The Inspiration Paradox

Read time: 4 minutes

Have you ever found yourself scrolling endlessly through LinkedIn, binging TED Talks, reading newsletters, watching video after video…

But that creative spark? It's reported as MIA - Missing In Action

What if I told you that you're looking for inspiration in all the wrong places?

That the very act of searching might be what's keeping you in a creative rut?

Sounds counterintuitive, right?

Well, i'm about to flip the script for you. Because everything you knew about finding inspiration is wrong. You don't find it anyway, it finds you.

Hunting for inspiration is a fool’s errand

We've all been there. A looming deadline, a blank canvas, an empty Word document mocking us with its blinking cursor.

So what do we do? We hunt for inspiration like it's the last slice of pizza at a party.

But here's the truth: Inspiration isn't hiding under a rock or in the depths of Pinterest. It's not waiting for you in a motivational quote or a in that book you're reading.

No, my friend. Inspiration comes from taking action.

And this perspective changes everything.

Why doing defeats searching

Taking action is the key to unlocking your creative potential. But if I told you I'd always had this perspective, then i'd be lying. Because the truth is, I used to search for inspiration like my life depended on it too.

But when I started taking action? That's when everything changed. It was like turning on a tap. Inspiration came flowing in. And there's one major reason why...

Instead of searching for a problem, of which there are infinite, I now take action no matter how small.

It's through taking action that you create constraints. It's like taking one piece of the puzzle and attaching it to the next. That's much better than trying to fit every single piece together at once, right?

Through creating boundaries, through lighting that spark, that's where your creativity flourishes.

So let's dive deeper into why action is the real key to unlocking your creative potential:

1. Action creates momentum

Ever notice how once you start a project, ideas flow to you with ease? That's not a coincidence - it's the power of momentum.

Think of it like climbing a mountain:

At the bottom, you have a limited view. You might feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. But with each step you take, your perspective broadens.

Suddenly, you're seeing connections and possibilities you couldn't have imagined from ground level.

In your business, this might look like:

• Writing the first draft of an article, even if it's rough

• Outlining the structure of a new product

• Sketching initial designs for a website or logo

The key is to start. Once you're in motion, inspiration has a funny way of catching up.

2. Action sparks problem-solving

Here's a universal truth: No plan survives first contact with reality. But that's not a bad thing – it's an opportunity for creative problem-solving.

When you're actively working on a project you encounter unexpected challenges, discover flaws, and you're forced to think on your feet.

This problem-solving process is a goldmine for inspiration. It pushes you to:

• Think outside the box

• Combine ideas in new ways

• Tap into your experience and knowledge in creative ways

In the business world, this might mean:

• Adapting your marketing strategy when initial results are disappointing

• Finding innovative ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality

• Pivoting your product features based on early user feedback

Remember: Some of the most groundbreaking innovations came from trying to solve specific problems, not from abstract brainstorming sessions.

3. Action builds confidence

There's something magical about seeing your ideas take shape in the real world. Even if the results aren't perfect, the act of creating builds confidence.

And confidence? It's rocket fuel for your creativity.

When you're confident in your abilities:

• You're more willing to take creative risks

• You trust your instincts and unique perspective

• You're less likely to let perfectionism or the fear of failure paralyse you.

In your business, this confidence might lead you to:

• Experiment with bold new content formats

• Pitch that innovative idea to a big client

• Launch a product that disrupts your industry

The more you do, the more you believe in your ability to do. It's a beautiful, self-reinforcing cycle.

Shifting from inspiration hunter to inspiration creator

So, how do your shift from being an inspiration hunter to an inspiration creator?

Here are some practical steps I use all the time:

1. Set a "No Research" Rule: Limit your inspiration-seeking time. Instead, allocate that time to actual creation.

2. Embrace the Ugly First Draft: Give yourself permission to create something imperfect. Remember, you can't edit a blank page.

3. Create a "Done List": At the end of each day, write down what you accomplished. It'll build momentum and show you're making progress.

4. Use Time Blocks: Set aside specific times for focused work. During these blocks, creation is the only goal – not perfection.

5. Collaborate and Share: Don't wait until something's "finished" to get feedback. Sharing work-in-progress can spark new ideas and directions.

6. Keep a "Spark Journal": When you do get inspired mid-project, jot it down. These sparks can fuel future projects.

7. Challenge Yourself: Set arbitrary constraints or deadlines. Sometimes, limitations can breed creativity.

Moral of the story

Inspiration isn't a rare bird you need to hunt. It's more like a loyal dog that follows you when you start moving. Like what scooby doo is to shaggy

The next time you feel stuck, resist the urge to scroll through LinkedIn or watch another TED Talk. Instead, take one small action toward your goal.

Write that first paragraph. Make that rough sketch. Send that initial email.

Remember: creativity thrives in motion, not in stillness

Now go and create something amazing!

Until next week, Ryan

P.S. This time next week it’ll be my birthday. So, expect an extra special surprise!