How to Get Inspired

Co-authored by Tanisha Hall

Last Updated: April 5, 2023 References

If you're feeling stuck and uninspired, take comfort in the fact that it happens to everyone from time to time. Don't worry, though, you can get out of this slump. Start by setting a clear goal, whether you want to write a story, paint a picture, or work though a problem. Find inspiration from things in your life, and learn to be open to that inspiration. Clear your mind so you can take that inspiration and turn it into steps to meet your goal.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Outside Sources for Inspiration

1
Surround yourself with things that energize you. You know what you love, whether it's fresh-cut flowers, beautiful paintings, or meaningful quotes. Make these things a part of your everyday life. They'll energize you, which can help create the right mindset for being inspired.
- These things will make you feel happier, which will leave you feeling more positive about life. Having a positive outlook can make you more receptive to inspiration.
2
Listen to classical music. Classical music is good for inspiration because it's so complex. It can put you in a better emotional state for absorbing information and help you relax.^{[1]
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- When you're more relaxed and in a better frame of mind for learning, you're more receptive to new ideas that might be the perfect inspiration for the problem you're working on.
- If classical music isn't your style, pick another style more to your liking. For instance, try instrumental music from a soundtrack or even something with lyrics that energizes you.
Reading can inspire you by providing fresh thoughts and ideas. Read anything from novels to news stories, and you may find an idea or even just a sentence in the text sparks inspiration for you.^{[2]
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4
Learn more about your issue or topic. Spend some time researching on the internet to learn more about your issue. Alternatively, go to the library to find out more. You could even take a class in the topic for a more in-depth look.
- Try looking on educational or government websites for solid information. Check for the ".edu" or ".gov" extension at the end of the web address.
- Learning more about the topic can give you the information you need to get inspired. Sometimes, you just don't have enough knowledge to solve your problem or create the item you need.
5
Change your routine. When you're stuck in your daily routine, you stop noticing things around you. Changing up your routine invigorates your mind with new sights, smells, and sounds, which can provide you with inspiration.^{[3]
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- For instance, change up your route to work, pick a different grocery store, or go somewhere new for your cup of coffee.
6
Take a trip. Traveling someplace, anyplace, can shake up your thinking, creating space for new ideas. You don't have to travel to a new country. A simple day trip to a nearby town is often enough to get your creative juices flowing.^{[4]
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- If you can't even afford a day trip, try exploring your own city. Visit a park you've never seen, or try a new restaurant with a cuisine you've never had before.
If you're trying to get inspired to write a song or paint a picture, maybe take an afternoon class in sculpture. If you're trying to figure out a new recipe, maybe try a workshop on writing. Trying new outlets can get your creative juices flowing, which helps to open your mind to new inspiration.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Getting Inspired by Other People

1
Bounce ideas off of other people. When you're feeling stuck, reach out for some help. Just talking about the issue with someone else can help get your creative juices flowing. They may say that one thing that helps a problem make sense to you, for instance.^{[6]
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- Get together with a coworker or good friend to help jumpstart inspiration.
As you go about your day, ask the question of everyone you meet. You may be surprised by some of the answers, and you'll likely be inspired by what you hear.^{[7]
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3
Learn about inspirational people. Try reading an autobiography or a biography of someone famous who made a difference. Alternatively, look up videos about them online or read webpages dedicated to them.^{[8]
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- Learning about great people can inspire you to do great things yourself. For instance, learning about Martin Luther King, Jr. may inspire you to make a difference in your community.
4
Teach someone else how to do something. Teaching is a great way to learn more about subject. You have to dive more deeply into it to be able to explain it effectively to someone else. As you dig deeper, you'll likely find inspiration for a creative project or even a solution to an issue you're facing.^{[9]
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- The tutoring session doesn't have to be in a creative field. Just diving deep into a subject can help open your mind to possibilities.
5
Meet up with other artists or thinkers. Sometimes, just being around other people who have the same creative interests as you can help spark ideas. You can talk about your project and see what people think or just have interesting conversations about more general topics, which can also spark inspiration.^{[10]
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- Look for community clubs to find other artists or thinkers in your area. The parks and recreation department in your town is a good place to start.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Clearing Your Head

1
Think "What if...?" instead of "I can't." When you employ a closed-ended statement like, "I can't do it"; "I'm stumped"; or "I just can't figure this out," you end up creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Your brain agrees with you, and you shut down. However, using open-ended statements can help open up possibilities, as it literally changes the way you think.^{[11]
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Research source} For instance, you could use one of the following statements or questions:
- "I am smart enough to figure this out."
- "I will figure out a solution to this issue."
- "What other options are there?"
- "What possibilities have I not thought of?"
- "What if...?"
2
Brainstorm with free association or free writing. Brainstorming can help you come up with new ideas when you're stuck. Free writing is a method of brainstorming where you write down ideas on paper. Start with a topic, and just write down whatever comes to mind.^{[12]
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- The key is to turn off the part of your brain that wants to edit. Just let your mind go, and don't judge as it comes up with thoughts and ideas.
3
Take a break but don't give up. Sometimes, when you've been working too hard on a problem, you may be tapped out. Maybe you want to quit. Quitting won't solve the problem, but taking a break may help. Just getting away from the issue for a few minutes may be all you need.^{[13]
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- Try taking a mental break, where you imagine yourself somewhere else. Close your eyes, and pretend you're somewhere you find relaxing. Imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of the place so you feel like you're there.
- Alternatively, go on a short walk to get a change of environment.
4
Exercise to clear your head. Engaging your body in physical exertion gives you a chance to focus on something besides getting inspired. Focusing on the task of working out gives your brain something to do. However, you'll still be subconsciously working on the issue, and inspiration may break through.^{[14]
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- Try working out 3 to 5 times a week, as it helps keep you energized and alert.
5
Turn off the technology. While technology can be a source of inspiration, it can also distract you from what's going on around you. Try turning your cellphone, computer, television, and other technology off for the day. Focus on the people around you, the food you're eating, and the things you see as you go about your day.
- If your head's buried in your phone, for instance, you may not see the moment that inspires your next big thing.
6
Take a creative break in an unrelated field. To get out of your head or your current problem, try doing something completely different that's creative but that you love. For instance, if you're trying to get through a work problem, take a break to do some painting. If you can't figure out what to write next, try playing an instrument or gardening for a bit.^{[15]
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- Engaging different parts of your brain while staying in a creative mode can help generate new ideas.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Turning Inspiration into Action

1
Examine each idea that pops up. Sometimes, you may be inclined to toss out ideas because they seem too crazy. However, the "crazy" idea may be the one that solves the problem. Don't just throw an idea out just because it seems weird or strange.
- For instance, maybe you're trying to write a poem. You may think most poems are about love or death so you dismiss other ideas. However, you can write a poem about almost anything, from snuggling with your cat or taking a walk to cooking a meal.
- Of course, not every crazy idea will work. Take time to think through it to figure it if it will.
2
Jot your ideas down in one place. When you get an idea or inspired thought, write it down in a journal or notebook. The more you are open to inspiration, the more likely you are to get ideas. Plus, having ideas written down in a notebook makes it easier to come back to later.^{[16]
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- Be ready for inspiration at any time. Carry a small notebook with you wherever you go.
- If you're more visual, try a vision board with pictures and select words instead.^{[17]
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3
Start working on an idea even if it's not perfect. Perfectionism can be paralyzing. It can make your question every action you want to take because you think it's not perfect. Therefore, it's best to just choose an idea and start moving forward with it. It may not be perfect, but it's a place to start.^{[18]
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- Just the act of doing can inspire you to find the right solution.
4
Focus on one problem at a time. When you try to juggle too many problems at once, it can overwhelm you. Instead, focus on solving one issue at a time, and save the other tasks for later.^{[19]
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- If you need to, make a list of the things you need to get done so you can focus on just one thing right now.
5
Set achievable goals. Break the task you have ahead into pieces so you don't find yourself overwhelmed. Figure out what you can do today, and make that your goal. It can help to write out a goal for each day. Be realistic about what you can get done.
- For instance, maybe you're trying to write a short story. Think about the number of words or pages you can comfortably write in a day, and aim for that.
- Don't beat yourself up if you don't meet your goal. Just start again tomorrow.
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