10 Ways to Feel More Inspired in the Next 10 Minutes
Breaking through a creative block doesn’t have to be a whole big thing
It’s hard to come up with fresh new ideas when you’ve been staring at the same four walls for five months. Take it from me, someone who’s been staring at the same four walls for five months. Whether you’re working on a creative project or just need to brainstorm what to say at your next work Zoom, you don’t need to go on a vision quest in order to get inspired. (Though if you do need some time off for a vision quest, we’ll totally cover for you.)
Start a “Spark File.” Michelle Woo, a senior editor here at Forge, suggests putting brainstorming sessions with yourself on the calendar. Keep notes of whatever random ideas arrive in your brain — that’s your “Spark File” — and then every once in a while, set aside some time to go over the notes. Past you might have the key to unblock present you.
Write like Hemingway. Sometimes writer’s block is a problem of muscle memory. Ryan Holiday writes, “It was from Ernest Hemingway, Tobias Wolff, and John Fante that I learned about typing up passages by your favorite authors so that you can feel great writing go through your fingers.” Try typing out someone else’s words. It will remind your fingers how to transmit great ideas.
