Today, we’re talking about a concept that’s as exciting as it is elusive: inspiration. What is it? How does it differ from motivation? And, more importantly, how can you find it when it feels like your spark has dimmed?
Inspiration vs. Motivation
First, let’s clarify the difference between inspiration and motivation, because while they often overlap, they’re not the same.
Inspiration comes from within. It’s a spark of creativity, a feeling of awe, or a connection to something greater than yourself. Think about the last time a book, a piece of music, or a breathtaking view moved you to think, 'I want to create, change, or explore.' That’s inspiration—it’s about ideas and possibilities.
Motivation, on the other hand, is the drive to take action. It’s external and practical. For example, deadlines at work or the desire to improve your fitness level might motivate you to take specific steps.
Both require intention and direction. Sometimes inspiration just ‘happens’, but oftentimes it needs a little help. If you were to wait until you feel inspired to do things then you wouldn’t get a whole lot done in life.
Inspiration fuels ideas, but motivation powers execution. Think of a painter. Inspiration might strike when they see a sunset—those colors spark ideas. Motivation is what gets them in front of the canvas to actually create the painting.
Strategies for Getting Inspired
Now, how do you tap into that somewhat supernatural feeling of inspiration? Let’s talk strategies.
1. Seek Novelty and Get Curious
Why it works: Inspiration often comes from fresh experiences. The brain craves novelty to spark new connections.
Example: Visit a museum or an event space that guides you into new ideas, take a different route or park for your walk, or read a book outside your usual genre.
Pro Tip: Keep a journal or note to capture the ideas and feelings these new experiences stir up. Sometimes when I’m on a walk I have a thought about something I’d like to share on the podcast and I’ve learned to just record it right then and there so I capture the inspiration I feel most effectively.
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.” This verse reminds us that God’s Spirit empowers us with courage, energy, and purpose—key elements of inspiration.
2. Immerse Yourself in Creativity
Why it works: Seeing others’ creativity often jumpstarts our own.
Example: Attend a concert, watch a documentary about an innovator, or explore art galleries online.
Pro Tip: Don’t just consume—ask yourself, 'What does this make me want to create or do?’ Then go find a way to take action towards it, even if it’s in a small way like searching Pinterest to learn more.
3. Get into Nature (or another environment that stimulates your mind)
Why it works: Nature has a calming and restorative effect on our minds, opening the door to inspiration.
Example: A quiet walk in the woods might inspire a poem, a new perspective on a challenge, or simply a sense of peace.
Pro Tip: Bring a notebook or take photos to capture what stands out to you. Take it once step further and share it online or with a friend.
4. Connect with Passionate People
Why it works: Passion is contagious. Being around others who are inspired can ignite your own enthusiasm.
Example: Join a community group, attend a workshop, or even watch TED Talks online.
Pro Tip: Don’t just observe—ask questions about what drives their passion. The key here is to ask more questions and listen more attentively. Don’t go in with guns blazin’ to let everyone know more about you. Go in with curiosity and teachability. Make yourself a sponge. Consume and then produce later when it’s time for you to pour what you’ve captured into what you will create. For me this looks like getting with other coaches and listening to what’s going on for them, what they want and need, and what’s really inspiring to them right now. Then I can later talk about my viewpoint and my experience on the podcast where people are looking for it. But when I am getting with other coaches or women or leaders to get inspired, I do way less talking and way more absorbing.
5. Give Yourself Space and Time
Why it works: Sometimes inspiration strikes when you’re not actively looking for it.
Example: Spend 10 minutes meditating, journaling, or simply staring out the window without distractions.
Pro Tip: Set aside intentional downtime to let your mind wander—it’s often when breakthroughs happen. For me the best times are on a walk, in the shower or pool, and when I am doing something else that I have to do but don’t really want to. Haha!
Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” This encourages us to find renewal and inspiration by placing our trust in God, who provides strength and perseverance.
6. Let What You Love Lead You
Why it works: Reflecting on what you’re thankful for often reignites a sense of wonder and possibility.
Example: Look at what you already know and love and ask yourself questions such as: ‘What do I love about that?’ - ‘What does that make me think of?’ - ‘How can I create more of that?’
Pro Tip: When you find yourself feeling grateful for something stop and give it a full minute of your attention. Dig deeper in your heart and mind to see what it is that really captures you about this thing. I love the moments when I can see beyond the external thing I’m thankful for and find the truer meaning within it. Like when I am sitting on my lanai and looking at the woods in the backyard in the fall or the spring. I can dig into the ‘why’ behind my joy. I love the dimension and contrast that the color of those seasons offer. I love the newness of how fall and spring both offer a sharp difference from the season before it. Right there I find the ‘why’ behind my love for enjoying the season outside while I’m working- it’s because I love contrast and newness. Then I can let that lead me to other ideas and inspiration.
Practical Tips for Staying Inspired
Here are a few bonus strategies to maintain inspiration once you’ve found it.
Create a Vision Board: Visualize your goals and dreams by crafting a collage of images and words that resonate with you. You can do this on paper but also inside Pinterest.
Schedule 'Inspiration Time': Just like workouts or work meetings, block time to explore activities or ideas that inspire you.
Keep a Swipe File: This could be a folder on your phone or computer with images, quotes, or ideas that inspire you.
Reader Challenge: Find Your Spark
This week’s challenge is simple but impactful: spend 20 minutes exploring something new.
It could be a walk in an unfamiliar neighborhood, listening to a new genre of music, or reading about a topic you’ve never considered.
Do this intentionally and allow your mind to go beyond just the things you see. Let the sense of exploration create space in your mind that can be filled with new things, ideas, and creativity.
At the end of your 20 minutes, jot down what you learned, what you felt, and whether it sparked any ideas or shifts in perspective.
Inspiration is all around us; sometimes, we just need to be intentional about noticing it. Remember, ideas lead to actions, and actions lead to change so don’t wait for inspiration to find you—go out and get it.
Share this with someone who could use a little spark today and until next time, stay curious and inspired.
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