There are times we have surpassed even our own expectations and surprised ourselves. We find ourselves in a zone where we are performing to our potential and bringing out the best in us. We want to hold on to that state forever, but before we know it, we find ourselves struggling at the very things that seemed effortless and enjoyable. We find it hard to bring out the best in us consistently.

Our ability to re-create the zone for ourselves lies in understanding of what brings out the best in us.

There are times when a critical external situation propels us into delivering our best. External triggers can bring out the best in us, but that is not sustainable. When the trigger goes, so does our heightened performance.

Consistently bringing out the best in us lies in our ability to tap into our inner trigger. The secret lies in discovering our ability to work and live in an inspired spirit of joyous self-forgetfulness. When we deconstruct this, we understand that the answer we are looking for lies in three things – Being inspired, being joyful, going beyond ourselves.

When we peg our inspiration to something out there, no doubt we will stay in the mood for a while, but when we cause goes, so does our inspiration. However, when we reflect and realise the wonderful gift of life that we have and the difference we can make in small and big ways, we live with an attitude of inspiration. Love for life keeps us inspired, unleashing the best in us.

Nothing remains forever, so nothing in the world can give us everlasting happiness. But when we tap into our infinite reservoir of joy, we change the way we operate. We stop operating for joy, and start operating with joy. It doesn’t mean everything will go as planned. It just means our ability to stay connected with the infinite source within keeps up our spirit and unleashes the best in us.

Our ego loves to get fed. The more we feed it, the bigger it grows. The bigger it grows, the more we are limiting ourselves. When we learn the subtle are of dedicating ourselves to a cause beyond our limited self, we start operating in a spirit of self-forgetfulness. We subordinate our ego for the sake of a cause. Having a purpose beyond ourselves unleashes the best in us.

Brilliance does not have to be accidental and occasional. A light only flickers if the connection is loose. When we find ourselves flickering and not giving our best, we need to only strengthen the connection with the eternal charge of inspiration, joy and purpose. The best will follow.