Inspiration is a key to success, in both the individual and business worlds. Therefore, the most important function of a leader is to inspire people. Inspired staff perform better. Their levels of commitment, passion and loyalty are high. They are more creative and overall happier people.

Inspiration is about awakening dormant potential. It is about enthusing and breathing in positive energy. Inspired people can move mountains ? nothing is impossible for them. Inspiration transforms the ordinary person into someone extraordinary.

Uninspired people become depressed, negative and cynical. They become destructive and have a negative effect on the people around them. They bring down their teams and their organisations. Demotivation is contagious.

Inspiration requires ideals, vision and gratitude. It requires investments of time and resources. Sustaining high-level inspiration requires daily positive reinforcement. And, above all, it requires a long-term programme of action to transform our thinking, attitudes and behaviour.

Develop and manage inspiration. Start with yourself first ? if you are not inspired, you cannot inspire others. Be inspired. Inspiration is free; it does not cost a thing. It is within you ? in abundance ? and no one can take it away from you. Accept it and use it. Light a fire of inspiration within yourself, and unleash the tremendous power that will transform your dreams into reality.

Affirmation: I am inspired

Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.- Mark Twain