Get the Juices Flowing
If you have to think for a living, being inspired can be a problem. Ad agency executives, creative people, writers, business owners, architects, cyber-security experts – anyone dealing with information needs to be inspired to succeed, to innovate, to come up with compelling ideas and solve problems in order to get better at their profession and as a human being.
Over the years, I’ve tried to take on challenges and find things that inspire me or push me forward, ways to get my creative juices flowing again and get my motivation back. I try to take on challenges that are sometimes daunting. For me, there is nothing like the possibility of failure to produce motivation and inspiration. Will that work for you? Who knows, but one thing’s for sure: Nothing will be gained if you don’t try new things.
Here are a few other tips:
Write it down. If I have a good idea, I like to write it down or, better yet, send myself a text. The ideas may not always be good ones or even feasible, but I park them in my idea bin and review them from time to time. You never know when putting those ideas into practice will come to pass. But sometimes those ideas can blossom into something bigger and more meaningful – they turn into dreams.
Take inventory. Unplug from the world. Sit down and contemplate all you have accomplished. It feels good to know that you have come a long way. Look back on yourself not just professionally but personally; consider your family and friends. As you take inventory, be thankful, and be humble.
Just get started. This one is tough sometimes. But taking on new challenges, pushing yourself forward and trying new things, and exercising the body and brain are all good for you. My father used to always say that “getting started is the tough part,” and he was right. But once you are past that, whether you’re painting a bench or starting a new company, good things can finally happen.
Exercise. For me, nothing is better to clear the mind then exercise. The problem is I don’t do it as much as I should. But exercising needs be the most important thing on your to-do list. It preserves your mind, strengthens the body, makes you look better and propels you forward. It works on so many levels. Just Do It!
Take a trip. Every year I take a short boys trip with old friends. It’s the best therapy one can have. Five guys who know each other very well from a different time in our lives. We have all moved on and live in different parts of the county now, but once a year we get together and just have a lot of fun. We have nothing to prove to each other, no agendas to keep, no children, wives or co-workers to worry about. I always come home re-energized.
Above all, get to know yourself and be good to yourself. If you do, you’ll never hold yourself back or be your own worst enemy. Sounds simple, but it’s so hard to do. Just get started!
