Feeling Uninspired? 5 Simple Ways to Spark Joy and Stay Motivated

Have you ever lost inspiration in your work? I have. Even though I enjoy what I do, I most recently lacked the inspiration to continue writing. Making time for other things that stimulate and bring me joy helped me find inspiration again. In this article, I discuss five things you could do to feel inspired again.

The Unexpected Dip in Inspiration

Recently, I felt uninspired to do things I usually enjoy, like writing, reading, or running. I was going through life on autopilot, following an isolated work-from-home routine. Before I knew it, my spirits became low, and I felt depleted and lost my desire to create.

I spent my days focused on reading, writing, learning new things, and following a routine. But this wasn’t enough to nourish my whole self.

In addition to intellectual stimulation, I needed social and creative stimulation. I needed to leave my house and surround myself with people and conversations, immersing myself in new and stimulating environments.

Replenishing Our Creative Well

In the book The Artist’s Way, author Julia Cameron says we draw from our inner well to create. If we don’t care for and help maintain our well, it can become depleted, stagnant, or blocked over time.

She says we draw heavily from our well each time we create something new, and overtapping the well diminishes our resources. In my case, I kept overtapping without replenishing my well.

Julia’s theory of replenishing our creative resources applies to everyone involved in creating something new, whether writing new code or creating an art piece.

To continue to be excited and inspired and produce excellent results in our work, we must take care of our inner selves. We must nourish it consistently and find ways to nurture our well.

Five Things That Can Help You Find Inspiration

Spending time doing things that bring me joy helped me find inspiration again. No matter what you are doing, these five things can help on your journey:

1. Finding Inspiration in Alone Time

Taking time for yourself can be a great source of inspiration. Whether visiting a museum or hiking, you experience the world through your lens and reflect on your experiences.

During one of my alone times, I wandered into a gallery and shared a lengthy conversation with the owner. I learned about her journey to the art world, her passion for filmmaking, and her interest in meditation. I left her store feeling more energized than before.

During another trip, while waiting for the ferry to San Francisco, an older gentleman spoke about his ex-girlfriend and how the love remained even if they were no longer together. Giving people time to share their stories allows us to make unexpected connections that fill our hearts with joy and brighten our day.

2. Awakening the Senses: Finding Inspiration In Nature

Spending time in nature, whether a hike or a day at the beach, can be uplifting, especially when visiting new and unfamiliar places. Our senses become more alert, and we tend to notice things with heightened awareness.

One such experience was a beachside hike in San Francisco. Walking down the winding wooden steps on the trail, I quickly realized this was a multi-sensory experience. 

The bird songs filling the air were a treat to my ears, and the majestic views of the Golden Gate Bridge were a treat to my eyes. Walking away from the bridge, I kept looking back to take in the view and lock it to my memory. The sounds of the waves as I made my way down to Baker Beach were a special treat to my soul. 

If you are stuck in a rut, visiting a new place can jolt you out of your existing state of mind and bring you back into the present moment.

3. Conquering Your Fears

Are there things you have always been scared to try? Challenging ourselves to do something we have always been afraid of gives us a sense of accomplishment.

After a rough kayaking experience in the ocean, I was afraid of getting in the kayak again. A few weeks later, I signed up for a class and went kayaking on my own. Being in the water by myself was scary. It made me nervous. What if I fell? Can I get back onto the kayak? Despite all my fears, I safely returned to shore and felt great about conquering them.

I once had a coworker share how proud he was for having learned how to ride a bike as an adult for the first time. It doesn’t matter how big or small our fear is as long as it challenges us.

4. Embracing the Joy of Spontaneity

Have you ever done something that wasn’t on your list? Being spontaneous is a great way to invite joy into our lives. Wander into a market you come across, or become a tourist in your city and explore through the eyes of a tourist and learn its history.

On a recent weekend getaway, I got to experience the town like a tourist. I wandered into a famous bookstore, stumbled upon a farmers market, and tried treats from a hundred-year-old bakery. None of these were on my agenda, but letting my curiosity guide me around town kept my day exciting and fun.

5. The Power of Community

Every Friday, I write with a small group of writers for an hour or two. Each of us works on different things; one may be writing a play, while another may be writing fiction. Being among people with such creative energy inspires me and puts me in the flow zone.

I have had days when I walked into that cafe not feeling so inspired, but I always left feeling inspired and productive. The energy created by people working towards similar goals is irreplaceable. Find these communities to be supported and inspired when you need it most.

Cultivating a Life of Joy and Creativity

No matter how much we love what we do, we occasionally lose inspiration. My experience taught me to incorporate activities that help me stay inspired and nourish my whole self.

It taught me the importance of drawing energy from small things to keep motivated to do what I love — my time in nature, playing tourist in my town, and spending time with my community all helped me develop the boost of inspiration I needed to continue to create.

The next time you feel uninspired, ask yourself what’s missing from your life and what lifts your spirits. List these things and find ways to schedule them regularly.

Whatever you are trying to stick to, including time for curiosity, free expression, spontaneity, and nurturing your senses, is crucial to bringing joy and inspiration back into our lives.

So start today by incorporating small things that make you feel alive. They will energize you to continue doing what you truly love.