Inspiration Is For Amateurs

We all have those days when we feel low on energy, uninspired, and struggle to start our tasks.

Today was one of those days for me.

But as Julius Erving, the basketball legend, said, "Being a professional is doing the things you love to do on the days you don't feel like doing them."

So, here I am anyways, showing up in your inbox.

I’d like to share some strategies for dealing with resistance and staying on track even when you're not feeling your best.

Who knows, it might help both you and me during our next slump day.

Show up anyway:

On low-energy days, don’t wait for inspiration. The most important thing is to show up and start working on your tasks. Remember, the hardest part is often getting started. Once you begin, you're more likely to build momentum and overcome resistance.

If you’re publishing, stick to a simple content schedule:

Your content schedule can be a lifesaver. While I don't pre-plan my topics, I have a schedule for publishing content, ensuring that I remain consistent and accountable no matter what.

Set clear intentions:

Begin every planning period – year, month, week, day, and hour – by setting clear intentions for what you want to achieve. This practice will help you remember that everything we do is only an attempt.

Document your workflow:

A simple document that breaks down your workflow can be incredibly helpful in maintaining consistency and efficiency. I document everything I do in a series of workflow manuals, forming a system of “stories” that I don't have to reinvent each time. This approach saves time and effort while ensuring that my work remains streamlined.

Embrace the learning process:

It's important to remember that it's okay if your work isn't perfect yet. Life is a continuous learning process, and your work is a prototype that will evolve over time. Instead of focusing solely on the outcome, prioritize learning and progress. This mindset will help you stay motivated and improve your skills with each new project.

Become comfortable with your lack of inspiration:

American writer and novelist Pearl Buck once said: “I don't wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has to get down to work.” The key difference between successful people and those who aren't is that they have experienced this discomfort repeatedly but have learned how necessary it is to keep pushing through. Another quote about this idea is Chuck Close’s, who said: “Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightning to strike you in the brain, you will not do an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself.”

Find accountability:

Connect with another professional who has committed to being accountable for finishing their most important work. I use Focusmate to work with an accountability partner for a live, virtual coworking session that keeps me on task.

Until I show up again, I wish you a productive and joyful day!