TBD 84: Inspiration Station
Be less stingy with yourself
My clients are primarily designers and the design-minded.
These days, having a design mindset of being creative, inventive, coming up with better solutions and new ideas is critical as our world and our work is changing fast.
We need some amount of space in our lives to stay inspired, refreshed, find new viewpoints and new solutions. Creativity requires establishing a practice of having some blank space - the blank page, the daydream, the aimless wander.
The word “inspiration” comes from the Latin word “inspiratus,” which essentially means “breathe into.” It has been said that, it initially referred to the influence of a divine entity on a person. Wonder, awe and creativity often feel like that.
So often designers and creative folk treat themselves like a transactional machine, pushing out the goods at regular and predictable intervals.
We look at our creativity as units of production and then when wonder why we feel crispy or burned out entirely. Zero creativity left. Wondering why we got into this business in the first place.
Can you make space for inspiration? Can you give yourself a little more generosity when it comes to giving yourself MORE of your life energy, MORE of your time?
Can you give yourself a little MORE of your financial support when it comes to doing something that you feel is inspiring?
Can you give yourself time to connect with folks just for the connection not the “meeting” or the “networking opportunity”?
Maybe you’re thinking that a 5-star hotel and a hot air balloon ride in Napa Valley to the most expensive restaurant may be just what the doctor ordered to get the creative juices ramped up again. Well, maaaaaybe.
But I think we’ve mixed “consumer” with “maker” too often.
It seems easier to buy something that promises to make us feel better instead of experiencing, inventing, exploring or making something of our own. We’re told to buy something before we feel that boredom, overwhelm or loneliness creeping in.
So, then we’re cluttered, over scheduled, over committed — and bored and lonely.
Inspiration comes from making a space.
Taking a breath. Giving yourself some time. Opening up and clearing out an area for magic to happen.
This week, make a commitment to give yourself some space—without a goal. Don’t give yourself space to make a perfect pie you can put on IG. Just give space to wander, daydream, nap or sketch. Journal a little. Meander.
Hi! It’s Courtney!
Man, I have to admit, I think I wrote this piece for myself. It’s easy to keep pushing without refilling and refueling. Suddenly, denying ourselves simple pleasures and inspiring moments that are all around us everyday. Inspiration is a practice. Appreciation is a practice. As a creative person, I have to make time for both to stay happily on track.
My monthly group coaching sessions continue with RETHINK. Join anytime and choose your commitment. You’ll also get video resources and access to a community for more support. Enroll here.
Your coach,
Courtney