If you’ve been lacking inspiration lately, whether creatively, mentally, etc., this post is for you. From any kind of creator’s block to uncertainty about your next big life move, it can feel frustrating to be at a loss for ideas. The good news is, inspiration often hides in plain sight, just waiting for us to discover it. We don’t always need to spend lots of time, money, or effort to get inspired; we just have to know where to look. Let’s dive into some specific examples of this concept in action!
1- Spend time outside.
As cliché as it may sound, there’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature. Soak in the sights, sounds, and other sensations that inspire you. This is a great way to feel connected to something bigger than yourself. Inspiration can be found in a beautiful sunset or sunrise, the smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, the list goes on. It’s all a matter of being in tune with the world around you!
2- Explore new places.
Inspiring environments aren’t limited to the outdoors. Whether there’s a cute cafe near your job you’ve been wanting to go to, or a trendy new bar with a quirky aesthetic, any place with a vibe that has the potential to inspire you is worth giving a try! Again, soak in all the sensations. You never know what will spark creativity!
3- Consume content that has the potential to, or has already proven to, inspire you.
This can include social media, podcasts, and books, but it can also include TV shows and movies. While watching TV and movies is often viewed as “unproductive”, you’d be surprised how much the right shows and movies can actually kickstart your productivity! Whether it’s the show with the badass main character whose energy you channel when you need to feel cool, or the comfort show that automatically puts you in a better mood, they can be instrumental in improving your headspace. As for creative inspiration, creators are constantly consuming content to help them create their own. As long as you make a conscious effort not to copy other people’s work, there’s nothing wrong with getting inspired by it. Turn to your favorite content (of all kinds) for that much-needed inspiration (again, of all kinds)!
4- Surround yourself with inspiring people.
If the people around you drain you or make you feel uninspired, I’d say it’s time to refresh your circle. There may be times when we have to tolerate these dynamics due to circumstance. For instance, you may have a coworker who makes you feel this way, but you’re not in a place to quit your job right now. If you can at least limit your exposure to this person as much as possible, and spend your non-working time with those who replenish your energy, that’s a great solution for the time being. In cases where you have more control over someone’s role in your life, exercise that control wisely. There’s no need to voluntarily spend time with people whose company doesn’t feel good for you. Alternatively, seek out relationships that give you all the inspiration you could ask for!
5- Incorporate movement into your routine.
You’ve probably heard someone about to go on a walk say, “I just need to clear my head”. There’s so much validity to that, as movement isn’t just for your physical health but your mental clarity. You never know when a good workout will plant just the right idea in your head when you need it most. As for taking walks, this can incorporate the first tip, spending time outside! The movement doesn’t need to be high intensity in order to be effective. It just has to get you out of your head and into your body, leaving your head with plenty of inspiration after the fact!
6- Brain dump about whatever is consuming your thoughts.
Often times, we feel uninspired because inspiration has nowhere to go. Our minds are too full with to-do lists, worries, uncertainties, and other blockages. By dumping all of this clutter onto a page or screen, we’re making that much more room for inspiration to flow! When it does flow, you’ll probably want to write some more—to express yourself and cement the inspiring ideas that came to you so you don’t forget them!
The bottom line…
As you can probably glean from this list, gaining inspiration often boils down to adjusting your environment and input. What surrounds you, as well as what energy you consume, will undoubtedly influence how inspired you are. While not every single variable is controllable, focus on those that are. Fill your days with the best sources of inspiration you could ask for, and watch how the rest falls into place!
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