June 16 - 5X Your Inspiration

Do you feel like your brain is dragging? Like there’s a big wet blanket on your mind, keeping you from thinking in amazing new ways or dreaming up fascinating new things?

If so, the universe has worked in your favor to converge your eyeballs with this message!

Below are five things to spark your thinking, whether you’re wanting to do something artsy or merely see things in a new light. Take these nuggets of inspiration and dwell on them. At least one of them is bound to spark something in that noggin of yours.

“And” vs. “Or”

When you make a decision, try to use “and” instead of “or.” Seeing any decision as a zero-sum game is limiting. For example, you may ask yourself, “Should I stay at my job or do something that is more me?” How about, “How can I stay at my job and do something there that is more me?”

Maybe you’re a creative person like I am. In the example above, how can you take on creative projects at your work that give you a sense of fulfillment? Those opportunities may not be there, BUT what if they are? Exploring your options at your current spot doesn’t hurt and it adds options as well as illuminates opportunities.

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Swap Universes

I recently read a book about a neanderthal man who swapped universes. A theory in the book was that universes branch out due to decisions - one decision creates one universe, another creates a separate, parallel universe; millions of universes everywhere. I’m not saying that’s how it is. Who knows for sure? What I am saying is that the universe that you live in is based on your perception of reality and the choices you make.

This is the book if you’re curious:

What decision could you make that would create a universe where you are being the best version of yourself, fulfilling your grandest purpose? Make a decision, even a small one, and watch your new universe unfold!

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Film Theory

There’s a YouTube channel called “The Film Theorists.” The guy who created it, Matt Patt, has a knack for seeing things in a different light. In his series, “Film Theory,” Matt Patt proposes seemingly insane theories to movies and TV shows. I recommend watching a few. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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Notion

There is a belief that creativity comes from chaos. You may envision the artist as a free spirit - a person who is carefree and cannot be bothered with details because their head is in the clouds. Perhaps that’s true for some artists, but certainly not for all of them. In fact, those carefree artist types usually find themselves in a crisis mode or, if they’re moochers, they create nonsense and call it “art.”

True art involves discipline. It also involves having a sense of organization so that things don’t fall off the rails. Notion is a computer program (and website) that houses all sorts of stuff for you and keeps it organized.

It’s like a file cabinet for your life that has unlimited drawer space. Trust me, it’s amazing!

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Canva

See that “5X Your Inspiration” graphic at the top of this post? Canva. See those numbers 1-5? Canva. There is a free version and a “Pro” version. I opt for the Pro, but the free version has a BUNCH of stuff.

I had a client at work ask me about creating graphics and I told him about Canva. He said he had heard some other folks mention it. I told him to try it. I’m telling you to try it. You’ve probably heard me sing its praises in the past. Well, check it out. You’ll be glad you did!