken. For more articles + poems quotes, & subscription instructions go to: inspirationalsuccesstips.blogspot.com