Ideas in my blog’s Drafts folder are growing mold, since the shiny newest thing is always most appealing. But on Mondays, who feels inspired to start something new?

Here are some sources of inspiration for starting something new. Or for just polishing off those moldy old rough drafts:

1. 15 Ways to Rediscover Your Inspiration, from Addicted2Success.com has some pretty lofty suggestions, some long-term, some you can start yesterday. Surrounding yourself with motivated people and removing negative people from your life entirely are the most challenging, yet have the most rewarding potential. Starting now, you can

• Read often
• Be in nature
• Be healthy
• Practice success
• Study greatness
• Focus on what you’re thankful for.

Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

—Pablo Picasso

2. Imagine yourself an artist, and if you can’t, imagine yourself a child. Or think of yourself as an explorer. An inventor. A tinkerer.  A chef creating a new recipe. A children’s book author, writing a fanciful new tale. Ask yourself, “What if?” and let your mind wander. Imagining yourself in roles that are unfamiliar can inspire some new ways of thinking.

3. Cheat. Just turn to your favorite book of  inspirational quotes, or look online for quotes about ideas, like the ones found at InspirationalQuotes.Asia. Skip over the so-called inspirational quotes that are downers, like Hyman Rickover’s: “Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience.” Instead, focus on the feel-good quotes, the ones that make you believe you can get inspired.

Ideas are like rabbits.
You get a couple, learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.

—John Steinbeck

4. Get creative. Unplug the computer. (After you finish reading this.) As creativeEliza at DesignIntense.com points out in her piece on where to look for inspiration and ideas, “Innate talent does play a part in creative ability, but it also plays a part in whether you are a good golfer, stockbroker or lawyer . . . Creativity is no different — it’s not magic. Creativity, just like any other skill, can be learned, nurtured, honed and refined.” And the computer is not the place to nurture it. The computer is a great tool to use in creating, but it’s not the only tool by a long shot. You can step away from the screen, and try using your favorite pen on paper to write or sketch ideas. Surprise, it actually feels good! It’s so tactile that your ideas will take on mighty import, and in fact, may multiply.

What’s inspiring you today?

MY INSPIRATION COMES FROM the eye candy in Austin and the great natural beauty, creative roadside attractions and mission churches in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico and beyond. See and shop my fine art photography and paintings at Austin Details Art + Photo.

 Related articles

• Creativity quotes designed by Svetlana Bilenkina (chic-type.com)
• 20 Ideas To Inspire Your Imagination from Margarita Tartakovsky (cinnamonpink.typepad.com)
• Heres an idea… (hiscox.co.uk)
• Michelle wrote a new post, Get Creative: A Guide to Beating the Zombie Apocalypse (highexistence.com)
• Six Writing Tips from John Steinbeck (silverbirchpress.wordpress.com)