Have you stumbled upon a writer’s block? Or rather, does it feel like you’ve set up permanent residence there? It’s a familiar town to all who set out with a pen as their companion, and once you’ve fallen in a writer’s block it can be hard to get out.
Other times though, it can be as easy as saying ‘Inspiration.’
The smallest things can awaken the sleeping writer inside us, sending us scrambling for that notebook to jot down all our ideas. It can be especially helpful when we are lost to know exactly what will help us find our muse again.
One: Read Other People’s Work
Reading another person’s article, blog, or novel can be a great way to jump start your engine. Seeing the world through someone else’s eye can open up the door to a whole new perspective that we had never considered on our own.
Not sure what to read? Try some of your favorite authors, you already know that you’ll like what you read. Or if you’re in the mood for something different search a topic that you like and read articles written on that.
Two: Keep A Journal
Writing down your thoughts can trigger inspiration, as well as reading back over previous thoughts.
Jot down your ideas as soon as you think of them, the purpose of this is two fold. One-you won’t forget your ideas. Two-if you chose to not do anything with your idea for now, then it’s something that you can come back to later for inspiration. If nothing more you can simply label the notebook The Evolution of My Handwriting and be done with it.
Three: People Watch
I love the human race. You guys are strange creatures that are entirely unpredictable. Head to the local mall and enjoy the show. Pretend to know people’s backstories, guess as to what they are saying. Let your imagination run as wild as their outfits are as you search for your inspiration.
Four: Meditate
“Meditation is the soul’s perspective glass.” Owen Feltham
Sometimes a little peace and quiet is all you need to get inspired. My favorite, and I’m sure I’m not the only one, is to watch the sky. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Relax your body, give yourself that much needed back massage, and let your mind wander.
Five: Listen to Music
Listen to whatever suits you best, then switch it up and listen to something you never would have on your own.
According to a study, “Moderate noise levels increase processing difficulty which promotes abstract processing, leading to higher creativity.”
Six: Look at Art
While quoting Fareed Zakaria, Denise M Cassano states,”‘It is the act of writing that forces me to think through them [ideas] and sort them out.’ Art can be that link to helping students organize their ideas and produce coherent, thoughtful writing.”
Want to find art that has previously inspired others? Follow this link to see.
Seven: Take a break
You’ve been trying so hard to write that killer blog, but each sentence is coming out dry and weak, lacking anything resembling a successful post.
Stop beating yourself up and take a break. Sometimes all that you need a few deep breaths and maybe a ice cream break to get yourself in gear again.
Take a look at what things inspire other people, it it works for them then there's a good chance it can work for you too! Follow this link to find what ways other’s get inspired.
Best wishes to you all!