Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions? Like the passion that once fueled you has faded into routine? There’s this concept Thomas Troward talks about called “the spirit of ‘it,'” and it’s been rattling around in my brain for a while now. At its core, Troward’s philosophy is about staying connected to the animating force behind everything we do. Whether it’s a passion, a purpose, or a creative spark, and the moment we lose sight of it, things start to feel mechanical and lifeless. The challenge isn’t just finding that spark—it’s keeping it alive.

Thomas Troward’s Philosophy on the “Spirit of It”

Troward, a British judge and metaphysical thinker, wrote extensively on the power of thought and its ability to shape reality. He emphasized that behind every material thing is an animating force—an “it”—that gives it life, purpose, and direction. As he once stated, “Principle is not bound by precedent”—a reminder that we are not limited by past experiences but by our ability to stay connected to our creative essence.

The moment you disconnect from that spirit, the essence of what you’re creating or pursuing becomes hollow. Success, fulfillment, and happiness hinge on staying aligned with this inner force. And this isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s something I’ve seen play out in my own life, especially when I think about the conversations I’ve had with people deeply connected to their craft.

An Excuse for me to name drop Bernie Taupin

I had the ridiculous fortune of being in the same room as Bernie Taupin once. Yes, that Bernie Taupin—Elton John’s legendary lyricist, the guy responsible for some of the greatest songs ever written. And in this conversation, he started talking about vinyl records. But he wasn’t just talking about records—he was using them as an analogy for something deeper.

See, vinyl requires participation. You can’t just mindlessly hit a button and let the music play in the background while you scroll your phone. You have to be there. You have to take the record out, place it on the turntable, drop the needle. You have to flip it over. You’re engaged. You’re involved. And because of that, you’re connected—not just to the music, but to the experience itself. And that’s what stuck with me.

Participation Beyond Creativity

Bernie was making a point about being present, about actively engaging with the things that matter most. And this principle doesn’t just apply to creative pursuits—it’s relevant in every field.

Think about relationships. The moment you stop actively listening, investing time, and being present, connections weaken.

Or consider business leadership. A company thrives when its leaders remain engaged, involved, and deeply connected to their mission. The moment leadership becomes detached, teams lose direction, and the workplace culture suffers.

Even in health and fitness, participation is crucial. You don’t get stronger by passively knowing what to do—you have to engage in the workout, commit to the routine, and actively fuel your body.

No matter the field, disengagement leads to decline. Full participation, however, breathes life into what you do.

Okay…so how do we stay connected?

Troward would say that when we remain engaged with the spirit of “it,” we align ourselves with a greater intelligence, a creative force that moves through everything. It’s not just about doing something, it’s about embodying it, breathing life into it. When you play music, write, build, lead, or nurture relationships, you are tapping into something bigger than yourself—the original spark that set everything in motion. And just like vinyl keeps you engaged with music, life requires that same level of participation to stay connected to what truly matters.

5 Simple Steps to Keep Your “It” Alive

  • Daily Reflection: Take a few moments each day to remind yourself why you started. Write it down, say it out loud, or meditate on it.
  • Engage in Active Participation: Like vinyl records, make sure you’re not just passively going through the motions. Be fully present in your work and creative process.
  • Surround Yourself with Inspiration: Whether it’s books, music, art, or people who remind you of your “it,” keep those things close to you.
  • Regularly Reassess Your Path: Check in with yourself—are you still aligned with your original purpose, or have you drifted? Adjust as needed.
  • Create with Intention: Whatever you do, do it with purpose. Infuse meaning into your work rather than treating it like a task list.

Reignite Your Passion

At the end of the day, fulfillment isn’t about chasing the next big thing—it’s about staying connected to what truly matters. Keep your “it” front and center. Engage with it. Keep flipping the record. Because if you lose touch with that, you lose touch with the whole point.

So take a moment today—right now—and ask yourself: Am I still connected to my “it”? Have I been passively drifting, or am I truly engaged in what matters most?

If the answer feels uncertain, do something today to reconnect. Write down your “it,” call someone who inspires you, re-engage in something meaningful.

The magic never disappears—it’s just waiting for you to drop the needle again.