It happens to the best of us. You were on a roll, knocking out project after project. You were packed full of brilliant ideas. Then, out of nowhere, you hit a wall. No matter what you try, your mind keeps coming up blank.
There is nothing more frustrating than a creative block that you just can’t seem to break through. Want to pull yourself out of that rut? Try these five ways to find inspiration in your daily life!
Go for a Walk
This is an accessible, easy way to seek out inspiration. Lace up your shoes and just start walking. Don’t walk with a specific destination in mind, rather, take the time to notice and appreciate the little surprises along your path. Play music that reflects your mood or the weather outside. Let your mind and your feet wander. Take paths you haven’t taken before. Soak in the intricacies of your neighborhood. How do the leaves hang from the trees? Why is the crack in the sidewalk so windy and uneven? Who carved their initials into the fence on the corner? Extract inspiration from the world around you.
Go to a Museum
The best place to pull inspiration is from the inspired. Check out the works of the greats who came before you. Take time to truly look at the exhibits. Be sure not to just admire the end product, but the process. It’s also helpful to bring a notebook to write down your observations to remember for later.
Make a Word Web
All you need is a pen and paper. Start with a single word. Write that word in the center of your paper and circle it. Draw lines from the word and attach them to words that you associate with the original word. Continue to grow the web by finding new connections with other words or phrases. Repeat until your paper is filled. Go back through and put a star next to your favorite ideas.
Read
Books are filled with entire other worlds of inspiration. Flip through the pages until you find something that strikes you. Keep a highlighter or sticky notes on hand so you can mark passages that stood out to you.
Be Open
The funny thing about inspiration is that it can strike you anywhere if you let it. The best ideas often come from the oddest of places. Keep an open mind and be willing to let it take you to new and exciting places.
