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Writer's pictureAdrian Miller

Unlocking Creativity: Where to Find Inspiration and What to Do When It’s Not Flowing




Let’s be real: creativity can sometimes feel like a fickle friend. One minute, you’re bursting with ideas, scribbling down notes, and barely keeping up with your own brilliance. The next minute (or sometimes day, or even month), you’re staring blankly at a screen, wondering if you’ve somehow lost your magic touch.


We’ve all been there. I know that I have. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, writer, or someone just looking to tap into more creative energy, the process can be frustrating. But don’t worry, creativity hasn’t abandoned you, you just need to know where to find it when it’s playing hard to get.


Finding Your Inspiration: Where Does Creativity Hide?


The truth is, inspiration is all around us, but we often overlook the everyday magic that could spark our next great idea. Here are some of my go-to places for unearthing creativity.


Get Out of Your Bubble


Routine is the enemy of creativity. If you’re constantly doing the same things, seeing the same people, or visiting the same places, your brain has nothing new to work with. Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to unlock new ideas.


I’m a huge fan of walking tours when I travel. Whether it’s a historical district, a local museum, or even a dive bar with a colorful crowd, these little excursions help me reset my mind. You’d be surprised what you can discover just by wandering around and letting your mind absorb everything around you.


Consume Different Types of Content


It’s easy to get stuck in a creative rut when you’re always looking at the same type of content. If you’re a writer, do you only read books in your genre? If you’re a business owner, are you only following the same set of influencers? While staying on top of your industry is important, stepping outside of it is where inspiration lives.


Try consuming content that’s totally different from what you usually go for. Watch a documentary on a topic you know nothing about. Read an art history book, listen to a podcast about architecture, or dive into a YouTube rabbit hole on how something totally unrelated is made. You’ll be amazed at how different perspectives can spark creativity in your own projects.


Look at Nature


Nature has a way of sparking creativity that no other source can replicate. I don’t mean that you need to take a trip to some mountaintop (though, hey, that does sound awesome!). Even something as simple as taking a walk in a local park or sitting outside with your coffee can be enough to refresh your senses and reset your mind.


Look around at the natural patterns in plants, the way the sunlight filters through the leaves, or the rhythm of waves at the beach. Let nature do its thing and just take it in. You might find that the inspiration you were searching for suddenly reveals itself in a way you didn’t expect.


Reconnect with Your Passions


Sometimes, we get so caught up in the grind, whether that’s work, deadlines, or life, that we lose sight of what originally brought us joy. When you’re creatively blocked, it might be because you’ve been disconnected from your passions for too long.


For me, music is one of those things that never fails to lift my mood and refuel my creative energy. I’m a raving fan of the Rolling Stones, and just cranking up a classic rock playlist can shift my mindset almost instantly. Maybe for you, it’s revisiting a favorite book, cooking a meal, or getting back into a hobby that you’ve put on the back burner.


By engaging in something that fills you up, you’re essentially recharging your creative battery.


When Inspiration Isn’t Coming: What to Do When You’re Stuck


Okay, so you’ve tried all the usual tricks, and still… nothing. The ideas just aren’t flowing. First of all, take a breath. Creativity doesn’t always work on command, and trying to force it can sometimes make it worse. But there are things you can do to jump start the process.


Step Away


Sometimes, the best thing you can do when you’re stuck is to simply step away. Close the laptop, put down the pen, and do something completely different. Go for a walk, take a nap, call a friend and just get some space between you and the project. The more you pressure yourself to come up with something, the more your mind will resist.


The magic often happens when you aren’t actively thinking about the problem. Ever had a great idea pop into your head while you’re in the shower? That’s your brain solving things in the background while you’re distracted. So, let it happen!


Start Small


If the thought of tackling your entire project feels overwhelming, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Maybe the full project feels too big, but can you start by brainstorming some loose ideas? Or maybe you can write a rough draft or sketch out a simple outline.


By giving yourself permission to make messy, imperfect progress, you take away some of the pressure that’s blocking your creativity in the first place.


Talk It Out


When you’re stuck in your own head, it can be hard to see things from a fresh perspective. This is where talking to someone else can help. Whether it’s a business partner, a creative peer, or even a friend who has nothing to do with your industry, getting an outside perspective can be incredibly valuable.


Even if they don’t have the solution, just verbalizing your thoughts can often help you organize them and make sense of the block you’re facing. And who knows, maybe they’ll throw out an idea that gets the wheels turning again!


Embrace the Messy Middle


Here’s the thing: creativity isn’t always a clean, linear process. In fact, most of the time it’s messy, and that’s okay! Sometimes you’ll have periods of high creativity, and other times, you’ll struggle. That’s part of the process.


Instead of getting frustrated, embrace the messy middle. Trust that even when the ideas aren’t coming right now, they will come. Creativity is a cycle, and just because you’re in a slower phase doesn’t mean it’s gone forever.


Let’s Chat About Your Next Creative Project


If you’re still feeling stuck or just need someone to bounce ideas off of, I’d love to help. Whether you’re brainstorming ways to market your business, need fresh content, or are looking to develop a killer sales strategy, let’s tap into that creative energy together. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh set of eyes to turn a roadblock into a breakthrough.


Reach out to me anytime—I’m here to chat, collaborate, and make sure your creativity keeps flowing, even on those off days. Together, we’ll get the ideas rolling and the inspiration back on track!



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