If you're a regular reader, you may have noticed that the frequency of the posts here have decreased in the last few months. I could give a million excuses about workload, lack of free time, or household responsibilities, but the truth is that I'm in a rut.
I can't explain it in any other way that that- a deep, dark, pit of ruttiness! I used to blog as a way to escape. It was a place where I could express myself and share my experiences with the MBTI. Even as I write this post, I find the words difficult to type. I've re-written the first two paragraphs 5 times. How can something that used to give me energy and be so easy now seem like biking uphill?
I didn't even really want to blog about this rut, because it felt too personal to share (and as a contained Introvert, I don't share unless I have to). But then I realized the issue is really a lack of inspiration, and everyone has moments where we lack inspiration.
So, I began to explore where I could seek inspiration. Sometimes I find blog topics by reading other blogs and providing a response to those posts. Sometimes I get new ideas from Twitter or a thought-provoking quote. None of those have worked for me lately.
Then, finally the irony occurred to me- for inspiration writing on my MBTI blog, I can find inspiration from someone with opposite type preferences from me. Someone with different type preferences can be a guide outside of yourself. They can shine light on areas you believed you've already explored. We all see the world from different lenses, and I believe I need a new set of lenses on this blog.
I've had many mentors so far in my career, but perhaps the one that has given me the most insight and motivation was a recent coworker. I don't believe it is a coincidence that she prefers ENFP. I am fascinated at how she approaches a problem that I've already moved beyond. It never ceases to amaze me how she proposes changes in a friendly, win-win way. I believe I learn the most from people with opposite preferences.
So, to find my inspiration, I need to rely on others. That is NOT something I regularly do as an ISTJ, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
While I desperately seek my own inspiration, I'd like to hear where you go to find inspiration in your work, hobbies, responsibilities, etc.
In addition, I'd like to share more voices on this blog. If you would like to guest post on personality type issues/experiences, I'd be happy to hear from you! Please email me at breannepotter @ gmail.
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3 comments:
Hi Breanne,
Let me say upfront that I'm a bit of a fan of yours and have enjoyed watching your generous and useful blog 'unfold' over the months.
Well done!
Let's get down to it. My job relies on giving 'top shelf' advice (solutions, ideas etc) so it's almost a core competency to 'get inspired'.
In no particular order:
1) Expect to come up with great ideas (I demand it of my brain) e.g. before going to sleep, 'ask' it to come up with ideas for 'x problem';
2) Run through the forest. Breathing in nature works wonders;
3) Exercise your brain. I treat my brain like a muscle (yuck!) and challenge it in many and varied ways e.g. I am concurrently learning Mandarin, Arabic & French (don't ask!). The ideas literally pour out;
4) Help others: so many times when I'm on the phone - or like writing this comment (I have a note pad at the side jotting ideas whilst I write this) - ideas will spring to mind;
5) Change your body position: I do a little yoga each day. It's fun and forces you to move your body into 'new and interesting' positions. Spend some time in a handstand and you get a different perspective.
6) Laugh a lot. Humour often triggers ideas for me. Not taking life too seriously. Seeing the lighter side of things.
7) Expert mentors: I have a dozen expert mentors who I hang out with - people from all walks of life with varied opinions who will challenge my thinking and take it to the next level.
8) Magazine racks: our local library has all the latest mags in racks. Once a week I go in and sit with a pad and pencil, just looking at the headlines, pictures and wonderful angles these professional writers and journalists use to juice their topics.
I could go on, but don't want to overstay my welcome.
All the best, Robin
Inspiration is a tricky thing. I my experience it frequently comes from unexpected places. But one thing I try and do is to stimulate my mind in as many different ways as I can - music, reading - fiction, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, etc. They key for me seems to be a blend of both quantity and quality of the things I see, read and hear. But usually - the m ore the better. Oh - my type seems to be ENFP (in case you are curious).
You've probably noticed from my blog that I'm going through the same thing. It helps to read what other people are talking about but sometimes it's a motivation issue. If you come up with a solution let me know.
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