If you've ever marvelled at somebody's creative prowess, guess what, you can create and innovate too. It just takes time. Everyone is born creative. The box of crayons in kindergarten were not limited to those who possessed potential; because the truth is, everybody has potential.
You know how long it took to learn to ride a bike or drive or to learn a new habit? It's the same with innovation. It takes a bit of practice and a lot of time before this mind function comes easily when called. This article will provide you with a few tips on how to bring innovation into your life.
First of all, follow the beat of your own drum. Allowing for the input of other people will only bring cacophony to the music you are trying to make. If you have an original idea, don't waste your time and effort trying to make people understand. They won't. And the "so-called help" you will get probably will come in the form of negative feedback. If all the geniuses listened to their peers, we would probably still be living in the middle ages.
Spend time on it. Exercise. Take a walk. Run a mile or two. Send all those endorphins coursing through your veins. Exercising certainly clears and relaxes your mind and allows for anything to pop up.
Record your dreams. Aren't some of them just the craziest things that your conscious mind would never have thought of? If you've had these dreams before, and I'm sure have, this only shows you the untapped innovative power you have lying within. So jot down those notes. Those dreams may just create an innovative spark in you.
Find your own style. You can always tell a Van Gogh from a Matisse. You'll know Hemingway wrote something by the choice of words on the paper. So it is the same with you. People will appreciate your innovation more because it is uniquely yours and that no one else would have thought of what you were thinking. That will let people see how valuable an asset you are.
Don't hide behind nifty gadgets or tools. You don't need the most expensive set of paints to produce a masterpiece. The same way with writing. You don't need some expensive fountain pen and really smooth paper for a bestseller. In fact, J.K. Rowling wrote the first book of the Harry Potter Series on bits of tissue. So what if you've got an expensive SLR camera if you're a crappy photographer? Who cares if you've got a blinging laptop if you can't write at all? The artist actually reduces the number of tools he has as he gets better at his craft: he knows what works and what doesn't.
And remember, nothing will work without passion.
What wakes you up in the mornings?
What keeps the flame burning?
What is the one thing that you'll die if you don't do?
Sometimes people with talent are overtaken by the people who want it more. Think the hare and the tortoise. Ellen Degeneres once said that if you're not doing something that you want to do, then you don't really want to do it. And that's true. Sometimes you just want something so badly you become a virtual unstoppable. And that is passion. Passion will keep you going.
Don't worry about inspiration. You can't force it; inspiration hits when you least expect it to, for those unpredictable yet inevitable moments you should prepare. An idea could strike you on the subway, yet alas, you poor unfortunate soul; you have no sheet of paper to scribble down a thought that could change the world. Avoid these disasters. Have a pen and paper within your arm's reach at all times.
I hope this article has helped you bring more innovation into your life. Keep in mind that you're doing these things for your own satisfaction and not anybody else's. But soon enough they will notice, and everything should snowball from there.
Remember... you are unique. There is no one in this world quite like you. No one capable of doing or being like you. Step forward along your unique path to your unique future.
BANABU
Fran Watson
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Inspiration - You Never Know Where It Will Strike You
You never know when you may be the lucky recipient of an inspirational moment, something that causes you to take pause and think and really appreciate what you have and the incredible resilience of fellow human beings.
Last night I went with my wife to a local hole-in-the-wall pizza parlor where we heard rumor live jazz was going to be played. As our neighborhood is sadly lacking in after-hours-entertainment of this type, we showed up early and got a good seat, close to the action but not so close that you had to shout to be heard. It was a small place, probably seating about 50 people max so the setting was very intimate so we were just a few feet away from the live performers.
Within twenty minutes, the first musician climbed the stage with saxophone in hand. He did a wonderful job playing two soulful songs with the background provided by a drummer, keyboard, and bass player. He finished his second song, accepted his light applause, and returned to his table where a well deserved adult beverage awaited him.
We learned that this was how the evening was going to progress with numerous musicians of all ages and proficiencies stepping up to play a few songs and then making way for the next performer. There was a small whiteboard on a stand and whoever wanted to play just signed up, with ages ranging from what looked like about 20 to what was definitely at least 65. What fun – we were in store for some talent-filled times over the next two hours.
Enjoying our pizza, I observed the other members of the audience as they filtered in to find a seat. A pair of twins took a table next to us, an older gentleman sat at the nearby bar air-drumming along with the music, and students from the local college joined the growing ranks. I noticed a man who came in on a pair of crutches, struggling a bit to navigate the narrow path between booths and tables, but with a big smile on his face. He sat down with the twins and listened to the trombone performer currently wailing on stage. The young brass player finished his first song, took a breath, and started his second and final rendition.
About this time, I noticed the man on crutches working his way up to his feet and then carefully to the booth in front of us. I was rocking out to the jazz and assumed he just wanted to get a little closer to the action. I saw him raise a small suitcase from the floor and carefully place it on the table top. He opened it and took out a mouthpiece that was to fit on the end of the saxophone stored within. Holding it carefully while balanced on the end of the seat, he adjusted the reed and wetted it and fiddled with it, preparing for his performance.
The trombone player finished, took a bow, and headed back to his seat. The man with the crutches carefully rose with his saxophone suspended around his neck. With one crutch on his left side, he started forward, his free hand moving from chair to chair to keep him stable. The stage was about 10 feet away but it took him a few minutes to manage the distance. He was offered a chair to sit on but turned it down, instead leaning against the booth closest to the stage. Once situated, he turned to his right to face the audience and share a brief smile. The song to play was agreed upon and with a one and a two and a three, they began. And he was good. Not just good, but GOOD! Crisp, clean notes rolled from his instrument, tight harmonies with the others on stage, smooth transitions, just pure sweet music. I may have imagined it, but I swear he had a smile on his face while he was playing. He finished his first song and was heartily applauded by the audience and his fellow musicians. A quick breath and he started in on his second song which was equally as beautiful. Inside of me, I felt a pride for what he had done and admiration for what it must have taken to get here.
How difficult must it have been to focus on playing such beautiful music when at any moment you might slip from your perch and end up on the floor?
How much effort and commitment and never-say-die attitude did it take to get that good despite his physical challenges?
How much faith in himself was needed just to participate and excel amidst a group of generally younger, universally talented, and physically fit fellow musicians?
You never know where you will find inspiration. You never know when someone’s strength may become your strength. And you never know just what you might find at your local pizza parlor on an average-every-day week night.
Inspiration is everywhere if you just tune in to hear it. Now that’s music to my ears…
David Bernard is a guest blogger for PickTheBrain. He is the founder of the blog Love Being Retired.
I was inspired....hopefully you were too.
Fran
Last night I went with my wife to a local hole-in-the-wall pizza parlor where we heard rumor live jazz was going to be played. As our neighborhood is sadly lacking in after-hours-entertainment of this type, we showed up early and got a good seat, close to the action but not so close that you had to shout to be heard. It was a small place, probably seating about 50 people max so the setting was very intimate so we were just a few feet away from the live performers.
Within twenty minutes, the first musician climbed the stage with saxophone in hand. He did a wonderful job playing two soulful songs with the background provided by a drummer, keyboard, and bass player. He finished his second song, accepted his light applause, and returned to his table where a well deserved adult beverage awaited him.
We learned that this was how the evening was going to progress with numerous musicians of all ages and proficiencies stepping up to play a few songs and then making way for the next performer. There was a small whiteboard on a stand and whoever wanted to play just signed up, with ages ranging from what looked like about 20 to what was definitely at least 65. What fun – we were in store for some talent-filled times over the next two hours.
Enjoying our pizza, I observed the other members of the audience as they filtered in to find a seat. A pair of twins took a table next to us, an older gentleman sat at the nearby bar air-drumming along with the music, and students from the local college joined the growing ranks. I noticed a man who came in on a pair of crutches, struggling a bit to navigate the narrow path between booths and tables, but with a big smile on his face. He sat down with the twins and listened to the trombone performer currently wailing on stage. The young brass player finished his first song, took a breath, and started his second and final rendition.
About this time, I noticed the man on crutches working his way up to his feet and then carefully to the booth in front of us. I was rocking out to the jazz and assumed he just wanted to get a little closer to the action. I saw him raise a small suitcase from the floor and carefully place it on the table top. He opened it and took out a mouthpiece that was to fit on the end of the saxophone stored within. Holding it carefully while balanced on the end of the seat, he adjusted the reed and wetted it and fiddled with it, preparing for his performance.
The trombone player finished, took a bow, and headed back to his seat. The man with the crutches carefully rose with his saxophone suspended around his neck. With one crutch on his left side, he started forward, his free hand moving from chair to chair to keep him stable. The stage was about 10 feet away but it took him a few minutes to manage the distance. He was offered a chair to sit on but turned it down, instead leaning against the booth closest to the stage. Once situated, he turned to his right to face the audience and share a brief smile. The song to play was agreed upon and with a one and a two and a three, they began. And he was good. Not just good, but GOOD! Crisp, clean notes rolled from his instrument, tight harmonies with the others on stage, smooth transitions, just pure sweet music. I may have imagined it, but I swear he had a smile on his face while he was playing. He finished his first song and was heartily applauded by the audience and his fellow musicians. A quick breath and he started in on his second song which was equally as beautiful. Inside of me, I felt a pride for what he had done and admiration for what it must have taken to get here.
How difficult must it have been to focus on playing such beautiful music when at any moment you might slip from your perch and end up on the floor?
How much effort and commitment and never-say-die attitude did it take to get that good despite his physical challenges?
How much faith in himself was needed just to participate and excel amidst a group of generally younger, universally talented, and physically fit fellow musicians?
You never know where you will find inspiration. You never know when someone’s strength may become your strength. And you never know just what you might find at your local pizza parlor on an average-every-day week night.
Inspiration is everywhere if you just tune in to hear it. Now that’s music to my ears…
David Bernard is a guest blogger for PickTheBrain. He is the founder of the blog Love Being Retired.
I was inspired....hopefully you were too.
Fran
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Get Inspired
How to Crack the Jackpot of Inspiration
© 2009
Julie Jordan Scott
I have a story for you, today, about inspiration – and
how to tap into inspiration anytime using any creative
medium or method.
The illustration uses photography and writing. These
experiences can be translated into any form of creativity,
even if that creativity is related to building your
business or strengthening a relationship or writing
a poem or sculpting a new form.
Take what I offer and let the words help to crack
inspiration open in you in a profound, new way.
I know you are ready – and willing – and have
intense desire and focus.
Step into it, now – with me.
My friend, Victor, and I were in the midst of a
conversation about motivation and inspiration
yesterday. We were talking about feeling it and
not feeling it and what our responses were,
either way.
I told him about my recent journey from Bakersfield
to Corona del Mar and back again in one day for my
Uncle's funeral. It felt different, that day,
because I didn't feel compelled at all to pull
my notebook from my backpack and catalog my
experience with words. "It was strange," I noted
without further reflection or judgment.
I added, almost absently, "I did take a lot
of photos, though."
I took a quiet breath. "It was something, taking
photos." My words sounded almost like an apology.
I turned the conversational attention to my friend.
"What about you?" I asked. "What have you
photographed lately?"
"Not a thing," he answered. "Nothing has
interested me."
I coughed, gagged and sputtered. I heard some
version of a vocalized "What?!" burst from
deep in my lungs.
He asked me a question, "What am I going to
photograph here in Podunk, USA?"
I was speechless, absolutely speechless. Victor
has taught me so much about making forward
progress no matter where I am, my dear friend
saying there is nothing to photograph in his
version of Podunk, USA which is very similar
to my version of Podunk, USA. Victor's lack
of inspiration right where he was, Podunk
or not, shocked me right into wordlessness.
I decided to take a slightly different angle
to our conversation.
"Remember how you have complimented me for
having a great eye in my photos?" I asked him.
He nodded yes. I asked another question.
"How do you suppose I developed what you
describe as `a great eye'?" There was a pause.
"You take a lot of pictures." Victor responded.
"Yes, I take a lot of pictures. Every day I
take pictures. Here, in Bakersfield, in MY
Podunk, USA." I paused again. "Every day."
Every day I take photos of aspects of life I
find interesting because I choose to find the
images right in front of me interesting.
I choose to be interested in objects which may
not be notable to anyone else but me. I want
to be fully engaged so I engage with what is
in front of me. It is so simple.
That's what living a creative lifestyle is about,
it is about an invitation to become more fully
engaged in your life.
What will you choose to be interested in today?
I choose to be interested in the metaphors
during my journey of the past several days. Of
architectural elements, of cornices, archways,
doorways, the tiles in benches and walls. I
choose to be interested in changing perspectives,
in looking from the undersides, in noticing
how the changing light changes how I see and
experience things. I choose to get right up
against things, to let me lense get microscopically
close to a subject.
I choose to engage wonder about the bark on the
palm tree in my front yard and then turn to engage
in the wonder of the bark on the palm in my backyard,
which is different than the bark on the front palm.
I choose to engage wonder with the spider web, the
leaves on the mulberry tree, the window sill the
spider web is woven upon, the movement of the
sun throughout the day and throughout the seasons.
It is in these moments when I notice the beauty
around me coupled with the conscious action of
taking photos of "uninteresting things" in my
version of Podunk, USA, that magic happens.
This is when inspiration cracks open inside
of me. I allow myself to be devoted to seeing
in a new way without being attached to "being
inspired" – believing I need inspiration in order
to crack open creativity and instead, allow
inspiration to be cracked open through
the devoted actions I take.
My devoted, conscious action invited inspiration
to crack open within me.
I invited inspiration to come in and as always,
inspiration didn't fail me.
This is significant. Remember this message: I
didn't wait for inspiration to be there. Instead,
I invited it to join me and consciously acted
in a space and attitude of wonder, of
gratitude, of engagement.
You don't have to wait for inspiration, either. You
can choose to crack it open inside of you by engaging
with life right in front of you, right there, right now.
Inspiration is right there, exactly where you are,
exactly as you are in an infinite number of forms
and images.
Look around your space right now, with a renewed
sense of wonder.
What do you see? Smell? Feel? Hope? Wish?
Take what you see, smell, feel, hope, wish and
wrap it up in a creative adventure with words
or photos or song or prayer or sketch.
Crack yourself open to the inspiration all
around you right now.
=================================================
Official Words from Julie Jordan Scott
You may use the article written by Julie Jordan Scott in this issue
of Discover Your Passion as long as all the copy remains intact and you
include this resource box at the conclusion of the article:
********************************************
Julie Jordan Scott, Personal Success and Creativity Coach
Dare to Discover Your Passion, Decide to Live Your Destiny!
Subscribe now to the ezine that will show you how. Best of all,
its completely complimentary! Send a blank email here:
DiscoverYourPassion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
© 2009
Julie Jordan Scott
I have a story for you, today, about inspiration – and
how to tap into inspiration anytime using any creative
medium or method.
The illustration uses photography and writing. These
experiences can be translated into any form of creativity,
even if that creativity is related to building your
business or strengthening a relationship or writing
a poem or sculpting a new form.
Take what I offer and let the words help to crack
inspiration open in you in a profound, new way.
I know you are ready – and willing – and have
intense desire and focus.
Step into it, now – with me.
My friend, Victor, and I were in the midst of a
conversation about motivation and inspiration
yesterday. We were talking about feeling it and
not feeling it and what our responses were,
either way.
I told him about my recent journey from Bakersfield
to Corona del Mar and back again in one day for my
Uncle's funeral. It felt different, that day,
because I didn't feel compelled at all to pull
my notebook from my backpack and catalog my
experience with words. "It was strange," I noted
without further reflection or judgment.
I added, almost absently, "I did take a lot
of photos, though."
I took a quiet breath. "It was something, taking
photos." My words sounded almost like an apology.
I turned the conversational attention to my friend.
"What about you?" I asked. "What have you
photographed lately?"
"Not a thing," he answered. "Nothing has
interested me."
I coughed, gagged and sputtered. I heard some
version of a vocalized "What?!" burst from
deep in my lungs.
He asked me a question, "What am I going to
photograph here in Podunk, USA?"
I was speechless, absolutely speechless. Victor
has taught me so much about making forward
progress no matter where I am, my dear friend
saying there is nothing to photograph in his
version of Podunk, USA which is very similar
to my version of Podunk, USA. Victor's lack
of inspiration right where he was, Podunk
or not, shocked me right into wordlessness.
I decided to take a slightly different angle
to our conversation.
"Remember how you have complimented me for
having a great eye in my photos?" I asked him.
He nodded yes. I asked another question.
"How do you suppose I developed what you
describe as `a great eye'?" There was a pause.
"You take a lot of pictures." Victor responded.
"Yes, I take a lot of pictures. Every day I
take pictures. Here, in Bakersfield, in MY
Podunk, USA." I paused again. "Every day."
Every day I take photos of aspects of life I
find interesting because I choose to find the
images right in front of me interesting.
I choose to be interested in objects which may
not be notable to anyone else but me. I want
to be fully engaged so I engage with what is
in front of me. It is so simple.
That's what living a creative lifestyle is about,
it is about an invitation to become more fully
engaged in your life.
What will you choose to be interested in today?
I choose to be interested in the metaphors
during my journey of the past several days. Of
architectural elements, of cornices, archways,
doorways, the tiles in benches and walls. I
choose to be interested in changing perspectives,
in looking from the undersides, in noticing
how the changing light changes how I see and
experience things. I choose to get right up
against things, to let me lense get microscopically
close to a subject.
I choose to engage wonder about the bark on the
palm tree in my front yard and then turn to engage
in the wonder of the bark on the palm in my backyard,
which is different than the bark on the front palm.
I choose to engage wonder with the spider web, the
leaves on the mulberry tree, the window sill the
spider web is woven upon, the movement of the
sun throughout the day and throughout the seasons.
It is in these moments when I notice the beauty
around me coupled with the conscious action of
taking photos of "uninteresting things" in my
version of Podunk, USA, that magic happens.
This is when inspiration cracks open inside
of me. I allow myself to be devoted to seeing
in a new way without being attached to "being
inspired" – believing I need inspiration in order
to crack open creativity and instead, allow
inspiration to be cracked open through
the devoted actions I take.
My devoted, conscious action invited inspiration
to crack open within me.
I invited inspiration to come in and as always,
inspiration didn't fail me.
This is significant. Remember this message: I
didn't wait for inspiration to be there. Instead,
I invited it to join me and consciously acted
in a space and attitude of wonder, of
gratitude, of engagement.
You don't have to wait for inspiration, either. You
can choose to crack it open inside of you by engaging
with life right in front of you, right there, right now.
Inspiration is right there, exactly where you are,
exactly as you are in an infinite number of forms
and images.
Look around your space right now, with a renewed
sense of wonder.
What do you see? Smell? Feel? Hope? Wish?
Take what you see, smell, feel, hope, wish and
wrap it up in a creative adventure with words
or photos or song or prayer or sketch.
Crack yourself open to the inspiration all
around you right now.
=================================================
Official Words from Julie Jordan Scott
You may use the article written by Julie Jordan Scott in this issue
of Discover Your Passion as long as all the copy remains intact and you
include this resource box at the conclusion of the article:
********************************************
Julie Jordan Scott, Personal Success and Creativity Coach
Dare to Discover Your Passion, Decide to Live Your Destiny!
Subscribe now to the ezine that will show you how. Best of all,
its completely complimentary! Send a blank email here:
DiscoverYourPassion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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