Episode 26 - The Inspiration Habit

What this episode covers

Inspiration Can Be Hard To Come By.  What’s the Secret * The good news is….hard work is the answer.  The bad news is…its hard work. * Generating rich and novel ideas is the by product of living a rich and novel life, internally and externally * I’m big on mindset and habit pairs, meaning right thinking coupled with right action * Your mindset must be observational, adventurous, curious - a seeker * The world is at your fingertips now more than ever.  Use it. * Adopt habits of inviting inspiration * * For every idea that follows, start first with a receptive mind.  Observe, resist the temptation to judge or doubt, be present and positive, and be curious.  Ask a lot of questions. * Your smartphone has a notebook, camera, voice recorder and digital assistant built in.  Duh * When observations arise, document them.  You’ll be shocked at how much slips from memory when you don’t write things down * But don’t wait for inspiration.  Once a day, sit down and ask questions of the world.  What did you learn?  about yourself, about others, about the world * Change up your routine.  From brushing your teeth with the opposite hand to changing your normal route…anything you do repeatedly can be changed up * Consume art voraciously.  Not just the stuff you like, but everything.  Talk to others about what they like and why. * Read biographies or Watch documentaries of great artists, thinkers, leaders, pioneers, humanitarians.  Let their example inspire you, and feel free to steal from their arsenal of mindsets and habits.  Just don’t copy the actual work. * Meet as many people as you possibly can.  There is an app for that, but you can meet incredible people in line, in crowds * Say yes to things you would normally say no to.  Road trips, events, new people, challenges, competitions and travel. * Start small but never break a promise.  Never miss a day.  Better to show up and do a little than to not show up at all