Finding Ways How to Get Re-Inspired
March 29, 2016For all the time I have been blogging; I am never really short of ideas. What ends up happening the most is there just isn’t enough hours in the day to get it all done. When I write blog posts, I need a quiet environment. If the tv is on, music or too much background distraction, I can’t generate my internal dialogue needed to write an engaging post. I’ve been told that my writing feels like I’m having a conversation with you, or for those that know me in real life….like I’m directly talking to you with an occasion hair flip and direct eye contact. Blogging and the writing that comes along with it has never felt like a chore to me. I can spend hours reading other blogs, commenting, going on pinterest, and researching. When you are passionate about something, it doesn’t feel like work.
For the past few weeks I’ve just had this I don’t want to call it writers block but I just haven’t felt inspired as I usually have to write. I think it is mainly stemming from the fact it has been so beautiful here and I just want to be outside soaking in the sunshine, instead of being tied to my laptop. I don’t know if others are feeling that way so I wanted to share with you how I motivate myself to keep going and finding ways to be re-inspired.
5 Ways to Get Re-Inspired
My Number One Way : Set New Goals
I had two goals at the start of the year and I already accomplished my first one which was to become published by Huffington Post. That has been a big regenerator in my blogging mojo having this space exposed to such a large audience. I want to continue writing and updating blog posts on Huff Post throughout the year. That is driving me to continue writing high quality posts that are timeless. That is another thing I am focusing on, writing more curated pieces that if you were to click on it in 6 months, it would still be relevant. Which leads me to my next goal.
Dive into the travel guides. I feel like I write very thorough travel guides. Like if you were going to that particular place you could read one of my travel guides and be confidant going there. I like to be very specific about how to get to where you are going, where to stay, eat, dine and what to expect. Have you read my latest one? Check my Napa Travel guide here. One of my goals over the next year is to continue my travels and sharing the experiences with you. So if you are feeling in a rut, write down at least 3 goals you want to accomplish and how you are going to do it. It really works I promise!
With that said, I also want to continue to strengthen my photography skills (check out my photography guides here) and maybe just maybe I might get Mark to take a class with me!
Get Out and Explore
Black here under $75 here ||| Black Espadrille wedges here and here ||| Purse RM here ||| Sunnies here
When I am feeling blah and can’t find an inspiration, I jump in my car with my camera and iPhone and just explore my town for a few hours. Either between the drive over or being exposed to the energy of the city, I usually come home with at least two new ideas for a post. I wrote this city guide after exploring my town on the weekend and I often find inspiration for my fashion shoots by all the local wall arts/murals. Get outside and live life. Go for a bike ride. Meet a friend out for a happy hour drink, you will come back refreshed and ready for a new idea.
Get a Workout In
I kid you not. I think of a blog post idea every single time I’m in our cool down in barre class. Something about working out hard, my brain being super focused on the task at hand…..the minute I’m stretching some catchy blog post idea will come to me. Or I’ll think about something I want to update at work to make the patient flow better. Long runs are also a great time to brainstorm and get recharged. Strapped for time? Check out some of my favorite at home workouts here or one of my favorite running/workout playlists here.
Try Something Outside of Your Comfort Zone
I am a Cancer through and through. My husband is also one as well. July 5th and July 11th. We are terrible about retreating into our hermit shells and not surfacing until we need to. Total homebodies. Especially since we enjoy cooking and have a great wine fridge….I mean is there really any reason to ever leave the house? Luckily, Mark makes me be more social especially on the weekends with coordinating outings or meet ups with friends. I am a firm believer in not over scheduling yourself and not being afraid to say no. However, I have been forcing myself to say the occasional yes to something out of my comfort zone and it really does help get that positive energy up and creative processes going. Like going to the Vintage market, trying a new workout class, check out your local Travelzoo/Groupon/Living Social for ideas. I really want to try stand up paddle boarding or a local biking/brewery tour. Fight that urge for the automatic standard no
Find a New Muse
Dress here ||| Pink sneaks here
Everyday I stumble upon someone who is just killing it. I try not to be too hard on myself because I wear so many hats and you can only be so good at so many things right? Even within my local community there are bloggers who are accomplishing huge goals and I have been trying to get all of us together for a meeting of the minds. I actually went to a blogger meet up a few months ago. It was raining out, on a Saturday and all I wanted to do was lay on the couch curled up in a blanket. Instead, I forced myself out of that comfort zone and made myself stay accountable for that yes. I ended up meeting a handful of great gals who gave me new ideas and my wordpress guru Mandy who is brilliant and has saved me so many times when it has come to the ins and outs of the behind the scenes coding.
Currently I am trying to get a few other local gals together to pick their brains. Sometimes it feels like everyone can be so secretive and hoard their contacts. You know me, I am all about laying it out there. I don’t know everything and I’m open to hearing about what is working for others. I encourage you to find a few people who are inspiring to you and pick their brains. You may be surprised to see how it re-inspires you to create new content that you weren’t even aware of. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I get so many emails on a daily basis of people asking me random things and usually those are the conversations that spark a new idea for me.
I also have been so inspired by this Instagram account. I mean can you even? Goals right here people. I also love Paula’s blog. She has the best photography tutorials ever and beautiful pictures. I love all her photography hacks. I look forward to all her posts!
[bctt tweet=”How do you find your Inspiration? 5 ways to get re-inspired. Must Read!”]
Those are a few ways that I get my groove back when it comes to trying to find the motivation to tackle everything in my life. What are some tried and true favorites that work for you? Seriously get out, ask questions and find that inspiration! I hope this post helped spark some drive for you. I would love if you would share and pin it if it did!
Wonderful tips. Every time I leave your blog I feel so inspired! Proud of you girl.
Love these tips! I always find that getting outside helps me to feel more inspired. Also, not forcing it – when I try to be creative and it just isn’t happening, sometimes accepting that you go through ups and downs of creativity helps.
Walking away from the computer and getting outside is a big one for me when I am feeling in a rut. And I am with you, every time I work out I get a new idea, all those endorphins are good for creativity :)
Great tips girl! Lately I’ve been trying to enjoy as much of my weekend as I can so I’ve found it hard to want to sit inside and write but sometimes you just need to walk away! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Doing something outside your comfort zone, I love that. Working out is definitely high on my list for sure. I think you’re travel guides are awesome and look forward to more of them this year.
Working out always does the trick for me! Just like you said, it’s crazy how many blog ideas come to me while I’m running, at soul cycle, or just trying to do 10 push ups! I think working out helps to relax my brain long enough to allow for the ideas to start flowing in again.
It is so hard to find the time to fit it ALL in…but like you said when you are doing something you love it makes it easier! Every time I’ve taken spin, I’ve gotten a post idea or business plan to move into motion!! It’s a great thing to be able to do for yourself! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Once the weather warms up and is beautiful I find myself wanting to be outside enjoying that more than hunkering down on blog work. Especially if it’s meeting friends for happy hour! It’s tough to get it all balance sometimes. These are all such great suggestions though!
I think the get out and explore part is the biggest one–there’s all kinds of inspiration out there even if it’s just through taking photos of new experiences.
This are such great ideas to get inspired! I can’t imagine how many times I would need to go to the beach to clear my head and get inspired if I lived as close as you! You are always killing it on the blog, girl. Don’t sweat it or force it!!
good tips chica! i think just separating yourself and getting away is always a good idea. or finding inspiration in others – sometimes that can spark creativity when you didn’t expect it!
xoxo cheshire kat
Thank you for sharing this, I really needed it. :-) You do a wonderful job of inspiring others including me, so thank you!! I also think about blog post ideas, things that I can improve on at work, or recipe ideas during my workouts. Funny how that can turn into a time of reflection haha. :-) Thank you for sharing this and I hope that you are having a great morning!! :-)
Great post! I like the drive around idea for inspiration and exercise does wonders!
Traci
waltzmetoheaven.com
These are such great tips. Seeing as I have been feeling completely uninspired lately, these tips really help. Thanks so much for sharing this. You are so right, when you do something you love, it doesn’t feel like work at all.
What wonderful tips and thoughts. I find I have so many ideas but getting the time to get them on paper or the blog doesn’t always work well. And I’d love to get together with some local girls to get the blog revamped. I have some big ideas but don’t know if I’m brave enough to try them.
Such a great post Amanda! Love all these ideas! I’ve been wanting to take a photography class soon – so if you need a friend to go with let me know :) And I’d love to plan a St Pete/Tampa blogger meet up!
I love this topic, I think it happens to everyone. Between commuting, having a busy job, taking care of two kids, my life is sort of a Ground Hog’s Day, AND I am like you I’d rather stay home (and go to bed early!) than be social. BUT! Having goals like you say I think is key … which makes me realize I need to make some – LOL!
It can be so hard to get inspired some days! And you are so right…when you enjoy something it doesn’t feel like work. Great tips…I would actually love to see how you get inspired to work out…I was doing so well, but then I was super sick and got off track!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
I think we all get in a rut sometimes. Like you, I find inspiration from others around me. It totally makes all the difference when others spread ideas or spark ideas in our own mind! I’ve checked out Paula’s blog, you’re totally right, she’s amazing!
This post could not have come at a better time for me – definitely struggling over here with the motivation factor and I’m not sure why! Going for a long walk always helps and I like the idea of getting around and just driving around town. Congrats on the Huffington Post features!!
Love these tips! It is all so true, just getting yourself out of your routine a little is so inspiring. And blogging is the same way for me as you know. Get out and try stand up paddle boarding, it is great! I am trying yoga on the paddle board in a few weeks, so excited. I am trying to diversify my blog a little as a goal so a review of that will be one way of achieving it! You are the best and thank you for sharing all your tips and tricks!
This is such a lovely post Amanda! Thanks so much for mentioning my blog, too! Funnily enough, I actually mentioned yours in today’s post too! haha :)
Paula
Thirteen Thoughts
Love this post and all of your gorgeous photos to go along with it! Exploring new places is such a great way to find inspiration!
My best blog ideas come to me in the shower, working out or driving. I love that you explored your own city on a weekend. I have been working on a huge Birmingham post to show people that it can be a destination in the south!!! You have some great tips and meeting with other bloggers and just talking things out is always inspiring.
Wow I love that Instagram account. Thanks so much for sharing!
For me, it took 5 months (and missing my blogging gals too much) to get refocused and motivated! I think it’s natural to just hit a “wall”, whether it’s creatively or something else. Katie Elizabeth’s post a while ago about setting aside a certain amount of time for tasks has really taken the anxiety out of the emailing that comes along with blogging (and alleviated piles of unread messages and too much procrastination!). I love that you’re wanting to get together with local gals to brainstorm on this, too! You’ll find your “groove” again ;)
Awesome ideas! I think getting out there and living as well as working out is super important <3
Green Fashionista
This was a great post, lady! I’ve been in the same boat lately, too – I think that’s because I’ve been consumed with figuring things out for my change to WP! But, that in itself has been pretty motivating (PS – Mandy is amazing). I’m going to follow your lead on setting a few new goals for myself (yes, your travel guides are fantastic), and I always get the best ideas during workouts!
I love this post and feel inspired already! Mainly inspired to go buy the fabulous spring dresses you’ve been posting about. Oh, and working out. Because of you, I put my sports bra on first thing in the morning so I’m ready to go! Also, congrats on reaching your HuffPost goal – so proud of you!!!! I love your advice about doing something out of your comfort zone, too.
I think we all go through blogging funks and these are great tips to get back into the groove! If only someone could tell me how to get it back while still in the adjusting phase of adding a new babe to the mix… but I think the only answer to that is time. Ugh! I’m getting really impatient and just wanting to have our routine down again :)
I looooove what you say about getting out of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to befriending other bloggers! The last few months I’ve had a lot of encouragement from bloggers/IGers here in Arizona with contacts, sponsored posts, etc and it’s been such a boost! It’s the best feeling when we as women help each other out and share the wealth, instead of trying to “stay ahead” by keeping secrets. It feels so good to help each other out and build each other up!
love this post, not just for blogging but for life. stepping out of your comfort zone, making new goals, just get out there and explore.. i mean they are all fabulous ideas for when you’re in any kind of rut. and girl you are killing it, so don’t ever feel bad when you’re comparing yourself to those other bloggers, i don’t know anyone who wears as many hats as you. and CONGRATS on being published by huffington post! high five!
Such great reminders. I feel we all go through periods where we need to find motivation again. Thanks for the inspiration.
So many great tips! It can be heard to get out of a funk sometimes! I totally need silence to write too haha!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Can I say I love how open you are! We should all be helping each other out and supporting each other! You are always a huge inspo to me!!
I loved reading this post! Such awesome tips to stay inspired and to continue putting out great content!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
Great tips for sure! I get writer’s block on occasion, but like you, it often just comes down to not having enough hours in a day to make a post feel truly authentic or “on-brand.” Thanks for sharing!
Zelle
Southern Style
This is a great list! I think we all struggle with this every once in awhile!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
I totally agree with you! I always seem to think of blog post ideas when I’m running or working out. Those post workout endorphin’s really pay off! ;)
I love this! I have been feeling a bit uninspired lately (hence, the lack of blog posts) and I really needed this! Workouts Are such a good way to brainstorm! They say exercise’s effects on the body are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their physiolOgical effects! Sorry typing on iPhone!
Xo
Annie
Such great tips! Love your ideas!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
First off, you are just stunning! This post was so helpful to me. I am notorious for concocting this fabulous blog post in my head when I’m in the bathtub or driving, then by the time I finally get to my computer I can’t remember all my thoughts. I have lots of ideas, but finding the time to sit down and process them is overwhelming. I appreciate posts like this to show me I’m not the only one that feels that way. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
I feel like I was just reading behind the scenes of Amanda’s mastermind :) Your posts inspire me. Your tips, your goals, your ambition, your photos, your travel guides, everything you right is a great read and that’s why I read a handful of your posts at one time – when I know I can focus and take it all in :)
Love these. I’m definitely working on getting out of my comfort zone more.
So awesome about Huff Post, too. I’ve been insanely proud of you this year!
Yay for not over scheduling yourself and not being scared to say no! That’s huge for me. I don’t get why people get frazzled just to hang out with others. In fact, we’ve canceled sitters before because hubs and I were just too done in for a date night out. No need to push it! Just order take out, put on some comfies and open a bottle of wine at home after the kiddos are down.
These are all so great. I’ve been in such a funk lately, so these are perfect timing!
All great tips! I’ve been in a bit of a funk too lately, but I think mostly because I’ve just been so busy! If you find a good photography class in the area, let me know! That’s something I’ve been wanting to do as well!
Yes to all of this! Great tips! I’m with you on having an open book instead of keeping secrets to success! xo, Champagne&Suburbs
So many great ways to get inspired again! I definitely get in ruts, so doing something new or just giving myself a blogging break is a great way to get invigorated again!