True Inspiration
By Kristin Mackey

Where do we truly find inspiration? The kind of inspiration that makes us step back and evaluate the track we are on. What kind of moments, observations and epiphanies really inspire us to look deeper at our choices, lives and habits? Is it in the book we just read or the movie that moved us? Perhaps. Or are the most profound moments of inspiration less obvious, less direct?

Perhaps we underestimate the more subtle but deeper triggers that take us to new heights and inspire real change. Moments we observe the greatness of another in the ordinary. For example, when we observe the courage one has to speak up on a topic of passion or live a lifestyle foreign from our own and it inspires us, could this mark the first whisper that hints at our own desires and potentials? It is in the small but extraordinary choices observed in others that hit a personal cord in us toward our own transformation. When we are motivated, something is pushing us but when we are inspired, something has been ignited within us.

The best way to mine the gold in sometimes fleeting moments of inspiration is to question why the inspiration is there in the first place. Are we inspired because someone moved in a direction we ourselves are afraid to go? Can we gain a greater understanding of our own fears, blocks and issues by observing deeper? I think so.

Witnessing the greatness in another can launch a sort of inner lift to reach greater heights ourselves, however they may be defined. It is our human nature to want to grow, expand and be more. If someone on our path displays an area of growth we long (consciously or unconsciously) to embody, we will feel inspired. When we are inspired, we move to make changes. We often begin this process with action steps and plans. Although valuable and necessary, a more essential step may be in recognizing the necessary emotional landscape one needs to sustain the desired change. It could call for greater courage, conviction or faith.

When we begin to focus less on the actual changes we see, but on the emotional landscape of the changers that so inspire us, we can access the same power that will catapult our lives and visions in the same fashion. When we put less focus on the finished product and more on the internal emotional climate necessary to create “the product” we gain greater insight on how to make similar changes ourselves and more
importantly...how to sustain them.

Author's Bio: 

Kristin Mackey, Inspirational Speaker/Transformation Expert/Artist

Recently named by Training magazine’s as "One to Watch" n 2010 and was featured in the July/Aug issue of Training Magazine.

Kristin has successfully lead seminars for groups ranging from 8 to 500 including Lockheed Martin, Mercury Media, PriceWaterHouse Coopers, and TCI Bank Limited etc. with outstanding feedback.

She is invited to keynote large conferences as well as conduct executive leadership retreats. Her unique teaching style has attracted United States media coverage as well as in the Caribbean Islands.

As a consultant for Fred Pryor Seminars, she was ranked first among 250 speakers worldwide for her work in teaching conflict resolution. As a consultant for Franklin Covey, she facilitates several key programs including The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Prior to her current work, she was a director for a large health care system. She introduced progressive programs and implemented extensive internal changes. She delivered two key milestones in the enterprise’s 5-year strategic plan and increased key performance metrics. Kristin also conducted regular media training for award-winning physician authors on national television and radio book tours.

Kristin was instrumental in planning and executing The Radio Only Management International Conference with Peter Drucker to prepare radio General Managers for change. It was the most attended conference in the program’s three-year history.

She co-authored the custom e-book, I AM Worthy of Greatness with coach Scott Baker to encourage transitioning youth (who aged out of the foster care system) to follow their dreams. Some of her published articles include True Inspiration, Personal Transformation in Three Easy Steps and Embrace Your Wingspan.

Kristin supports organizations such as SOS Children’s Village and Painting for Charity in London.