Eight Ways to Inspire Yourself and Others
Let’s be real—some days, inspiration feels like it packed its bags, left a sticky note on the fridge, and

Let’s be real—some days, inspiration feels like it packed its bags, left a sticky note on the fridge, and said, “Gone fishin’.” But here’s the truth: inspiration isn’t hiding. It’s waiting. And not just in the obvious places. It’s in the details, the mundane, and the unexpected. Whether you’re trying to light your own creative fire or spark something in someone else, here’s how you can see more, feel more, and do more—starting right now.
Inspiration: More Than a Buzzword
First, let’s stop treating inspiration like it’s reserved for monks on mountaintops or TikTok influencers with drone footage of Bali. Inspiration is real, messy, raw, and everywhere. But if your mental playlist is stuck on repeat, it’s easy to miss the beat.
And hey, what gets me going might fall flat for you. That’s the magic—it’s personal. So if you want to unlock your own spark (or help others find theirs), here’s a field guide for uncovering the hidden gems all around you.
Eight Ways to Inspire (Yourself and Others)
- Zoom In.
Break down the big picture. Look at the texture of a leaf, the way your coffee swirls, or the craftsmanship in everyday objects. Detail holds energy. - Eavesdrop Intentionally.
Okay, not in a creepy way—but listen. Conversations are full of nuance. A phrase, a pause, even the emotion behind someone’s tone can plant an idea. - Change the View.
Literally and metaphorically. Walk a different route. Sit on the opposite side of the room. Look at something you usually ignore. - Use Prompts.
Writing. Drawing. Dancing. Give your mind a starting block. A prompt is like a spark plug—it ignites what’s already there, waiting. - Break the Box.
Think in opposites. Listen to a genre you hate. Watch a documentary you’d never pick. Curiosity is creativity’s favorite fuel. - Borrow Someone Else’s Eyes.
Ask people what inspires them. Don’t just listen to their answer—see it through their lens. You’ll discover beauty you’ve overlooked. - Be a Beginner Again.
Sign up for that class. Try that weird instrument. Speak that clumsy sentence in a new language. Beginner energy is fresh energy. - Travel, Even If It’s Local.
Go somewhere you’ve never been—even if it’s the next neighborhood over. Culture, art, food—newness has a way of shaking up stale routines.
The Secret Sauce: Teach People to See
When you help someone discover how to find inspiration instead of just showing them what inspires you, that’s a superpower. It’s like teaching someone to fish… except the fish are ideas, and the pond is everywhere.
Whether they’re sitting in traffic or staring at a blank page, they’ll be equipped. And when they get lit up, they’ll light others up. That ripple? That’s impact.
Step Into the Unknown
Let’s stop waiting to feel ready. Stop waiting for the perfect moment, the flawless plan, or someone else’s permission slip. Inspiration loves the bold. And bold doesn’t mean fearless—it means trying even when your voice shakes.
So make a new choice today. Walk into the unknown. Color outside the lines. Live the kind of life that gives you goosebumps—because goosebumps don’t lie.
You’ve got a spark. Light it. And let it guide you somewhere new.