#embracetheprocess

Inspiration. It’s that spark that every writer, artist, and creator chases. We often imagine it as a sudden burst of clarity, a lightning bolt that strikes us out of nowhere, compelling us to create. But here’s the hard truth: if you wait for inspiration to come, you’ll likely be waiting for a very long time.

I used to be one of those who believed that the best work comes from a place of sudden inspiration or intense infatuation. I would sit on my sofa, staring at a blank computer screen, waiting for the perfect idea to arrive. Days, sometimes weeks, months, or even years would pass without a single word written. Even while wasting my time, I knew that waiting for inspiration was just an excuse for not doing the work.

Create Inspiration from Your Own Life

Sometimes, you must create inspiration yourself or carve it from your own life. The world around you is full of stories waiting to be told, lessons waiting to be shared, and emotions waiting to be expressed. Here are some ways to cultivate your own inspiration:

1. Draw from Personal Experiences

Your life is a rich with experiences that can serve as a wellspring of inspiration. Personally, I have drawn significant inspiration from being deaf and navigating recent physical disabilities, as well as having gone through fertility issues, miscarriages, and mental health challenges. These experiences, both the uplifting and the challenging, have provided me with a deep reservoir of emotions and narratives that I attempt to weave into my writing.

Think about the challenges you’ve faced, the victories you’ve celebrated, the love you’ve felt, and the losses you’ve endured. Write about these moments with honesty and vulnerability; don’t sugarcoat them. Authenticity is key to connecting with your readers. Not only will this practice help you find your voice, but it will also resonate with readers who have shared similar experiences.

2. Observe the World Around You

Inspiration can be found in the most mundane places. Take a walk around your neighborhood (or for those like me, a limp), sit in a park, visit a lake, lose yourself in nature or in another’s art. Try people-watch for a while, imagine conversations or dramas they’re facing, and try to notice the small details that often go unnoticed. The world is full of stories waiting to be told, and all you need to do is pay attention.

3. Set a Routine

Honestly, this has been one of the most challenging aspects for me. Managing unmedicated ADHD can be quite demanding. Creativity is rarely about waiting for inspiration but rather about cultivating it daily. The reality is, creativity thrives on routine. Set aside time each day to write, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The more you engage in writing regularly, the more you’ll notice inspiration flowing naturally. It’s about committing to the process consistently and putting in the effort, even on days when motivation and energy are lacking.

4. Engage with Other Creative Works

Read books, watch movies, listen to music, and visit art galleries. Engaging with other forms of creative expression can spark new ideas and provide fresh perspectives. Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from others and incorporate it into your own work. Creativity is often a collaborative process, even if you’re working alone. Just remember, there’s a huge difference between inspiration and plagiarism, so make sure you’re on the right side of the line.

5. Embrace the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Focusing solely on the outcome can stifle creativity. Instead, try to embrace the process of writing itself. Allow yourself to make mistakes, write poorly, and experiment with different styles and genres. The act of writing is a journey, and it’s through this journey that you often find the most profound inspiration.

Practical Tips to Keep Writing

Here are some additional practical tips to help you keep writing, even when inspiration seems elusive:

Set Specific Goals: Whether it’s writing a certain number of words each day or completing a chapter each week, having specific goals can help keep you on track.

Find a Writing Community: Surround yourself with other writers who can offer support, feedback, and encouragement. Join a writing group, participate in workshops, or connect with other writers online. I know this one’s not easy for a lot of creative types, myself included; being creative is often isolating, and it’s hard to break out of that.

Keep a Journal: Use a journal to jot down ideas, thoughts, and observations. It can be a valuable resource when you’re struggling to find inspiration.

Take Breaks: Sometimes, stepping away from your work can give you the clarity you need. Take breaks, go for a walk, play with your children or pets. Engage in a different activity for a bit to refresh your mind.

Be Kind to Yourself: Writing is hard work, and remembering to be kind to yourself is sometimes hard. As creatives, we are often our own worst critics. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned.

Conclusion

Inspiration is not something you wait for; it’s something you create. By drawing from your own life, observing the world around you, setting a routine, engaging with other creative works, and embracing the process, you can cultivate your own inspiration and keep writing consistently.

This ONE Mindset Shift Can Change Your Entire Life... ⏳

💭 Ever feel like you're falling behind? 😩 Watching others win while you're still stuck? Stop. Breathe. 🌿

👉 The truth is: “Good things take time.” No shortcuts. No fast lanes. Just real growth. 🌱 Progress is silent, steady, and powerful.

✨ You’re not late. You’re not lost. You’re just in the process. And that’s beautiful.

일일 쓰기 프롬프트실패 또는 명백한 실패가 어떻게 성공의 밑거름이 되었나요?모든 응답 보기 그냥 일이 좀 안 풀렸을 뿐이에요. 젊을 때 피씨방을 운영하다 망해도 봤고, 120여평 크기의 미용 관련 샵을 운영하다 망해도 봤고, 주식 한답시고 벌어논 돈 다 까먹어 봤지만 나에게 그건 실패가 아니라 인생의 과정이에요. 실패라는 말은 뭔가 확정적인 느낌을 줘요. 더 이상 방법이 없고, 끝나버린 일 처럼 들려요. 나는 실패하지 않아요. 단지, 어느 시점에서 멈추고 방향을 틀었을 뿐이에요. 실패라고 부를 필요가 있을까? 누군가 사업을 하다가 운영이 어려워 접었다고 해서 실패한 걸까요? 아니면 그 길이 자기에게 맞지 않는다는 걸 알게 되고 방향을 바꾼 걸까요?누군가 성적이 안 좋아 대학 진학을 포기하고 취업을…