Some things are worth the wait. Inspiration is not one of them.

Making a Habit of Inspiration

Some things are worth the wait. Inspiration is not one of them. If you’re waiting for inspiration, it won’t come. At least not as often as you want it to. Writing for inspiration, that’s a place to start, a plan for inspiration.

It’s just like any other habit you’re trying to add to your life. If your workout plan consist of waking up early and hoping you feel like exercise, you’re probably not going to get very far. However, if your plan includes getting your workout clothes and post-workout food ready the night before, making sure you get enough sleep, waking up 30 minutes early, and having specific exercises mapped out, you’re much more likely to succeed.

Apply the same to your writing. If you want to write for 15 minutes every morning:

  1. Decide on a location that will work for you.
  2. Keep a running log of ideas you want to write about.
  3. Have all your tools (pen, pencil, paper, computer, tablet, writing prompts/ideas) ready the night before.
  4. Get to bed at a time that ensures enough sleep.
  5. Set your alarm with enough time to give you a few minutes to wake up and get any final things set up before you need to get started.
  6. Write for 15 minutes then stop. Even if you have more to write about, stop. That way you’ll have something to start with the next day.
The great composer does not set to work because he is inspired, but becomes inspired because he is working. Beethoven, Wagner, Bach and Mozart settled down day after day to the job in hand with as much regularity as an accountant settles down… Click To Tweet

Don’t waste your time waiting for inspiration!