Inspiration and creativity can really be in short supply these days. The longer you blog, it seems, the less you have to blog about. Awesome ideas appear to be coming to you less and less. But none of this has to be the case.
What You’ve Heard
When people talk about inspiration, they generally refer you to a bunch of cool sites, blogs, Twitter users, and more. You see, when anyone hears the word “inspiration”, they think it means to flood your brain with as much freakin’ stuff as possible.
There are even sites now that claim to be the “best source for inspiration,” and their simple task is to overload your mind with hundreds of pages of great content.
“Great content” – wouldn’t that be awesome? Well of course it’s always nice to see fresh, creative, and interesting stuff relating to your passion.
But overloading your brain and stuffing it with as many awesome posts, pictures, quotes, or whatever from your niche is not what’s going to get you creative topics for your next post.
What You Need to Know
Inspiration doesn’t come from other’s content. It comes from you
Sure it’s true that looking at other content can inspire you to do better, but it can’t come up with the fresh, creative approaches you need.
That’s your job.
But there’s one simple way to let the flow of inspiration hit you:
Declutter Your Mind
It’s not that hard to do, but for something so simple, the results will greatly benefit you. Rather than stuffing yourself with other people’s great work, do the opposite – don’t think what other’s have done. Think of what you’re trying to do.
Your mind is like a computer – the more you data you put in, the more crowded it gets in there and the more you have to process.
Clearing out that unneeded clutter will free you from the burden that’s been stopping you all along.
If you’re having trouble getting started, here are some tips:
1. Get a fresh, juicy topic
Every blog post you write should be so fresh, juicy, and full of zest that everyone can taste it. It should be something no one has read or even thought of before.
It should make people subscribe to your blog right when they see it.
It has to be awesome.
To think of something this great, try to explore your niche as normal. Then whatever comes to mind while you’re exploring, write it down. Then find topics to branch off of that main thought.
For example, I blog about Walt Disney World. So whenever I visit the Parks (which is often), I don’t even look for new topics. I simply have a blast like I normally would – and when an interesting thought hits me, I write it down and use it (and as many other ideas that can come out of it) for blog topics.
2. Don’t write with crappy programs
Once you have a good idea, it’s important to keep your writing process simple. Crappy programs include the most common two for bloggers – Microsoft Word and WordPress.
You might be surprised, but using these programs (and others very similar) could actually hinder you from writing awesome, fluent content.
Right now, I’m writing this post in the WordPress Dashboard – and trust me, it’s painful. I am constantly being distracted by so many options: Categories, Post Tags, SEO Details, Post Image, Javascript, My Profile, etc.
So I’ve come to the conclusion that WordPress and Microsoft Word (with it’s thousands of options and other stuff) isn’t the best, most ideal writing environment.
For Windows users (like me), I recommend Q10. It’s full screen, simple, and easy with hardly any visible options.
For awesome* Mac users unlike myself, I stumbled across Ommwriter – which from the video looks so awesome it makes me want to go buy a Mac.
Both of these programs are fully functional – however they are so simple you’ll be able to pump out an incredible post in half the time as usual.
3. Physically Declutter, too
Finally, and surprisingly enough, when you declutter the area around you – like your desk, the table, or the whole room – it can really help you in terms of efficiency and quality.
Whether you do it for your brainstorming process or your writing process or both, it will help. On a similar note, rearranging your desk (but also keeping it very clear) might give you a different feel on what you’re working on.
Let’s wrap this up
A Quick Review: I think that stuffing your mind with other people’s content is not the way to get inspired.
You must clear your mind from everyone else’s mess and focus on your thoughts and your ideas. Declutter your mind, your writing, and your workspace. And you’re off.
But first, I’d like to hear your thoughts. Does clogging your brain with inspiring content actually help you to write inspiring content? Are you tired of the word inspire? Let’s discuss!
*Not all Mac users are awesome, believe it or not.
The Discussion
Leave a Comment Read Again?Interesting read.
On a previous blog that I read yesterday, they argued the exact opposite.
Your point really carries weight. I cannot decide right now on which side to take. I think I will have to try both methods and see which one is better. But my mind is going towards your point.
Kindest,
Nabeel
Oh and thanks for pointing out Q10. I never heard about it and it looks like a pretty cool tool!
Kindest,
Nabeel
Thanks so much for the kind words, Nabeel! Whichever side you do decide to take, let me know…I’m interested. And I hope you enjoy Q10 – it’s a great program that has really helped me out a lot.
Thanks again!
I haven’t heard that there is a Q10 tool before. Thanks for recommending us the software. It has been great so far
I agree with having a clear mind before you write anything. This will enhance you’re creativity and let you think of a better inspiration you might need to continue. Being a writer is not an easy one, you may need to think of a fresh topic to get others notice what you want to share. Creating something actually comes from nothing, right? With nothing, you create a whole lot of perspective to create something.
Yes, and also I think that when you begin thinking, you do not have to hurry. There is no problem if for the first 5 minutes (for example) you do not write anything. Just let the things come to you
Exactly my point guys! It’s so much better when you’re writing a post that is 100% your own idea rather than a spin off of someone else’s.
I am just using Wordpress for writing some contents on blog and then just copy and paste i to my blog.
If you’re happy with using the Wordpress user interface for writing, then I am by no means trying to talk you out of it. Happy writing!
Interesting article. I am agree with you that fresh mind always help to think something creative. Thats why I write my posts early in the morning. But also I like to read inspirational stuff which really inspire me.
Yep good point Suraj…I’m not saying to walk away from reading inspirational stuff – just don’t use that as the idea for YOUR fresh topic. Glad you enjoyed the article!
I agree that reading other people’s inspiring content doesn’t really help in making lots of unique and inspiring posts.
Normally, unique topics come to me after I had a good night’s sleep, or after I’ve taken a long walk wherein I’m not particularly thinking about blogging. I like your idea of moving your desk around, while retaining the orderly setting. A bit of classical music sometimes also helps me stay inspired.
Very good idea Julius! I completely forgot that, but you’re right – music can be VERY inspirational in the brainstorming and writing processes.
I declutter my mind by going for a walk or by watching some TV.
I find going for walks really helps me out too, Dean. Hmmm I’ll just have to watch some more TV and see if that helps me.
Glad you enjoyed the post, man.
Hey Matt,
Really Awesome Post man.
“Inspiration doesn’t come from other’s content. It comes from you.”
I’m totally agree with you.. Great post dude.
Thanks for sharing this great Post. Really awesome Post.
~Dev
Thanks man, glad you enjoyed the post!
Well, thing is, a lot of people say that there is no such thing as orignial thought anymore.
Hence Gen-Y’s tendency (creation?) for Mashups. You take old thing A and old thing B and create ‘new’ thing C.
Cynical, i know.
Haha that’s true, I guess James. But as long as you think of a thought that you haven’t seen before (even if someone somewhere HAS thought of it), then I guess you could call it your own.
Great idea, I love this sentence: “You take old thing A and old thing B and create ‘new’ thing C.”
Agree that we own “new” thing C, although old thing A and old thing B doesn’t belong to us. lol
Haha yep exactly…I think.
Glad you enjoyed the post! =)
in fact i feel at my best when i am writing with MS Word….
i agree there are too many options there but it makes life so simple….
the shortcuts and other stuff.
But still finding inspiration out of nothing is difficult and on the personal front, i think i have able to achieved it
Well I guess it’s all personal preference. I know lots of people who love MS Word and lots who hate it.
I hoped you liked the post, though, Tushar!
That’s an interesting post,
Finding inspiration is one of the hardest things to do in blogging. However your method of decluttering everything isn’t exactly what I follow
I like to have my rss reader open, some music in the background and I read a couple of different articles and comments. This usually triggers something in my head and before I know it I have a post!
One thing that’s very easy to happen is you get distracted when writing posts, what ever you do don’t have facebook or Twitter open!
Hey Robert, I guess everyone works differently. I like to have music playing (and actually when I’m writing I probably have more stuff open than I should), but when I’m brainstorming, I like to have nothing.
LOL I agree about Facebook and Twitter!
I used to read newspaper and magazine to get inspiration to write a blog post. As i’m blogging about cancer research, i need to read a lot of information and knowledge about cancer so that i can provide my readers the latest news of cancer research. Creative is important too. By reading others’ blog, i can get a lot of creative and innovative ideas to work on my own blog.
I think you have a unique case where each article is VERY important and could change a life…and obviously stuff like that shouldn’t be taken lightly. So I think it’s fine that you disagree with me and research – for cancer, that’s a necessity, I’m sure!
Perhaps coming from a fresh perspective is in order, eh! Nothing inspires all sorts of something, imho.
Very true, Kennewick…I agree!
I too find inspiration naturally when my mind is clear. Best way to clear a busy mind is to sit still in a comfortable position and ask yourself quietly “what am I thinking about right now?” As long as you’re mind is focused on noticing its thoughts, your mind cannot think of anything else. Very quick exercise to clear your conscious mind and let inspiration flood into the subconscious. Just recognize the thoughts that come, but don’t let them stay.
That’s some great tips! Yep I agree clearing your mind is the best way to think clearly and come up with some great ideas.
Hope you enjoyed the post. =)
inspiration is definitely not something too hard to have.. i have been in the field of design and we constant ‘inspiration’ is always a must to come out with new and extravagant design.. we don’t really get it from thin air…its quite impossible to do so…because trying to get something out from nothing is not easy
back in those times, I always have a mind for questioning. That is where I get my ‘inspiration’ from.Why is this painted ‘blue’? maybe red would look much better on it. *pop* – ideas on my way.
Now that I am into blogging and coming up with new fresh content is important, I do this by ‘questioning’ on articles, phrases, questions themselves and etc.
if i see someone posting up on “the benefits of e-mail marketing”, i may question “what are the disadvantages then?” or “email marketing is effective but how can you actually build up a list of targeted subscribers first?” ..stuff as such..
that is how I have always been able to get new topics to write on… something different from the rest and yet relatively still relevant
cheers
That’s true also. I know there isn’t an exact definition for where inspiration can come from…lots of folks see my approach, and then others like the more common one – getting inspired by others’ ideas. Neither is wrong I think it’s whatever works best for YOU!
h and thanks for pointing out Q10. I never heard about it and it looks like a pretty cool tool!
Wow! Really great post Matt,
You are absolutely right and the above are some ways to get inspiration for your blog.
Thanks a lot for the great post,
-Onibalusi
Thanks man, glad you enjoyed the post!
I’ve never written a post using the actual WordPress site, instead I use Windows Live Writer which is a much better alternative. I agree about de-cluttering, as tidying up your workspace means that you’re a lot less likely to get distracted in the middle of writing a great post by a task that resulted from months of unread paperwork.
Also, I find listen to looking at pictures of random things, reading (both fiction and non-fiction books and magazines) and just simply talking to people helps me to come up with amazing ideas.
Oh wow you’re so right about talking to people Jasmine. That can really spark inspiration just by listening to others’ feedback, comments, etc. about your niche.
Great minds Matt!
While i never have an issue with blog ideas, it seems we do think a lot a like.
2. Don’t write with crappy programs – One of he best writing days I’ve had was when my internet went out completely. All I had was notepad on my desktop.
I couldn’t format of course, but I got several posts complete with no distractions.
3. Physically Declutter, too – I posted on July 1st about going offline for a while to do just this. Begin the massive task of organizing my email, hard-drive and the room space around me as well.
It does indeed help you to work much better.
Thanks Dennis, I’m glad you enjoyed the post man – and great minds DO think alike.
I used to write with notepad, yes, you don’t misread, it’s the simple program that every Windows user knows. It just make my writing activities more simpler.
First I research for content then i analyze it note down interesting points update text with catchy text ingredient with simple yet powerful tips, tricks and guidelines and then post it in my blog and use pingmyblog pinging service and i got excellent results.
Excellent article.
Hi Matt,
I’m like you- too much information causes overwhelm in my mind. I need to feel relaxed and stress free in order to write so I completely agree with the decluttering point that you wrote about. Music also helps me get relaxed and certain songs inspire me. Talking to people always gives me great ideas. Also when a thought excites me I know it will be a great point for an article.
All the best,
Eren
Inspiration comes at different times, sometimes interaction with others and reading sources can be very good.
Wow! Great tips, I may have a little bit of inspiration left in the back of my mind so maybe I can start blogging once again someday.
The program I use to write articles is Windows Live Writer and I think it works really good, it has a fairly simple interface and it makes it easy for me to type and fix all the spelling issues and embed videos and pictures on the fly.
Anyways, great article and great tips.
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