Chancing Upon Brilliant Ideas: The How-tos of Staying Inspired
- Oct 27, 2024
- 5 min read
(Artwork by Valentin Galmand)
“Been there, done that” is a common phrase used when conversing with a creative mind about creative blocks. However, if I may, the correct phrase would be “been there, and desperately sought a way out.” To be fair, imagine yourself stuck in a maze with no way out. It’s frustrating, to say the least.
We've all experienced those frustrating moments when creativity seems to vanish, leaving us staring blankly at a page or screen. Whether you're a writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking to create something new, not being able to ideate can feel overwhelming. However, what if I told you that the inspiration we need is all around us, just waiting to be uncovered?
Before we dive into solutions, it's important to understand why we often struggle to find inspiration. While several common culprits can lead to creative ruts, one that is often criticized is burnout. In the marketing industry, 56% of professionals have feared the risk of burnout in their careers, according to an article by Forbes. Our creative wells can run dry when we push ourselves too hard and neglect our mental well-being. Stress and exhaustion can cloud our minds, making it difficult to think inside the box, never mind attempting to think outside the box.
Another key factor contributing to this stagnation is a lack of stimulation. During one of my classes, my professor compared the human brain to sourdough—both can be shaped by their environment. The unique characteristics of a sourdough starter are influenced by local microbes and conditions, just as our brains are shaped by our experiences and surroundings. Falling into rigid routines without introducing new experiences can leave us feeling uninspired. When every day feels like a repeat of the last, it becomes challenging to develop new perspectives or thoughts.
Additionally, in our hyper-connected world, information overload can be overwhelming. With constant input from social media, news, and entertainment, it can be difficult to sift through the noise and stay focused.
But worry not, because overcome we will! Let's explore a few strategies to keep those creative juices flowing, shall we?
Well, let me start by being honest: six months ago, I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me I wrote a blog on how to stay inspired. I could barely stay inspired myself. I was in a routine that seemed convenient, and I didn’t feel the need to interrupt it—unless, of course, I was asked to pitch in during brainstorms or ideate on concepts. That is when I would regret blocking out my surroundings. With the limited time and resources at my disposal, free snippets of inspiration that took less than a second to notice from my surroundings—those that needed no major alteration to my routine—were the only sources of creative fuel I could rely on. Soon after, I devised a plan to ensure I took advantage of everything I saw, did, and happened to be a part of.
Let me introduce you to my 4R’s:
(Artwork by Valentin Galmand)
Kicking off with Rewind, one of the most effective ways to tap into inspiration is to rewind and reflect on your daily experiences. At the end of each day, taking a moment to reflect on what you encountered—remembering what surprised you, what made you laugh, or any interesting people you met—is half the work done. This practice helps you uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, transforming everyday moments into creative fuel. By actively engaging in this reflection, you will, like me, also understand yourself better. What is it that sticks with you the most? What do you tend to observe? Who are the people you find interesting?
(Artwork by Jorge Artola)
Moving on to Rehash, entertainment can serve as a rich source of inspiration if approached thoughtfully. Instead of simply consuming media passively, engage with it critically. (Yes, your Instagram doom scroll before bed counts too!) While watching a movie or listening to music, ask yourself "What if?" questions that challenge the narrative or explore alternative scenarios. This will allow you to extract creative insights from familiar stories and concepts. Additionally, if you are a visual first-person like me, consider creating mood boards based on the aesthetics or themes that resonate with you in your favourite shows or songs. This visual representation can spark new ideas and help you connect different elements in your work.
(Artwork by Valentin Galmand)
Record, record, record!!!
Brilliant ideas often strike unexpectedly, so it’s crucial to have a system for capturing them as they come. Maintain a "no filter" idea journal where you jot down thoughts without self-censorship—kinda cool, isn’t it? Keep this journal accessible. If you’re someone who roams around with a book and pen, then you’re doing great! But if not, use the notes app on your phone—someone sensible out there thought it through. So, capture fleeting moments of inspiration whenever they arise and stick them in that no-filter journal like nobody’s watching. Regularly review your entries to identify patterns or connections that may not have been apparent at first glance. This practice not only helps preserve your ideas but also allows you to revisit and refine your thoughts over time.
(Artwork by Beorore)
And lastly, remix.
The final strategy is to remix your observations with relevant facts or trends to create something new and valuable. Because ideas today are honestly just a spin on someone's idea from yesterday.
Taking one or two insights that you may have picked from your day (Rewind) or the most recent movie you watched (Rehash) and blending them with current trends or factual information related to your field is all it takes. For example, during the summers, I observed that every commuter held onto something dearest to them—a cold beverage, typically coffee. Soon after, I was part of a group discussion where we were asked to pitch an idea that would drive sales for a coffee brand. Upon researching, I found that approximately 80% of Canadian coffee drinkers consume their first cup of coffee in the morning. After reading up a little more, it turns out iced coffee consumption is on the rise among Canadians, with iced espresso being the fastest-growing segment in the coffee category. The coffee brand we were ideating for sold a variety of iced coffee flavours. It took me less than a day to pitch “emotional support coffee to start your day right”—personalized to the T, iced coffees that feel like a hug and are just what you need to kickstart your day.
So hold onto your coffees and get remixing!
And that’s all from me, folks! By mixing all the elements, you can generate fresh ideas that are not only innovative but also relevant to the task at hand by using a few, if not all, of the Rs. However, by integrating all four strategies—Rewind, Rehash, Record, and Remix—you can cultivate a rich ecosystem of inspiration that fuels your creativity and keeps your ideas flowing even when you are low on time, energy, and inspirational sources. Rest assured that as you add these practices to your daily routine, you will watch them transform your approach to creativity!
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a fun read ❤️