How to get inspired IRL
Without morning pages or artist dates*
*Not that there’s anything wrong with them! I just feel like we know them already.
Last week, I was in Dallas facilitating a senior leadership program for a company I don’t work for.
Since I don’t work directly for the company, I had little information about the day-to-day responsibilities of the leader’s specific roles. I found this to be a good thing because it gave me something to discuss with them other than “Warm here in Dallas, huh?”
One evening at the hotel bar, I talked with one leader who is a lighting engineer. He passionately described his role at the company, and how much excitement he has for the future of his field. He shared more than I’ll ever need to know about lighting and how it affects our well-being and productivity.
“In the future, we’ll be able to walk into any building and the lighting will adjust to our temperature and optimize the environment for our circadian rhythm.”
“WHAAAAAT?” I shrieked. That sounds impossible, but he was so confident that not only will it be true, but he’ll be the guy doing it.
It’s so stupid simple, but I felt so inspired after simply asking follow-up questions and showing genuine interest in what someone else felt passionate about. I was there to teach, not to learn, and yet I walked away with some tips and tricks of my own.
I left feeling like: WHAT ELSE DON’T I KNOW?!?!
I am so sheltered in my own little algorithm that serves me content related to the other content I consume or engage with. And that content is collaborating with other content I already consume.
It feels sort of like:
This week on CHICKEN WINGS, we’re collaborating with MOZZARELLA STICKS to bring you MOZZARELLA STUFFED CHICKEN WINGS
And you’re like, “Hm, ok, that doesn’t seem natural, but sure…”
Everything is starting to blend together and nothing stands out anymore.
I obviously like what I like for a reason. But, I have found myself desperately seeking inspiration yet feeling blocked/bored/let down by the same 15-20 voices that dominate my feed and sound so similar to my own.
I ultimately get turned off by comparison and end up spiraling about my worth, my talent, what the point is, etc. etc. Does Substack need another white woman writing personal essays and recommending television shows that everyone is already watching?
No. But am I going to keep doing it anyway? Yes! I just need to think beyond the algorithm.
I thought I’d share a few ideas that have worked for me lately.
take an intentional walk
I have this thing (a dog) that needs to be walked and exercised every day.
On Monday, it was warm and I suddenly noticed that everything was coming to life. I couldn’t stop admiring the greens sprouting from the ground, a magenta tree against a bright blue sky, and so much chartreuse! I turned off my podcast and focused on my surroundings.
I have been working on a rebrand for my website and Substack and have been pinning color schemes on Pinterest to someday make a vision board. After that walk, I went right home and worked on some colors/designs. I don’t care if it’s perfect yet, but I was way more inspired by the colors in nature than a carefully curated Pinterest graphic.
a (challenging) group experience
As soon as I dipped my toe back into studio classes post-pandemic, I remembered how much better they are. The loud music, the intense focus, the group effort… there’s something so satisfying about marching in unison with others while desperately avoiding eye contact.
In LA, I accompanied my friend to a hot yoga sculpt workout taught by Tony Danza’s daughter (as one does). It was hard and hot and I pushed myself more than I ever would had the class not been packed with hot LA people gettin’ after it. Don’t get me wrong, I hated my life the whole time, but it was such a rush and a fun story.
It was also inspiring to complete something I never thought I’d be able to do, or even want to do. It inspired me to keep trying new things because I haven’t met all the things I like yet.
Similarly: I also enjoyed this Psyche piece on experiencing more wow where the author brought her kids to a protest in Rhode Island.
visit museums and/or historical sites
I have my desk against a window like Emily Dickinson still has in her bedroom. I also have white linen and lace curtains like her house did.
After walking through a 13th-century bedroom in the Tower of London, I painted my bedroom wall a luxurious green, hung statement wallpaper, and put up a bed crown with velvet curtains. Architectural Digest could never!!!
ride-along with a friend
I get so anxious when I stay at friends’ homes because I worry about my routine/quirks getting in the way of their routine/quirks. But, I’ve started leaning into their routines and just living life like they do. It’s so interesting!
I don’t typically eat breakfast, but my friend Jess made us maple lattes with sourdough toast in NYC.
Savage in DC introduced me to the subtle joy of using a candle warmer as a reading lamp.
In Vermont, I walked through the neighborhood with (different) Jess’ kids after dinner… with tumblers of wine.
While visiting London with the Holland sisters, we ordered curry and watched Strictly Come Dancing.
Seeing how other people live in their day-to-day lives is really fascinating to me. It gives me lots of ideas for improving my own routines.
put yourself in the future
The conversation with the lighting engineer made me start to think what’s possible in the future?
If someone told me that post-its were banned tomorrow, how would I facilitate an engaging in-person brainstorm without them? What sustainable tools are available that recreate the experience but also keep people engaged in the room? How would I get creative?
I’m a big fan of visualization exercises like this one. If Future Me lives in a bright pink house in the woods with champagne on tap and speaks on panels and writes books that Kelly Clarkson turns into movie deals — what were the steps and opportunities Future Me took to make that happen?!?!
stay curious.
Overall, the biggest takeaway for me is to stay curious.
Actively try new things.
Listen and ask questions.
Engage strangers.
Listen to other people talk. (not in a creepy way!!!)
Peek into other grocery carts.
Follow other people’s playlists on Spotify (NOT the one Spotify creates for you based on what you listen to!)
Observe how other people move through the world.
Day dream about what exists beyond your current scope of reality.
Creativity requires consistent routine and practice. Inspiration requires intentionally ditching that routine and practice.
In closing, HOW HIGH DOES THE SYCAMORE GROW? IF YOU CUT IT DOWN… THEN YOU’LL NEVER KNOW!
✋ 5 things
Here are recommendations for things I did not see on the internet, but had directly recommended to me in real life.
My Friend, Cuddy:
The Pitt on HBO. E.R. walked so The Pitt could run. It’s ER meets 24 and I’m really happy for Noah Wyle and SORRY I AM MENTIONING THIS but I got emotional watching it because in college I used to call my grandmother in Florida during ER commercial breaks and I feel like she would have loved this show again.
Also the Thai peanut sauce from Trafer (sic!!!) Joe’s
Lisa from my Barre studio:
They have the best candy at Five Below! Squashies are so good and what a Circus Peanut should be.
My friend, Ash:
This TikTok of Conner’s first kiss. (It’s so awkward!!!)
My friend, Nick
“Have you had Juliet Boxed Wine?” (I guess that was a question, not a suggestion, but it looks so cute!)
I am working on finding this balance between saying yes to new experiences, living in the real world and being inspired by things I can see, touch, feel, etc. and also still drawing all of my inspiration from The Muppets, 90s R&B songs, and Amy Poehler’s podcast.
I know… tale as old as time.
Thanks for reading! xo
I love you always forever,
Patty
