By Sophie Carpenter
Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, struggling to find the motivation to work on a project? That frustrating feeling can be hard to overcome. Staying inspired is necessary to fight burnout and to guide you on a fulfilling journey. When it comes to building your life vision, inspiration is a necessary component. It encourages you to think outside the box.
Your life vision answers two questions: what do I want to do and why do I want to do it?
We previously discussed how building your life vision is a powerful tool to live a fulfilling life; however, visualization is not as easy as it may seem! Anyone who has ever braved a blank canvas, new word document, or been asked the question (“So what are your plans after graduation?”), knows the anxiety.
Creating something out of nothing is a daunting task, made all the more nerve-wracking when you’re making weighty decisions that feel like they have big consequences.
What is inspiration?
Inspiration can come in many forms but it will always leave you motivated to create or pursue a project. It breathes new life into your work, encouraging you to think outside the box.
In this day, it’s important to recognize the difference between inspiration and influence. Inspiration is guided by your own values and experiences. Inspiration is how we react and respond to another person’s life work. Influence is external. Influence tells us what we want, rather than allowing us to find it in ourselves.
The Importance of Inspiration for your Life Vision
As you create your life vision, don’t expect yourself to know exactly what you want. Maybe your journey doesn’t start in your journal immediately writing 20 goals. Maybe your first step is to become inspired. As you move through the world, look for inspiration. You are not simply following in the footsteps of others: you’re learning from them. By cultivating a mindset of openness and curiosity, you can find a path that is authentic and meaningful to you. For example, if you are inspired by stories of people who overcame adversity, you know you value perseverance and strength.
Since the pandemic, we have all grown more isolated from each other. It takes additional effort to connect with others and it is important to remember that you do not have to do it all yourself. You may feel alone. Let go of your anxiety and inner critic long enough to look around, you will see that in fact, everyone is. But when you start reaching out to the world, it will reach out to you.
I’m a morning person; my morning routine is important to me. I have found that incorporating some inspiration into my morning helps motivate me for the day to come–just like my cup of coffee! I love finding inspiration in books, YouTube videos, podcasts, and films. pening my mind up to positive and powerful messages at the start of my day helps me live with intention.
Get Inspired!
Inspiration is all around once you begin to look for it. Here are some tips on how to get inspired:
- Expose yourself to new experiences. Exploring new places, watching documentaries, and reading books are all ways to open yourself up to other perspectives.
- Surround yourself with growth-minded people. Seek out people who inspire you and learn from them.
- Reflect. Take time to consider how you can apply what you have learned and experienced to your own life.
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working.” – Pablo Picasso
Finding inspiration is an essential part of developing your life vision. Inspiration helps you clarify your values, passions, and goals. You can explore new ideas and paths you never thought possible. While it may take intentional searching, inspiration can be found all around and can help you overcome the anxiety of creating something out of nothing. Remember, your life vision is yours to create, and inspiration can be a valuable tool!