Inspiration: it doesn't come from nowhere
This is a short post on inspiration and getting inspired. And the fact that both take effort.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, inspiration is "someone or something that gives you ideas for doing something." It is inextricably linked to creativity. Some dictionaries use inspiration as a synonym of creativity.
Why does inspiration matter? Despite the fact that some might use the term inspiration interchangeably with creativity, in my opinion it's inspiration that drives creativity. Working in the comms industry, we're constantly challenged to stay creative and think of great solutions to even greater challenges.
Creativity and inspiration also matter in the everyday life, outside of work. But how does one get inspired?
#1 Read
This one seems obvious. But in the busy world we tend to neglect reading. Read for at least 20 minutes a day. Don't limit yourself to your favourite authors, newspapers or magazines. Read something you'd normally omit and get some new perspectives and insights.
#2 Write
I got this advice from Jeremy Waite, who said that the best way of making sense of stuff is writing them down. I couldn't agree more with it. Make a mind map or simply jot down some notes. Writing is a cathartic process and putting thoughts on the paper can be beneficial. I won't even mention the fact that it makes you a better writer.
#3 Run
Physical activity is important. I had some of the best ideas when I was running. I came up with ideas for some of my favourite blog posts while adding extra miles to the running app. I'm gutted when I can't go for a run at least a couple of times a week. Running sharpens mind, declutters it from the mess, and helps to focus.
#4 Visit Tate
I'm not an artsy kind of person. At all. I don't really get art. I don't understand or like 90% of it. However, I visit Tate (mostly Modern, sometimes Britain) at least once a week. Every time the new exhibition opens at the Tate, I fall in love with one piece of work and can contemplate it for a while. The work such as Not everyone will be taken into the future by Kabakovs or Westminster by Giuseppe De Nittis really makes me think. Art can widen your horizon and spark imagination. Its interpretation is subjective and you don't have to worry that only few pieces resonate with you.
#5 Stay curious
I believe that curiosity is significant in finding inspiration. It's interest in the world that makes us want to learn and explore. What's more, it's listening to a podcast or reading a book -- rather than playing Candy Crush -- during the morning commute that drives inspiration and stops us complaining that it's Monday again.
Inspiration doesn’t come from nowhere. Go and embrace the world around you.
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Picture from the header was taken in Tate Modern's shop.
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