I see. That way, a narrative also includes a perspective on life. Depends on which perspective you have (if any), you are more or less motivated to follow your dreams - or to follow the sheeps. Although I said it could be motivating just to follow your feeling without any idea on how it will turn out at all, this might require a deep feeling and some kind of magic wisdom. So most of the time a perspective is needed, one which motivates people. Also, of course, the feeling of progress in the recent past to be sure your way is really the right one. Also the idea of a way at all, which might, to suffice, be just a feeling though.
Anyways, people are bound to different kinds of nihilism and pessimism, so they lack any perspective on the future and often they don’t even feel something like a vision, no matter how “unrealistic” it might seem: they seem to lack any imagination for it or the motivation to imagine and dream, because their “narrative” goes like: this world is flawed, but we have to live with it, arrange with it, not to think too much about a better world, because that only makes me feel worse, for I can’t change it anyways. Or maybe even: this world is flawed, but it’s okay, really. smiles excessively
So how to reach people there? Differs on how far they are gone in the abyss of nihilism. But a narrative would be a start. Some mind shifting one. Some touching one. Which activates a part inside of them, that always was suppressed: some longing which is set free, some story which tells the people: yes, I know how you feel, you’re not alone, others feel it too. And there is a way to let your feeling live, there is hope! We might be able to do that! Let’s do that! 
So how do you inspire people? I would say by letting your own visions and fantasy go wild. Really wild and letting it kick all the "but"s (pun intended) apart and just show the world and yourself, what authenticity looks and feels like…