I admit it, I regularly lack inspiration. And, I don’t know about you but when I lack inspiration, I think about quitting. The problem is quitting is not an option for me. Letting go of things that are no longer working for me, yes. But not quitting. What’s the difference? It’s really a mind-set shift. Quitting is about giving something up all together. Whereas, letting go gives you the ability to safely transition into something more inspired.
So, back to finding inspiration when it’s just not there. More often than not, if I just start a task, I will find inspiration waiting for me around the first corner, saying “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you.” A good example is throwing clay. Many have told me that you should have in mind what you want to create before sitting down at the wheel. That’s great if you’re inspired, but I have found that if I just start the actions of working with the clay: wedging, centering, opening, pulling the walls up, that suddenly I know that I am making a (fill-in-the-blank) ____________.
The blank sheet of paper is intimidating, even if you’re slightly inspired. The blank computer screen even more so. Again, I find that if I just start with a sentence of what is on my mind, I find inspiration hiding behind the blank wall.
Other things I do to find inspiration:
- Take a walk
- Catch-up with a good friend
- Move to a different room
- Do something I never do (e.g., go to a museum)
- Take a nap
- Travel
I carry a notepad to jot down inspirational ideas, thoughts or quotes. Often I think I will remember and have forgotten it in the next moment as another inspired thought takes over.
You can also find someone who inspires you and follow that person through an eZine (eMail newsletter) or social media.
My final way to find inspiration is to look for ways to inspire others.
So, where do you find inspiration?
© 2010 Heather C. Morrow. All rights reserved
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Heather C. Morrow, owner of Pottery Daily, helps emerging artists express their true value and get paid what they are worth. Her products and services show you how to make more money, save more time while enjoying the freedom in your art. For your FREE audio go to www.marketandsellyourart.com.