The Paradox of Inspiration

“Inspiration comes unannounced.”

Powerful words. Something I figured out about a year ago.

It means that writing, innovation (or any creative endeavor, for that matter) is a function of “plucking.”

Pay attention, listen, watch, observe (through your personal filters); then capture those inspired ideas onto paper, expand on them, and ultimately share them with the world.

Inspiration comes unannounced. Got it.

But therein lies the paradox.

See, (my hero) Dave Barry once said, “Inspiration is for amateurs.”

Which means that writing, innovation, (or any creative endeavor, for that matter) is largely a function of working your ass off.

Sit down at the same time every single day and discipline (force!) yourself to create new ideas and content, even when inspiration takes the day off.

Inspiration is for amateurs. Got it.

SO, HERE’S THE CHALLENGE: how do you handle inspiration?

Two options:

1. Put yourself on standby and harness (pluck) inspiration ONLY when it crosses your path.

2. Force yourself to create stuff ANYWAY and accept inspiration as a nice added bonus.

The choice is yours.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Do you think inspiration is for amateurs?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
How do you balance inspiration and discipline?

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
Author/Speaker/That Guy with the Nametag
www.hellomynameisscott.com

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