If you want to remain productive and have ideas when you need them most, the stimuli you allow into your mind are important.
Because creativity is essentially the combining of existing bits of inspiration into something new, the quality and relevance of your inputs will often directly affect your creative output.
One question that I often get is “where do you find inspiring stimuli?” People know that I read a lot, and that I have dedicated time on my calendar each day to “fill the well”, but they wonder how I find the books (the ones I share in my newsletter and on my bookshelf) and resources that inform my creative process. The answer is actually quite simple. I ask people I admire, “what’s inspiring you right now?”
Whom do I ask? Anyone I find interesting. It doesn’t matter if we’ve just met or if we’re old friends. I find that the best quality stimulus often come from the least expected places. (Two of my favorite books of all time were discovered by asking an old friend for recommendations.)
Here’s a homework assignment (should you choose to accept it):
1. Choose three people you admire.
2. Either draft an e-mail, or if you’ll see them this week, ask them in person.
3. In the e-mail or conversation, ask them for the best thing they’ve read lately, the best documentary or movie they’ve seen, or the experience they’ve had that most impacted them.
4. Keep a running list of responses. Choose one.
5. Start dedicating time each day (even 15 minutes) to absorbing the new stimuli.
6. If something strikes you as especially profound, take a few minutes to jot a thank you note to the person for recommending it to you and how it affected you. It’ll make their day.
Just like a cared-for garden will grow and reproduce, your creativity will flourish when nourished. If you want better creative ideas, you need better input. Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Take the time to inspire yourself.
So… you first. I’m looking for some new inspiration. What’s inspiring you right now? Please share in the comments!
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I just returned from Uganda. While I was there, three books were recommended to me: The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid, by C. K. Prahalad; Why Nations Fail, by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson; and When Helping Hurts, by Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert, John Perkins and David Platt. These three books, with Tom Friedman’s The World Is Flat as background, have completely changed my view of Africa and other developing nations.
“Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires” by Esther and Jerry Hicks (The Teachings of Abraham) I highly recommend it. This book presents a creative perspective from which to approach some of the same topics you cover.
I was recently in a class in Which Dr. Jim Bury of Harding university was going over the first chapter of Colossians. In this class he pointed out that Paul encouraged the church of Corinth to live holy blameless lives, and that this was the same requirements for sacrifices. Then came the connection, if we try to live this life style (as holy and blameless Christians) we should not complain and blame God when the world treats us like a sacrifice?
I recently read “The Flinch” by Julien Smith and loved it.
I was just reading a sample chapter at Peachpit of the Book by Dan Winters. Amazing insight into the history of photography. While reading it, it inspired me for new ideas.
Todd, I’ve always appreciated you sharing what you’re reading with all of us. It’s really helped add to my own “inspiration garden.” Currently I’m working through “Essentialism—The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg Mckeown. And I discovered this through a recommendation that Michael Hyatt posted. So important to share the wealth!
I am reading this book as well. I enjoy the thought process going into identifying what is “Essential” and focusing on staying within just that realm. I would recommend “Complaint Free World” by Will Bowen. I found his examples in the book to be very real world and helped me with the challenge of trying to live complaint free. Something that I have not mastered yet, but have definitely become more aware of and it has definitely helped my attitude.
I just started using the list.do app (http://www.list.do/)
It’s definitely helping me form good habits and is a great reminder of positive influences and choices I should recognize throughout the day.
I just returned from a global village simulation at the Heifer Ranch with the group of students from Webster University and MRH high school. I am so inspired by the impact of experiential learning. To watch students change their perspective in the course of a few days is truly amazing
The parents and teachers with whom I work…after working with kiddos (preschoolers with special needs) all day, we set up after work for our Fall Festival. Three hours of decorating, two hours of Festival and two hours to tear down and put away. These women (we women) started our day at 7 a.m. Crazy dedication don’t you think? All for the love of kids and families!
The sheer thought and reality that it’s Friday, that soon I can start my Sabbath, my rest from work, my letting go of a keyboard, screen or phone, and absorb silence, the things that surround me and satisfy my soul.
you inspire me obrigada
The alchemist.
I always have a few books I am reading. A book that scared me, but has surprisingly been changing my life is Fasting byJentezen Franklin. Having teenagers, I am also reading Parenting by Design-very worth the read!! The other that I have been going through with great purpose is The Top 10 Distinctions Between and the Middle Class-very interesting!
What a great post – I started using Evernote about 2 weeks ago, and I absolutely love it. The many tasks, ideas and plans that were on post its, a tablet and in my head are all in one place. And I can access it whenever, wherever I am. The organization, and the thoughts and ideas I’m collecting are inspiring – I’m connecting dots in a new way, if you will.
I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence. — Ayrton Senna