Stay Inspired

Many people, from innovators to artists, moan about feeling uninspired. If you’re one of them, get this: inspiration won’t fall into your lap. You have to actively seek inspiration in everything that you do. Stay inspired and fend off the ruts of unproductivity by rediscovering your ambition, looking to others, and connecting with beauty in life.

Steps

Finding Your Drive

  1. Reconnect with your purpose. Inspiration is often derived from your specific goals and passions. Therefore, one way to re-energize yourself is by getting back to your “why.” If you haven’t already clarified your personal values, do so. Then, use these to clearly define your purpose.[1]
    • Once you’ve identified your values and purpose, write it down. Post it somewhere you can see it often like on your vision board, in your car’s sun visor, or on your bathroom mirror.
  2. Repeat positive affirmations. By directing your thoughts to positive qualities about yourself and life, you may get inspired to reach your goals. An excellent way to do this is by reciting positive affirmations.[2]
    • Find a few statements that make you feel empowered and enthusiastic. Then, repeat aloud them regularly, such as when you first wake up each morning and on short work breaks.
    • Examples might include “Everyone was once a beginner,” “I can face whatever challenges come my way,” or simply “I can do this.”
  3. Take one small action to build momentum. Often, you feel uninspired because you are sitting around waiting for something to inspire you. Inspire yourself by getting started in even the smallest way. If you have clearly defined goals, break one down. Identify at least one small action you can take to get you closer to that goal and do it.[3]
    • For instance, perhaps you are starting a business and feeling overwhelmed about your business plan. It can help to get started defining your mission and your business’s philosophy. Doing this small action may inspire you to get the rest done.
  4. Review your progress. Evaluation is necessary to achieve any goal. However, you may not realize the inspirational value in reviewing your progress and measuring your present accomplishments up against where you were a week ago or a month ago. Carve out time for daily or weekly reflection periods to review your progress.[4]
    • In these reflection periods, spend a few minutes thinking about what milestones you have surpassed, what obstacles you have faced, and any achievements you have claimed.
  5. Modify your routine. The same ho-hum routine can drain the enthusiasm out of anyone. To feel inspired, switch it up. You don’t have to enact a major overhaul. Just slight tweaks to your daily or weekly schedule can make a difference.[1]
    • For instance, if you tend to eat breakfast on the go, sit down and enjoy your meal mindfully. Pick a day to get off early and treat yourself. Change your workouts from evenings to mornings. Any of these slight changes might offer a burst of inspiration.

Getting Inspired by Others

  1. Study a role model. Hearing about the trials and triumphs of someone you respect can fuel your own journey. Find a person in your industry or from a similar background who has overcome obstacles to achieve success. Study this person’s outlook and behavioral patterns. Identify what you find practical and emulate it.[5]
  2. Read and discuss books. When you learn something new, your mind opens to even greater possibilities. So, research a few books relating to your purpose or goals and devour them. Don’t stick to just one perspective. Read various viewpoints to get a global understanding of the subject matter, and to spark your own inspiration.[4]
    • Take your reading to the next level by joining a book club. That way, you can share your opinions and generate ideas relating to the book through group discussion.
  3. Watch movies and documentaries. For some, seeing victories reenacted on screen is a great source of inspiration. Find some films that ignite passion and drive in you. Rewatch them whenever you need a push.[6]
    • Take notes while watching the film. Then, complete a journaling exercise about how the story in the film impacted you.
    • You don’t even have to watch stories that relate to you. Oftentimes, simply observing someone push themselves to overcome hardships is enough to move you.
  4. Listen to podcasts and videos. Today’s world offers an endless supply of motivating content for everyone. Much of this content isn’t even industry-specific but geared towards common struggles that all humans share. Locate podcasts and YouTube videos of motivational speakers that light a fire in you.[7]
    • After you are finished listening, try to find one message from the podcast that you can tangibly apply to your life. For instance, if the speaker discusses time-management skills, you might find and remove time-wasters from your schedule.
  5. Work with a positive peer or role model. If you know someone who has similar aspirations as you, seek them out. Working beside someone who is fired up about the same field or topic can motivate you when you’re feeling uninspired.
    • If you can find someone in your industry, approach them for work sessions by saying “Jim, you seem really passionate about the work you do. I’d love to work beside someone like you. Can I join you some days for work sessions?”
    • If you can’t find someone in your industry, working with anyone else who is focused and enthusiastic will do.[3]

Using Aesthetic Influences

  1. Listen to music. Music can prompt a powerful emotional response in you. And, while you may be searching for inspiration to get work done, typically your work passions are connected to your emotions. Find songs that encourage you and create a playlist.[8]
    • For instance, if you are feeling down, listening to an animated song can lift you back up. Or, you don’t have to listen to words at all. Try playing classical music as you work for inspiration.
  2. Go outside. If you’re searching for inspiration, nature is perhaps the greatest source. The great outdoors has inspired many to create or do. It will likely offer you the same spark of enthusiasm. Plus, just getting outside for a few minutes is a terrific way to reduce stress.
    • Go for a walk in the woods. Or, sit near a body of water and marvel at what you see.[9]
  3. Look at art. Admire the works of artists to find inspiration. Paintings, sculptures, and other art forms can spark your own creativity. What’s more, by noting the multitude of different styles, mediums, and subjects of different artists, you’ll remember that everyone, including you, has something unique to offer the world.[10]
  4. Indulge in the finer things. Experiencing a positive emotion can trigger new ideas and possibilities. Plus, if you tend to lean in the direction of “all work and no play” it can be helpful to treat yourself every once in a while. Think of a way to indulge your senses. This could be through gourmet foods or a luxurious massage.
    • When you partake in this indulgence, be all there. Fully engage your senses and let yourself soak up the experience. You just might leave feeling much more relaxed, and inspired.[11]

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://my.happify.com/hd/8-ways-to-stay-motivated/
  2. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225683
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/high-octane-women/201201/three-strategies-get-and-stay-inspired
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/12-tips-staying-inspired-and-productive.html
  5. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/284711
  6. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/jan/02/top-artists-creative-inspiration
  7. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacia-pierce/10-ways-to-stay-motivated_b_4941277.html
  8. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/284711
  9. ↑ http://blog.conservation.org/2014/12/how-nature-inspires-and-transforms-us-all/
  10. ↑ http://tinybuddha.com/blog/50-ways-to-find-inspiration-create-explore-expand/
  11. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kari-henley/what-are-the-top-10-posit_b_203797.html

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