Have you ever been working on a project and come to a place where you feel you just don’t have any more ideas? Where does inspiration come from and how can we capture it when we need it? 

The original meaning of the word inspiration dates to the 14th century and was directly connected to God.  If someone said they had received inspiration they were literally saying they had received an idea from God.  Although inspiration no longer has this meaning God is still the main source of inspiration.   

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. -Job 32:8 (KJV)

Everything you create starts with an idea and if you are constantly creating you are always in need of new ideas.  Whether you produce a podcast, choreograph dances, or write business proposals, having a lack of ideas is frustrating.  Here are three things that have helped me when I’ve felt uninspired.  

1. Spend Time with God  

To know God is to know an infinite source of ideas. Take time to sit in a quiet space and hear what He is speaking to your heart. Bring a journal along so you can record everything you hear.  God wants to give you exciting, new ideas that produce results and impact lives.  We just need to listen.  When I don’t know what to write about I ask Him and I always get new ideas. 

2. Change your Environment 

I have been working from home now since March because of the COVID virus. During this pandemic, it hasn’t always been an option to change my environment and I’ve noticed how this has impacted my work.  Without a change of scenery, I can start to feel sluggish. I combat this by going on walks around my neighborhood. Being out in nature is a great way to feel rejuvenated and helps stimulate new ideas. If you can get out go to a coffee shop, a friend’s house, or a park. 

If leaving your home isn’t an option there are still ways you can change your environment. Try moving around furniture, hanging up a picture, or opening windows. 

3. Consume Content 

If you are undeniably feeling stuck get your mind on something else. Research shows our subconscious will continue to work on the problem and come up with better solutions when we come back to it.  Listen and view things that inspire you.  Read a book. Watch a movie. Listen to music or a podcast.  The idea is not to copy other people’s work but to gain a new perspective.  Maybe there is something they discussed but they missed a certain aspect that you would love to cover.  Looking at other people’s work can inspire you to create something of your own.    

Lastly, give yourself a break, get away, but don’t let a lack of inspiration keep you from doing the work.

“The routine is as much a part of the creative process as the lightning bolt of inspiration, maybe more.” – The Creative Habit, Twyla Tharp 

It is tempting to not do anything when you feel uninspired.  However, when you show up and try new things (even if it’s rough at first) eventually the inspiration does come.

What do you do when you are running out of ideas? Leave a comment below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sharon Stark is the founder and creator of You Are a Creative Force, a blog empowering women to walk in their God-given identity and live out their creative dreams. She enjoys all types of creative outlets including writing, dancing, performing, and public speaking. In 2016, she became a licensed minister through Charis Bible College and currently works as a creative editor telling stories for a world-wide ministry.