Understanding Inspiration

If it's inspiration you need, then a great way to get it is by understanding how it works and what it does. Inspiration, is formally known as the process of being psychologically stimulated to do or feel something. This is particularly true when considering creativity and creative projects.

Inspiration, like motivation, may come from an extrinsic source. These include objects, sounds, people, events, scents and colours. We can obtain inspiration from almost anything, at any time and anywhere. The key to making the most of it, is to hold onto it, keep a list or hold it in a safe and special place, embed it in your memory. But that's only half the task. The first half, and the most difficult, is finding it.

Inspiration may be limited or it may be durable. Limited inspiration is easiest to find, it results in inspiration which is limited, it does not last a long time and is only productive in the short term. These may include simple likes or dislikes, such as flowers, the sound of a bird in the morning, the scent of a cake baking... but they do not have the strength or potency to stay with us in the long term.

Durable inspiration is most desirable, as it is long lasting and is more productive. The short falls with this category of inspiration is that it is more difficult to find and obtain. Durable inspiration is often a result of experiences and emotions. Something so powerful and strong that it encourages people to make a change in their life, or give them ideas which they can put into practice or act on.

Be mindful of what inspires you, use limited inspiration as frequently as possible, but keep your senses open for durable inspirations, these will have the most significant impact on your levels of productivity.