I’ve been thinking lately about inspiration and motivation. These words seems to be so related and at the same time represent such different parts of the creative process (or any process for that matter).
Found via Pinterest
Looking at Pinterest, you can find thousands of pins that aim at one of these two things. They are great visual reminders of why each of these things are so important in our lives. But do those pretty little pins really stick with us and actually inspire us? Do they actually motivate us to action? Or are they a part of our online representation of what we want our lives to be? (Hellooo, dream wedding boards & organizational ideas!)
Found via Pinterest
Lately, I have realized that my inspiration is coming from many places – including my own gut. I keep feeling the pull to do more, create more, document more, and keep dreaming. I am inspired by Godly photographers like Katelyn James who are making an impact in so many ways and in so many lives. I am inspired by my daughter and her joy. I am inspired by the beauty I see in the world around me – in nature, in laughter, in love.
I am motivated by so many things, and so many people. My husband continually pushes me and supports me to keep going when I am tired or frustrated. I am motivated by the desire to keep doing better work and making my clients happier people, and becoming friends with them in the process. I am motivated by the knowledge that my example will show Peanut what it looks like to chase your dreams – the good and the bad that comes along with that.
Found via Pinterest
Yes, sometimes those Pinterest boards of wonderful typography with inspiring/motivational messages – inlcuding mine – are a wonderful tool to recharge, refuel, and refocus when you need it. But there are so many other places you can find that push or that catalyst to keep dreaming bigger and go out and make those dreams happen.
So where do you go (or who do you go to) when you feel like you need help in the inspiration or motivation department?
I write down my feelings to help process them in a more constructive way. This helps me calm down my emotional reaction and think rationally! Often this is all I need to keep going.
This is such a smart idea! I can imagine it gives you such clarity to be able to read through it later and really process your reaction and to get started again.
When I need inspiration I take time to think about my goals and how and what I need to do to get there. Its a reminder of what I want in my life and that inspires me to get back on track and push myself to get started again.
So true! Remembering the “why” can definitely help you figure out the “how” and get you going again!
This is so true! There are so many things on Pinterest… but so often we just pin and forget. I get most of my motivation when I run.
Such a healthy way to find motivation! I just need to figure out how to get the motivation to run, and then I’ll be set! Haha.
Inspiration is what you see outside of you that sparks motivation within you. It could be something one of my kids do, a line in an email from someone who gets you, or even something simple as a day you can roll the window down. A good doughnut has even given me a spark.
Eli, I love that first line! I may have to quote you on that one.
feel free! I had to tweet it too. I think you saw that, though.