Inspiration vs Optimism:
The Moment That Changed Everything
Why “feel-good” moments don’t last — and what actually changes behaviour.
Every year I speak with leaders who tell me the same thing: “We inspire our teams, but the spark never lasts.”
They’re right. Inspiration is a flare — bright, emotional, often unforgettable… and fleeting. It feels good in the moment, but it rarely survives contact with the real world.
A few years ago, after a season of triathlons and training for a marathon, I discovered two blocked arteries. Two stents later, I got a second shot at life. That experience reframed everything I knew about motivation and performance.
Here’s the distinction that changed my thinking:
Inspiration changes a moment.
Optimism changes behaviour.
Inspiration is that Hollywood moment: the emotional surge, the stirring music, the moment where everyone feels lifted. But by lunchtime, most people are back in the grind of daily pressures.
Optimism, however, endures. It’s not a spark; it’s a practice—one that gently nudges people back on course even when the pressure rises.
While inspiration lifts the room, optimism lifts the organisation.
In the next blog, I’ll share the four pillars that turn optimism into a practical, repeatable system leaders can use immediately.
In the meantime, if you're curious about how this might apply to your team, just hit reply and tell me what challenge you're navigating right now.
More soon,
Rael
rael@raelbricker.com
The Excellence Project
