A writer can find inspiration anywhere, but sometimes it feels as though new ideas have dried up, and there is no hope for a writer who finds himself or herself in this slump. In some cases, finding inspiration can be as simple as a change of scenery in a writer’s workspace. Other times, writers may be battling something more complex, hoping that inspiration will come to them.
If you are waiting for inspiration to appear in the perfect eureka moment, you may need to consider chasing your inspiration in the following ways.
Revisit Your ‘Why’
When writers hit a roadblock, they are usually too deep into their work and should take a step back. Focusing on details like editing or structuring a layout can be stressful and uninspiring. Look at the big picture of why you started this book or writing piece in the first place. What was your initial inspiration? This question will lead to the “why”, which is the most powerful tool in moving forward. Revisit your goals and visualize the final product. A writer can always go back to the details later, once the inspiration is flowing
Embrace Child-Like Wonder
Look at the world with “child-like” wonder. Children question nearly everything with their curious and innocent minds. A writer may already be an expert in his or her topic, but chances are, other people are not. If you put yourself in the shoes of someone who is uneducated on the subject, like a child, you may have a new revelation.
Children also often have an abundance mindset, instead of a scarcity mindset. Instead of feeling hopeless in your writing journey, approach every day as though you can find inspiration anywhere. A simple activity like going for a walk or people watching could be the answer.
Refill Your Inspiration Cup
Writing can be physically and mentally draining. It can be helpful to fill yourself with other content when searching for motivation. This might include listening to music or a podcast, reading knowledgeable articles or reading a good book, visiting a museum, or even watching an entertaining movie or show. A writer mayeven consider turning to social media, which can be a time-waster, but can also be used to follow inspirational people. These ideas should not be consumed as distractions or intended for imitating, but the work of others often inspires people.
Call a Friend or Mentor
The key in this step is to find a friend or mentor who will keep you accountable and contribute to a productive conversation. Some friends encourage complaining or gossiping, so the friend you reach out to must be someonewho you always leave a conversation feeling motivated, not negative. Conversing with a friend or mentor will provide a fresh perspective on your writing hindrance. Sometimes, people find inspiration in merely conversing as they talk through the problem and come up with the answer on their own.
The Secret to Finding Inspiration
As a writer, the secret is to find a balance between forcing inspiration and waiting for inspiration to magically appear. Great ideas can come from anywhere, even the most unexpected places. However, inspiration will not come to you if you are not searching for it with an open mind.
