Inspiration can be sporadic and mysterious.

Sometimes inspiration comes from a single ray of sunshine.

Occasionally inspiration comes from the darkest moments in life.

Often times inspiration comes from life experience.

Without aspirations, inspiration is a sporadic emotion, fading in and out of focus.

Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unusual places.

Inspiration comes up the ladder, and it comes down the ladder.

Inspiration comes to us just as freely and as liberally as our hearts are open to receive it.

“Inspiration comes from prayer.” (D&C 63:64.) Ezra Taft Benson

“Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound.” Boyd K. Packer

“Not all inspiration comes from God.” (see D&C 46:7). Boyd K. Packer

“Inspiration comes more quickly when we need it to help others than when we are concerned about ourselves.” Boyd K. Packer

“Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings.” Boyd K. Packer

Preparation usually precedes inspiration.

“Answers are found while searching the scriptures because inspiration comes from studying the Lord’s own words. They are an unfailing source of light and inspiration.” Robert J. Matthews

“Inspiration comes not to the inactive, the inert, the sluggard (the mentally lazy), but to the plodder.” Improvement Era 1914

“It is by the mercy of heaven that inspiration comes to guide our eternal souls.” Improvement Era 1937

Constant and valiant living is necessary. . .

Remember, faith is not a magical formula. It requires that I make a deliberate decision to do good and then carry out my decision. Do it. Simply do it, and do it long enough that I can experience success, no matter how hard it may seem. My victory over self brings communion with God and results in happiness-lasting and eternal happiness.    JACK H. GOASLIND   (adapted)

As we confront our own lesser trials and tribulations, we too can plead with the Father, just as Jesus did, that we “might not … shrink”—meaning to retreat or to recoil (D&C 19:18). Not shrinking is much more important than surviving! Moreover, partaking of a bitter cup without becoming bitter is likewise part of the emulation of Jesus. 

Elder Neal A. Maxwell 
October 1997 General Conference

Our actual achievements count for little compared with the efforts for progress we put forth.   🏆John A. Widtsoe

What many good people lack are markers that might tell them how they are actually doing. Goals can become a ritual or a fetish, but in the right measure they can give us some much needed reference points. No wonder some seem discouraged! Minus such milestones, we often feel “minus” in our lives.