The Surprisingly Weird Ways I Get Inspired (and a Few That Actually Work on Purpose)

Let’s be real—creative inspiration doesn’t always strike in a candle-lit studio with jazz music playing and a perfect cup of coffee nearby.
Sometimes, it shows up in the weirdest, most unexpected ways. I’m not even kidding when I say two of my favorite sources of inspiration are:
 sleep and
 being completely, utterly bored.

But that’s not all that fuels my creativity. Whether you’re feeling stuck or just need a boost, here are some of my favorite (and surprisingly effective) ways to get inspired.

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1. Sleep: My Accidental Muse

Some of my best ideas come from dreams or that half-asleep state where my brain is just vibing. I’ve learned to keep my Notes app handy, even at night, because some 3AM thoughts are gold.

Tip: Try “sleep journaling” before bed. Jot down an idea or question you want an answer to. You’d be surprised what your brain solves while you’re resting.

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2. Boredom: A Creative Goldmine

Doing nothing actually makes space for ideas. When I’m not scrolling, working, or trying to create—I’m just being—my imagination finally has room to breathe.

Tip: Schedule 15 minutes of “boredom” a day. No phone. No tasks. Just sit, stare, pace, or doodle.

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3. My “Real Job” (Yep, It Helps Too)

Even my non-creative 9–5 moments end up giving me ideas—whether it’s a funny customer quote, an awkward moment, or just people-watching.

Tip: Always carry a notebook or use a voice memo app to capture random inspiration on the go. Don’t rely on memory! My thing is scrap recipt paper. (My boss inspired this one, lol)

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4. Pinterest, but Make It Intentional

I know, I know—it’s easy to fall into the scroll hole. But when I use Pinterest with a purpose (like looking for cozy quotes, color palettes, or mental health vibes), I come out feeling energized, not drained.

Tip: Create secret boards for niche moods or themes. That way, your creative brain has visual fuel without the pressure to “perform.”

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5. Consuming Other Art (Without Comparing)

Whether it’s reading a book, watching a short film, listening to a song, or admiring someone else’s design—other people’s creativity can jumpstart your own.

Tip: Instead of asking “why am I not this good?” ask “what part of this lights me up?” Then build on that.

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6. Go Outside (Nature Works Wonders)

A simple walk, looking at flowers, clouds, animals—especially if you sell pet merch —can shift your brain out of survival mode and into wonder.

Tip: Try going out without headphones. Let the sounds and silence do the inspiring.

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7. Old Journals, Art, or Social Posts

Sometimes you already had the spark—you just forgot. I’ll often scroll through my own feed or re-read old journals and find ideas I wasn’t ready to use back then but totally am now.

Tip: Recycle old ideas. You don’t need something new—you need something that matters.

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8. Talking It Out

I’ve had entire creative breakthroughs just by rambling out loud to a friend (or my dog). Saying things out loud helps you hear what you really think.

Tip: Voice-note yourself if no one’s around. Then listen back. Future you might catch the gem in the mess.

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Final Thoughts: There’s No “Right Way” to Get Inspired

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect life to feel creative. You need:

 Rest

 Room to be bored

 A few good conversations

 Fresh eyes on the world around you

Let inspiration find you in the messy, beautiful, real parts of life.