Inspiration and creativity can really be in short supply these days. The longer you blog, it seems, the less you have to blog about. Awesome ideas appear to be coming to you less and less. But none of this has to be the case.
What You’ve Heard
When people talk about inspiration, they generally refer you to a bunch of cool sites, blogs, Twitter users, and more. You see, when anyone hears the word “inspiration”, they think it means to flood your brain with as much freakin’ stuff as possible.
There are even sites now that claim to be the “best source for inspiration,” and their simple task is to overload your mind with hundreds of pages of great content.
“Great content” — wouldn’t that be awesome? Well of course it’s always nice to see fresh, creative, and interesting stuff relating to your passion.
But overloading your brain and stuffing it with as many awesome posts, pictures, quotes, or whatever from your niche is not what’s going to get you creative topics for your next post.
What You Need to Know
Inspiration doesn’t come from other’s content. It comes from you
Sure it’s true that looking at other content can inspire you to do better, but it can’t come up with the fresh, creative approaches you need.
That’s your job.
But there’s one simple way to let the flow of inspiration hit you:
Declutter Your Mind
It’s not that hard to do, but for something so simple, the results will greatly benefit you. Rather than stuffing yourself with other people’s great work, do the opposite — don’t think what other’s have done. Think of what you’re trying to do.
Your mind is like a computer — the more you data you put in, the more crowded it gets in there and the more you have to process.
Clearing out that unneeded clutter will free you from the burden that’s been stopping you all along.
If you’re having trouble getting started, here are some tips:
1. Get a fresh, juicy topic
Every blog post you write should be so fresh, juicy, and full of zest that everyone can taste it. It should be something no one has read or even thought of before.
It should make people subscribe to your blog right when they see it.
It has to be awesome.
To think of something this great, try to explore your niche as normal. Then whatever comes to mind while you’re exploring, write it down. Then find topics to branch off of that main thought.
For example, I blog about Walt Disney World. So whenever I visit the Parks (which is often), I don’t even look for new topics. I simply have a blast like I normally would — and when an interesting thought hits me, I write it down and use it (and as many other ideas that can come out of it) for blog topics.
2. Don’t write with crappy programs
Once you have a good idea, it’s important to keep your writing process simple. Crappy programs include the most common two for bloggers — Microsoft Word and WordPress.
You might be surprised, but using these programs (and others very similar) could actually hinder you from writing awesome, fluent content.
Right now, I’m writing this post in the WordPress Dashboard — and trust me, it’s painful. I am constantly being distracted by so many options: Categories, Post Tags, SEO Details, Post Image, Javascript, My Profile, etc.
So I’ve come to the conclusion that WordPress and Microsoft Word (with it’s thousands of options and other stuff) isn’t the best, most ideal writing environment.
For Windows users (like me), I recommend Q10. It’s full screen, simple, and easy with hardly any visible options.
For awesome* Mac users unlike myself, I stumbled across Ommwriter — which from the video looks so awesome it makes me want to go buy a Mac.
Both of these programs are fully functional — however they are so simple you’ll be able to pump out an incredible post in half the time as usual.
3. Physically Declutter, too
Finally, and surprisingly enough, when you declutter the area around you — like your desk, the table, or the whole room — it can really help you in terms of efficiency and quality.
Whether you do it for your brainstorming process or your writing process or both, it will help. On a similar note, rearranging your desk (but also keeping it very clear) might give you a different feel on what you’re working on.
Let’s wrap this up
A Quick Review: I think that stuffing your mind with other people’s content is not the way to get inspired.
You must clear your mind from everyone else’s mess and focus on your thoughts and your ideas. Declutter your mind, your writing, and your workspace. And you’re off.
But first, I’d like to hear your thoughts. Does clogging your brain with inspiring content actually help you to write inspiring content? Are you tired of the word inspire? Let’s discuss!
*Not all Mac users are awesome, believe it or not.
Blogging Discussion, Tips & Tricks Copyright 2010 Blogussion.com. All Rights Reserved.
Finding Creativity & Inspiration from Nothing
No related posts.
 | Hi, this is Néstor Pabón I'm just a regular "Joe" who discovered internet marketing back in 2004, and by 2005 had replaced my day time job pay check, and doubled it by mid 2006. If you liked this article and would like me to share with you how I make my living online subscribe to my Newsletter for more tips and "insider" strategies. |
