We all feel uninspired at times. The good news is that it’s a natural part of the creative process and something everyone struggles with. It’s totally normal! The next time you’re stuck in a creative dead zone, read this list of 30 things you can do to get inspired.
30 Simple Things to Get You Inspired
1. Change Your Environment
Get out of the house and go somewhere new. A new environment can spark inspiration by giving you a new way of looking at things.
2. Learn Something New
Get outside the boundaries of your own knowledge to learn something new. Learn ten words in a foreign language, research the music of 17th century Europe or pick up a star chart and learn about our universe.
3. Create a Vision Board
Think about what you want for your life and start envisioning it. Collect pictures and words that depict this life and bring them together on a vision board.
4. Get Back to Nature
Take some time out in nature and appreciate its amazing beauty. Go for a hike through the bush, climb a mountain or simply have a picnic by the pond in your local park.
5. Visit Your Local Bookstore
Bookstores are full of creative inspiration. Spend some time browsing the shelves and get inspired by the beautiful images and interesting ideas.
6. Try a New Creative Art Form
Push yourself outside the bounds of your creative specialty and try something new. If you’re a writer, try painting. If you’re a musician, write a poem.
7. Keep a Notebook to Jot Down Ideas
Keep a notebook with you to jot down ideas whenever they strike. These ideas might not seem groundbreaking at the time but they might serve as inspiration at a later date.
8. Learn About the History of Your Craft
Learn about how your creative craft originated, who the pioneers and greats were and how it has progressed over time. In every craft’s history, there is much inspiration to be found.
9. Research What Others in Your Field Are Doing
Learn about what other people in your creative field are doing. A quick Google search can be a great source of inspiration when you are low on ideas.
10. Listen to a New Type of Music
Seek out music that is different from what you usually listen to and try it out. What about jazz, classical, or rap?
11. Try Meditating
Take some time to sit, be still and breathe. Our busy lives can sometimes leave us so frantic that it can be difficult to get inspired. By taking the time out to meditate, you’ll give your brain a chance to refresh.
12. Follow Ten People Who Inspire You on Twitter
We’ve all got creative idols. Go follow yours on Twitter and get inspired every day by their musings.
13. Give Yourself the Gift of Time
Don’t rush yourself. Give yourself a day to just be and do whatever comes to you. You might be surprised at the inspiration that strikes when you least expect it.
14. Read an Inspiring Blog Post
Visit your favorite bloggers and read an inspiring post. There’s nothing like a few powerful words to spark your inspiration. Insert Lifehack article.
15. Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone
It’s easy to get stuck in a routine. Try something you’ve never done before that pushes you out of your comfort zone. By breaking the routine of your daily life, you’ll encourage the flow of ideas and increase motivation.
16. Watch a Great Film
There’s something powerful about a great film that can really get you thinking. Pick out a great film and absorb it fully.
17. Read an Autobiography of Someone You Admire
Reading about the life of someone you admire can be greatly inspiring. Hearing about their struggles and triumphs can inspire you in your own work.
18. Google Creativity Quotes Online
The words of others can be powerful and inspirational. Google creativity quotes and pick out ten that you find inspiring. Keep them in your journal and read them whenever you need a boost.
19. Journal Your Thoughts
Journaling can be a powerful release and spark creative inspiration both now and in the future. Your journal is your special space to be open and free with your words, letting what is within shine through.
20. Ask Someone Their Greatest Life Lessons
Seeking the wisdom of others can be incredibly inspiring. Ask someone you admire what the greatest lessons they have learned so far, you might just find a nugget of gold in there.
21. Watch an Inspiring TED Talk
There are so many inspiring TED talks just waiting to be watched. From science to art, history to technology, whatever your creative thing is, there is a TED talk to inspire you.
22. Read One of the Classics
The classics are rightly named for a reason. Google ‘classic books’ and pick one to read this week.
23. Experiment With Your Materials Without Pressure
Sit with your materials, experiment, and create whatever comes to mind without the pressure of deadlines or achieving a particular outcome. The process of experimentation is liberating and can spark some amazing ideas.
24. Ask Your Creative Friends About their Projects
Hearing about other people’s creative projects can be incredibly inspiring. Ask your creative friends what they have been up to and get inspired by their enthusiasm and ideas.
25. Start Before the Inspiration Strikes
Sometimes to get inspired, you just need to start! Inspiration comes from doing, so get your materials out and start creating!
26. Give Yourself A Little Note
It can be as simple as you’re amazing. Put it somewhere visible where you can see it every day. Grab a whiteboard marker and write on your mirror. Add some doodles on the side to make it cute.
27. Talk A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Have you always wanted to visit your nursery school for some reason? Then, go ahead. It might be the inspiration you need.
28. Volunteer
There’s nothing more inspiring than volunteering to help someone else or supporting a cause that benefits others. You might not have the financial means to help someone out but when you volunteer, you give something invaluable, which is your time.
29. Travel
Travel by bus, train, plane, or whichever way you like. Being in transit gives you some headspace to ponder about life, and sometimes generate new ideas.
30. Strike Up A Conversation With A Stranger
This one’s a hit or miss. But sometimes you get to talk to a random stranger and you instantly vibe with them and end up having a good conversation.
Final Thoughts
These are just some ideas to get you started. You don’t have to try much to get inspired. Just take a look around you, and learn to appreciate all the little things. Be creative; go out of your comfort zone; do something you’ve always wanted to do.
Featured photo credit: Marcelo Matarazzo via unsplash.com
