Stay Inspired: Create and Consume

Creativity needs fuel, and like anything else, it must be replenished. It requires a special kind of skill and balance, not only between creating and resting but also with consumption. Today, we are surrounded by a wealth of information, which can sometimes make it challenging to discern what resonates with us and nourishes our inspiration. However, there are ways to navigate these vast waters. In this post of the DIY Musician Blog, we’ll discuss how to stay inspired: create, and consume.

Visualize creativity as an energy

Thinking of your creativity as an energy, like water in a bottle, helps to keep it balanced. It allows you to notice when it needs refilling or when to add something new. When you feel your energy running low, it’s time to step back and recharge by taking a break from creating or consuming something you feel drawn to. Creativity responds to images, so the best way to connect with it is through imagination.

The pendulum way

If your creativity were a pendulum, the center would be rest, and the sides would symbolize creation and consumption. Which state have you been in more lately? Do you find yourself constantly swinging between the two without ever pausing in the middle? This visualization is another way to monitor your energy. If you notice yourself spending noticeably more time on one side, you can sway to the other. The key is maintaining balance among all three states. But don’t expect it to be perfect - you’re human. Sometimes, indulging a bit more in creation or consumption is exactly what you need.

The immersion method

When working on a larger project, like an instrumental album, it’s a great way to keep your imagination in tune. It’s helpful to surround yourself with information that relates to and reflects what you’re creating from a different perspective. For instance, if you’re making music, seek out books, films, stories, and podcasts that reflect and enhance the atmosphere. Of course, you can also explore similar music to catch the vibe and get into flow, but it usually works best when what you’re consuming isn’t exactly what you’re making. Immerse yourself broadly, and new ideas will come more easily.

The contrast approach

Another way is to consume content that is vastly different from your project. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy non-fiction books so much—they keep your mind stimulated without overwhelming, especially when creating music or any other art form. It’s also helpful to switch genres, roles, or types of projects once you finish one. This approach will keep your ideas flowing and the process feeling fresh.

The importance of silence

Creatives often constantly come up with ideas, making it even more essential to enjoy some quiet time. This means not creating, not consuming, and taking that sacred pause in the middle of a pendulum swing. Simply spending time doing nothing or sticking to routines that don’t involve your phone, sound, screens, or information is a fantastic way to reset your creativity. It might sound simple, but in today's world, it’s quite challenging to spend 24 hours in silence with your thoughts. Still, the rewards are well worth it. Try setting aside a quiet day for yourself once a month, if possible, and take meaningful pauses while creating. No YouTube, messaging, or even reading—you’ll feel more refreshed than ever!

Filter your information field

When you’re not on your «quiet day», the information you consume is something to take seriously. Everything you let in, even unconsciously, is stored in your mind and influences your ideas and mental well-being. Think of your mind as a hard drive. What would you want to store there? Even though creatives need to engage with social media and stay informed about important matters, you still control your information environment more than you realize. Make your information input as selective and adaptable as possible. Focus on what matters and consume what nourishes your mental health and inspiration.

Listen to your body and intuition

When something feels off or an idea doesn’t seem to work, there’s usually a reason. Even if this feeling is subtle and physical, it’s a clue. It could be resistance, especially when you're trying something new. But more often, it’s a sign that your creative energy is low or needs to be replenished. Take a day to rest and clear your mind. When you return, it might click, or a solution may suddenly emerge during the break. Always pay attention to how you feel and avoid pushing yourself to exhaustion. Doing so will improve your process and the quality of the results you can achieve.

Sometimes, the best way is through

In some cases, you have to push through. Usually, this happens near the completion of larger projects. The strongest resistance is always close to the finish line. Take your breaks, keep the process balanced, but don’t let your mind trick you into fear. To get past this, break the project into smaller tasks and work on them one at a time. For example, focus on one track of the album instead of the whole record. The resistance you feel can become your motivation. When you approach the final steps of your next big project, remind yourself of how much you’ve already accomplished. You've got this!

Navigating the balance between creating, resting, and consuming is a delicate skill. It takes practice and time to find your flow, but using these simple techniques and staying aware of your creative energy will bring good results: a smoother process, a more vivid imagination, and incredible outcomes. So, where will your pendulum swing next?

Be well, stay tuned!