5 Unconventional Ways to Get Inspired
Oddly effective tactics you can use to generate ideas
We’ve all been there: filled with the desire to do — to create — something new, fresh, unexpected. But wanting to do something is one thing; actually making it happen is something else entirely.
Sometimes starting can be the hardest part.
When my synapses are firing more slowly than I would like them to, I don’t always care to try brainstorming or reading or researching or editing. I want so badly for the ideas to come naturally to me, to happen upon me, instead of embarking on an inquisitive manhunt of sorts.
Before you grow completely apathetic and quit on your creative endeavors entirely, consider taking one of these approaches.
Engage on a topic that you normally wouldn’t.
Whether this means journaling about it, sketching about it, reading about it, talking about it, or simply thinking about it, pick a topic or concern that you have never explored, and assess it in a new way. Maybe you consider a question that you have always had but never found the answer to. Maybe you’ll discover that the thing that once bored you isn’t so boring after all.
(For neat ideas presented in fun and quirky ways, I check out this website from time to time.)
Do something you’re bad at.
I like to do this once in a while because it reminds me to not take myself too seriously. No one can be great at everything, so consider this a chance to embrace one of your areas of opportunity. Not only will it force you to consider what you do really well, it’ll foster an appreciation for those who are better at certain things.
Each of us humans is unique and multi-faceted — and that is cool!
Explore data.
When I was an undergrad, one of my favorite classes focused on using hard data about society (microcosms) to support and develop broad-based narratives about that society (macrocosms). I could never decide which of the two was more interesting to write about.
Start by exploring areas of interest on Pew Research Center’s website, and go from there.
Interview someone about a sticky subject.
No, this doesn’t mean you should text your ex and ask him or her why you broke up — although that might make for an interesting story…
Call a few close friends and ask for their thoughts on the day’s politics or the latest controversy in pop culture. Ask your mom about what keeps her up at night. Ask your boyfriend what he wishes were different at his workplace.
The idea isn’t to create drama or stress, mind you. Ask to simply listen and absorb; don’t worry as much about responding.
Do the dishes.
The idea for this article came to me while I was standing at the kitchen sink! You never know what that mind of yours might come up with when given the chance to roam and wander a bit. Do something mindless, and let your thoughts go to everything or nothing at all.
Most of all, don’t force it! The best ideas come freely and naturally. You’ll know a good one when you have it. And if you don’t, that’s ok, too.
Looking to a take a more traditional approach to finding inspiration? Start by checking out Leah O'Daniel’s page. Leah is a creative writer, sociologist, and 9X Top Writer on Medium. One of her more recent articles explains how her Appalachian hometown has been affected by the opioid crisis. It is both haunting and beautifully written.