I read "The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" and Gumption was the thing that stuck with me the most as well. I'm glad you picked up on the same point I did. I think Gumption is just the act of applied inspiration. Much the same how 37 Signals says "Inspiration is perishable", for me; Gumption is the day to day. It is taking the inspiration and the clarity and acting on it.