Finding Inspiration Around the Corner

It is not uncommon for one to feel mentally blocked, void of ideas, motivation or insight. Sometimes the mind needs a little break and falls into a state of rest as the brain reprocesses the data it has accumulated. But should this down period last too long, it could be an indication of falling into a rut.

If it’s new inspiration you’re looking for, try some of these strategies to help you get over the initial hump.

Seek New Experiences: If the same habits, actions or routines are always performed then it is not likely that you embrace novelty and thus novelty will not embrace you. Seeing the possibility of change is a prominent factor in gaining inspiration and so new experiences, new sceneries, new people are among the many ways inspiring moments can emerge.

Maintain Mental Aperture: As you encounter fresh faces, places and activities, ensure you keep an open mind to the experiences. Our mind often defends what we believe is known, stable and established but this will only hamper the creativity that comes from embracing new perspectives. Let the new experiences bring about change, including change in thought, in your outlook on life, or in habitual tendencies. Keeping the mind open to new ideas is the essence of finding inspiration.
Exchange ideas with others: Brainstorming over a topic or sharing stories with others is a great way to learn, discover new things and find inspiration. Not only are stronger relationships developed through open conversation and mutual interest but the possibility of stumbling upon meaningful messages, important notions or valuable ideas is greatly increased.

Stay in Tune: Emotions are a special thing as they can signal when a deep connection with something has been found, when an interesting idea is worth exploring, and when it’s worth taking an extra moment to appreciate an experience. These same emotions can also limit exposure to sources of inspiration by binding us to our past memories, learned concepts and rules of thought. Knowing to differentiate between subconscious sensations that stem from the body’s natural attraction to or repulsion from something new and the false impressions obtained by the Persona mechanism is the essence of finding inspiration that may breed successful innovative ideas and those that distract us from our path.

Take a Step Back: Sometimes we’re so preoccupied trying to find new inspiration that we don’t finish the tasks we’ve already initiated. Take a look at the activities you’re engaged in so far, or in which you should be engaged, and see if the inspiration you seek is actually right in front of your eyes. Perhaps what’s really being sought is a new perspective on something ongoing rather than something completely novel.