Moments of inspiration rarely happen when you dwell on a problem. If you're stuck focusing on an issue, it can be harder to find a solution. The "aha" moments you seek usually occur unexpectedly. (See The Disconnect in Mental Training: Facts and Myths.)
Since inspiration leads to positive outcomes, it's natural to want to speed it up. It's like wanting to get in "the zone" for clutch performance. Athletes know the power of being in the zone but are often stumped on how to get there. So they just hope it happens.
The best athletes do not leave it to chance. They engage in sport psychology programs that give them the mental tools to take charge. Mindset influences performance.
What would it take for you to step up your game and train your mind like the athletes you admire?
Both zone performance and inspiration are right brain activities—i.e., they originate in the creative side of your brain. Even if you prefer left-brain activities (like geeking out on technology and organization), your right brain is waiting for you to give it the signal to do its job.
Motivation and inspiration rev up your energy. You can feel the energy buzzing through your body. During those moments, you are present and focused. That's why inspiration leads to zone performance.
Here's the really cool part: Moments of inspiration and motivation get stored in your memory. It's possible to reconnect to them whenever you want. Think of it as making regular deposits into your emotional bank account, then during challenging moments or when you're feeling stuck, you can make withdrawals to help you break out of it.
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Discover what inspires and motivates you. It will shift your energy from negative to positive. Instead of dwelling on problems, you will begin to seek solutions. And you'll notice improvements in your performance during high pressure moments.
Challenge: Keep a Journal
Find things that motivate and inspire you each and every day. Journal about them before you go to bed. Include the source and how it motivated you. Think about whether it caused you to take action or change your approach to a challenge.
A journal is similar to a training log. It increases your awareness about your thinking and how you respond to challenges. It subtly instructs your subconscious mind to continue seeking inspiration and motivation. When you find yourself facing a difficult challenge, you can refer back to your journal for insight. Make regular deposits into your emotional bank account so you can make withdrawals for inspiration when you need them.
Getting started is the first step. It sends your brain the message that you're seeking inspiration and motivation. Just like with your physical training program, the more you practice it, the easier it gets. With time, you'll notice it's easier to overcome problems that would have previously kept you stuck.