Why Inspiration matters more than information: Lessons from leadership & creativity

In addition to feeling delighted by the new president-elect, I’ve been deeply inspired by the creative visions and voices that emerged during the campaign and beyond. People are on fire, and I love it.

Early in the primaries, syndicated columnist Mark Shields highlighted a key distinction between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama: “If you’re looking for information, you want Hillary; if you’re looking for inspiration, you want Obama.” That quote stuck with me. In my opinion, inspiration is far more important than information.

Why Inspiration Trumps Information

Information, while useful, is static. It’s dry, lifeless, and ultimately inert. You can always find information, but inspiration? That’s different. Inspiration breathes life into ideas, energizes people, and drives transformation. It’s the spark that ignites creativity, change, and growth.

But here’s the thing: inspiration doesn’t just happen on its own. It must be cultivated. We have to create conditions where inspiration can thrive—spaces where imagination, passion, and vision are nurtured. Without inspiration, life becomes flat, one-dimensional. Nothing new is created, and no meaningful change occurs.

This is something I emphasize in my work with creativity and metaphor. Whether it’s helping someone unlock their creative potential or guiding a group through transformative experiences, the goal is always to tap into that deeper well of inspiration—the kind that moves us beyond information and into true connection and innovation.

Wisdom from Alice Walker

Alice Walker’s letter to Barack Obama, written shortly after his election, captures this essence of inspiration beautifully. Some of my favorite lines include:

“You alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance… Cultivate happiness in your own life. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors.”

How true is that? I love the imagery of “smiles so lacking in joy they remind us of scissors.” Walker reminds us that inspiration, joy, and balance must be intentionally cultivated—not just for leaders but for all of us. She ends her letter with this:

“And your smiles, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.”

Inspiration as a Collective Spark

Inspiration isn’t something we hold onto alone. It’s shared, passed from one person to the next like a flame. When we’re inspired, we inspire others, creating a ripple effect that has the power to light up the world.

In my workshops, I see this dynamic play out time and again. When one person taps into their creative spark, it encourages others to do the same. Inspiration is contagious, and when it thrives, transformation follows.

Cultivating Inspiration in Everyday Life

If inspiration feels elusive, consider these ways to nurture it in your life:

• Connect with Beauty: Whether through nature, art, or meaningful conversations, seek out what moves you.
• Create Space: Give yourself time to reflect, imagine, and dream without distractions.
• Share Your Vision: Inspiration grows when it’s shared. Talk about what lights you up, and listen to others’ passions.
• Take Action: Even small steps toward a goal can reignite the spark of inspiration.

May we continue to cultivate inspiration in our lives and let it thrive—fueling creativity, transformation, and connection.