Contrary to popular belief, it takes self-discipline and hard work to find your creative muse, very rarely does it just happen. Here are 5 steps, in no particular order, that have helped me get over self-doubt and apathy toward creative experiences.
1. Capture Your Best Ideas – Wherever You Are
My best thoughts for a blog post, an article or project I’m working on seem to creep into my mind right when I’m about to pass through the threshold between wakefulness and sleep. It’s the pen and paper stationed securely on my night table which ensures these thoughts are not pushed to the back of my mind. Figure out where/when you’re most likely to have your inspiring thoughts and make sure you’re ready for them when they come.
2. Don’t be Afraid of Judgement
Some people will not like what you have to offer. Creativity is subjective and when you get over your fear of being judged you will automatically break through boundries that have been holding you back.
“Sometimes you’ve got to let everything go- purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything…whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you’ll find that when you’re free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.” – Tina Turner
3. Listen to the Conversations You have with Yourself
Your best ideas are lurking somewhere within, find them.
4. Surround Yourself with Brilliance
When you’re around people who are doing extraordinary things on many different levels you have no choice but to be great.
“Tell me what company you keep and I’ll tell you what you are.” – Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
5. Expose Yourself to New Experiences
When you experience a new place, read a book of an unfamiliar genre or meet new people you are taken to a different realm within your existence. Constantly exposing yourself to new experiences will continuously give you fresh ideas, some may inspire, others may disappoint but it’s your responsibility to pursue new endeavors to keep your mind awake and hopefully inspire the creative genius within.
There are so many ways to inspire creativity, what works best for you?
Ahlam Yassin, M.A.Ed. 
I try to do all of these. Surround yourself with brilliance can apply to what you read as well as who you spend time with – I guess because you are, in effect, spending time with the author. I’m glad you put in listen to your conversations with yourself. I used to think this was a strange foible of mine’ til I realized all writers have conversations with themselves. That’s what most pieces of writing are!
Karen, you are absolutely right, reading is essential! I was actually saving that for another blog post because I truly believe reading can change a person’s life and deserves something all onto itself.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I missed this in June – this is so right on target! Thank you!