Today wasn’t one of those high-energy, let’s-go-conquer-the-world kind of days.
I didn’t wake up with a flash of brilliance. There was no “aha” moment. No sudden clarity. Just a lot of small, familiar tasks waiting on me. A calendar full of meetings. A to-do list that felt more like a restart button than a roadmap.
I felt… uninspired.
And if I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s this: leadership doesn’t wait for inspiration.
It shows up in the middle of the uninspired moments. When nothing feels new. When the next step feels like more of the same. When the energy just isn’t there.
That’s when discipline has to carry what motivation can’t.
Don’t Romanticize the Spark
Inspiration is great when it shows up. It makes everything easier. Creative ideas flow. Communication feels sharp. Decisions click into place. But relying on inspiration to lead is like relying on the weather to get work done.
It’s inconsistent. It’s emotional. And it’s not the foundation you want to build on.
Some of the most meaningful progress I’ve made as a founder came on days like today. The ones that don’t get headlines. The ones where I kept showing up, made decisions without fanfare, and encouraged someone else even when I was running on empty myself.
That’s leadership too.
Lead Anyway
On uninspired days, I go back to a few simple anchors:
- Clarity beats charisma. I don’t need to be impressive. I just need to be clear.
- Consistency is a message. Even when I’m off, showing up sends a signal that others can rely on.
- Encouragement is a choice. I might not feel “up,” but I can still lift someone else with a word or a check-in.
The best leaders I know don’t just chase the spark. They build systems and habits that work even when it’s cloudy. They make room for grace, not just greatness.
They lead anyway.
If today isn’t your most inspired day, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t meaningful.
Keep showing up. The spark might be late, but your presence is right on time.
