I know you’ve had days when inspiration is no where to be found. You’re totally on autopilot. Living life just to get it done for the day. Yep… life gets mundane sometimes. What’s worse, is when you find your boring patterns turning into habits. Habits that lack feeling, fun and most of all inspiration.

Photo courtesy of Arnaud Mesureur

But the good news is that inspiration isn’t actually as hard to find as you might think. A little thought shift here, a little activity change there and PRESTO – inspiration is back. Whew!!

The Enemy of Inspiration

Don’t let your habits be the enemy of inspiration. They keep us from exploring, being curious, being present. Inspiration comes from tapping into something beyond your own thoughts. A willingness to tune in and let go of the autopilot that sometimes gets us through our day. After all, everyone wants to feel inspired. I mean what’s the point in living without inspiration?

Don’t let your habits be the enemy of inspiration.

Soul Versus Ego

Inspiration comes from the soul. Motivation comes from the ego. “Which is more important?” you might be asking. My initial answer would be inspiration, but… I think for most of us motivation is important too. We need motivation to take care of ourselves, hold a job, handle the daily tasks. And yes, that comes from the ego. Ego isn’t all bad, it has it’s place. But motivation and ego gone wrong…well, we all know what that looks like – greed, narcissism, lack of concern for others and a hyper focus on personal gain. Not pretty.

Now inspiration is something different. I see it as originating from outside of ourselves. Some may even say that it comes from a connection with your soul, that larger part of you that lives beyond the body you exist in today. And generally inspiration, well, it feels good because it benefits more than just you. It connects you with others in a positive way. Not fully buying in yet? Try making a short mental list of what inspires you – what you’ve been truly inspired to do, not motivated to do. I bet your short list involves goodness toward others.

How you find inspiration is a very personal experience.

The Challenge of Staying Inspired

Once we become inspired, cool stuff happens. But staying inspired seems to be the real challenge. And keep in mind, inspiration might be as big as starting a non-profit or as simple as cleaning your closet. Both can be productive and beneficial.

Finding ways to keep yourself inspired and connected to that Higher Self is really the key. And from my perspective, how you find inspiration is a very personal experience. No one can determine how to become inspired but you. And that could change on any given day. AND…that is okay.

And generally inspiration, well, it feels good because it benefits more than just you.

Your Attitude Dictates Everything

Being committed to inspiration is a choice. Finding and creating the “space” to be inspired takes awareness and desire. But it doesn’t have to be any more difficult than getting up each morning and brushing your teeth. Simply make the decision to figure out what helps you to be inspired, and then do it.

How To Keep Yourself Inspired

Here are some great links to articles that approach inspiration from different perspectives to help you build that personal list of ways to keep yourself inspired.

• If you’re into mindfulness or looking to incorporate mindfulness into your life, “50 Ways To Find Inspiration” is perfect for you.
• This “List of 9 Ways to Find Inspiration” from Entrepreneur.com is useful for everyone, not just business professionals.
• Failing to find inspiration for that next big project? Wikihow.com walks you through a step by step process on “How To Get Inspired”.
• Consider this super practical list of “31 Ways to Find Inspiration for Your Writing” works for more than just writers.
• Oh how I miss Dr. Wayne Dyer. Lucky for us his wisdom lives on. For me, his “6 Essential Principles For Living An Inspired Life” just make so much sense.

After taking a look at some of these why wouldn’t you incorporate them into daily life? Nothing is better than living an inspired life. And yes, it can be easy.

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