Finding Inspiration and Motivation

Life takes pride in destroying and obliterating our hopes and dreams. You could win a million dollars one day and the next day lose it because you misplaced your wallet. It’s a routine that makes Murphy’s law unignorable. The ending results is being down in the dumps possibly resulting in the need to buy more ice cream. It’s not just feeling blue that gets in the way, it could also be a lack in motivation. Anyone can feel the burden of not reaching for the remote after getting comfortable laying on a couch. My way to cope with all the negative feelings and lack of motivation in my life is by drawing inspiration. There are several ways I find inspiration. My first and primary method is to look at the progress of others. I get very inspired when I look at the work or progress other’s produce. However, there’s more than just simple admiration. Let's use art for example. I picture the artist working on something. It starts from nothing and turns into something. I try to imagine how much effort went into creating a certain piece. I also look at how satisfied they have become after completed a piece and seeing how it impacts others. Often I look at myself and try to tell myself, I can do that, I can do better than that, or I’m going to do that. It usually gets me into the proper mindset to want to work on something. However, to physically get started on it, it’s either I’m already motivated or excited to begin working or that I have to dare myself to start working. Eventually, I begin working and have the problem of not wanting to stop working. In addition, another good suggestion is to see interviews based on the work others have done. I personally find inspiration in many game developer, artist, and movie director interviews and videos I find on Youtube. My second source of motivation or inspiration comes from myself. I look at the progress I have achieved thus far and tell myself it would be great to make one more. Another suggestion is that I think to myself is it would be nice to try out or add new things to my portfolio. By reflecting on my past progress, I can motivate and even inspire myself to push further. My third method is something unique to myself. I have a wall at home that has many drawings, illustrations, and awards. The drawings and illustrations are of me created by friends and other artists. I call this the fan wall. I look upon my fan wall and use it as a natural source for motivation. I normally take a few minutes to stare at it until I tell myself it's time to get something done. In a way, I feel like it draws motivation from people I believe that believes in me. I also place value on certain objects given to me by friends, such as a bracelet or a friendship ring for example. As farfetched as it sounds, it helps me clear my thoughts and pushes me to have the longing to accomplish great things no matter how small or insignificant. My fourth source for motivation and inspiration comes from music. I enjoy all kinds of music genres, including orchestra, foreign music, or gangster rap. My most preferred genre is Jrock (visual kei) and electric swing.  I love anything with an uplifting or get off your butt and  dance beat. My fifth and final source for motivation or inspiration comes from audiobooks, literature, and relative videos. This is normally the last resort and is extremely effective. It’s like the A-team for motivation and inspiration. Audiobooks found online and on Youtube send powerful thoughts or subconscious thoughts that can motivate one to do pretty much anything. Even if one listens to something long enough, there is a good possibility they can act through their desire. It is also a powerful source for information that not only can empower oneself but also empower others by setting yourself as an example. In conclusion, these are the methods I use to find motivation and inspiration. Perhaps it can also be helpful to others.