Guest Post by Life Coach Sheri Kaye Hoff

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”  Michelangelo

I find that I am inspired to action when I am tapping into my creativity. Creativity is often an elusive concept. It is difficult to define or teach, but we know creativity when we see it.

When you are trying to come up with new programs, new products, or new ideas, it is tempting to try to force the solution. I like Michelangelo’s quote because his creative process decreases pressure and allows free-flowing action and thoughts. He also reveals what we know to be true in our hearts – that a creative idea is often the result of uncovering and releasing something.

Some ways to tap into free flowing creative thought are to:

• Practice relaxation techniques- deep breathing/meditation/prayer
• Read a variety of sources
• Listen to others
• Keep a notebook close by to record ideas
• Read through past journal entries
• Tap into nature- sit by a stream, a lake, the ocean
• Listen to music – yoga, meditation CD’s ,soft classical
• Quiet your spirit
• Write or create without prejudging- let it flow – you can streamline and edit later
• Engage in physical activity- walking, dancing, stretching
• Sleep on it

If you still feel blocked or uninspired, change your focus to a different project and revisit your project when you feel refreshed. Accept a creative idea as a great gift and fill your heart with appreciation. Enjoy the creative moment, act on it, and celebrate it.

As you tap into your creativity regularly, you will find that more and more of your actions are truly inspired and come from the real you- the authentic you.

For more ideas on working with inspired action- get my new eBook Living Successfully and Joyfully Everyday: 90 Days of Inspiration