True Inspiration vs. Ego Flash and Burn

You are struck by a brilliant flash of intuition (an innovative book idea, creative business venture, fabulous investment…) and you think, “Yes! Eureka this is it!”

But this “next big thing” excitement is shortly followed by a hesitation, as previous intuitive hits begin to re-surface… The ones that in the light of the next day you asked, “What was I thinking?” The ones that did the slow fizzle to oblivion. And the ones that never got off the ground.

So is this just the caffeine buzz from this morning’s latte or is this an actual divine inspiration?

I contemplated this very tug of war the other day and asked, “How do you know when inspirations are the real deal?” As sometimes they are fleeting, little mental burps that were never going anywhere and sometimes they are a divine download ready to carry you to a major breakthrough. How can we sort the real, soulful guidance from the ego hiccups?

To help answer this, I came up with the following list to help you know when you are experiencing a real deal true inspiration versus an ego “flash in the pan” version.

Here goes:

The Ego Flash and Burn

• Fleeting and soon, you are on to the next great idea.
• It feels like the answer to everything wrong in your life.
• You believe it will fix you.
• It is something that you are upset when you see someone else having/doing.
• You think you’ll prove something to the world if you do it.
• You only like the end goal, not really the process of creating it.
• At the first road block you throw in the towel.
• In retrospect you think, “What was I thinking?”

True Inspirations

• It lasts more than one day (ongoing whispers and urges).
• It will bring something good into the world.
• It is an expression of you and your talents.
• You are inspired by others who are doing it.
• It may include risks.
• Fear may be present, especially when the idea pushes you into a greater role for yourself, so this can be normal.
• You are excited by the end goal and lose time when in the process of creating it.
• Others may think you are “nuts” but you still see the potential.
• Road blocks don’t stop you, as the right support shows up just in time
• In retrospect you realize, “Brilliant!”

Note: If you’ve just been through a major crisis or crossroads, then it’s good to go slow with any major idea that comes your way. Not a good time for major life change, no matter how exciting the idea.

I hope this helps you to stay true!