Derek that sounds like mindfulness to me. No wonder I'm having a hard time getting it all completed. I need to exhale!

I'm frequently accused of drinking the KoolAid. I'd prefer to say that I apply what I learn. Sometimes it works out sometimes not. You won't know if you don't try...apply.

Your comments remind me of the song we sang in school, as we skipped under each others arms: "Go in and out the window...etc."

I agree about the importance of WORK as focus for your inspiration; but it is - like all else that has spiritual effect - a two way street. I think of it as
one action, i.e.: "Giving IS Receiving."

Best, aj

Breath out. ....

Simple. What an excellent concept. Breathing out through whatever medium you choose to express yourself.

I like that idea Derek. Nicely expressed.

And when you breathe out, be sure to spill your inspiration on to others so that they, too, breathe it in. Play it forward.

So relating to this today. Thank you, Derek!

Its kind of like a balloon....if you keep blowing air in without leaving letting any out eventually it will pop...

Inspiration applied and then inspired again sounds like a good recipe for longevity!

Again...great post

Thanks Derek!!

Hey Derek,

Well said brother! I just recorded five versions of Elvis's "Love Me Tender" in the last 2 days... everything from Classic Rock, to Punk, to Indie.

I found the lyric to be somewhat inspiring, but what really kept me creating was the challenge to best each successive cover and the desire to push myself into new boundaries.

So I really agree that application of things we come across into our work will keep the fires of inspiration stoked :-).

Thanks for taking the time to share this, I know a lot of folks are going to resonate with it!!!

Hope you're doing well man,

Andrew

Interestingly - at least to me! - the term for breathing out is expiration. We inspire, and then we expire.

The other meaning for expire is "to run out". Or "to die".

And making things IS a tiny death (not the one the French talk about. Well, generally). It's the death of our perfect vision, to be replaced by a less-than-perfect reality.

Which maybe explains one reason why some people prefer to keep endlessly inspiring?

Nothing more aspiring than getting off your ass and doing it.

I believe that ULTIMATELY we are all inspired from within... we see, feel, touch the world... and depending on our own unique perspective ... we are either INSPIRED...and deliver our "gift" to the world... or ... not... IMHO.... ;)

So true Derek.

The explosion of digital media means that we can get stuck in a pattern of constant consumption.

In the words of Seth Godin....

"Before you consume create. Before you read something write something. Before you listen to a song sing a song."

Perhaps that search for constant inspiration is our way of avoiding risk? Is it our fear of being seen that keeps us in a perpetual cycle of consuming and searching?

Thanks for the nudge.

Remember what your parents told you, because you are their output.

Hey Derek,

I have had this same thought for many years now and it is great to hear it resonated back to me :)

Thanks for this

Simon

Amen, brother.

/\ndy

So true! This reminds me of a scripture verse were it says "It is better to give than it is to receive." And I think the principle is the same if you really want to reap the rewards of your inspiration than use it to inspire others and it will ignite a fire that can't be stopped! Great article Derek God bless

Thanks Derek... Thanks a lot for sharing that.. Somebody should have the courage to say that to everybody.. Reading and just reading inspiring quotes isn't the solution.

Very good! Thank you Derek. This idea is totally in sync with a book i am reading, called Crashing Forward. It is about a man, Mike May, who was blinded at the age of 3. If nothing else, is life is about taking the step, trying the idea; Crashing through. Your input complements the book perfectly. thanks again.
Ted

Great insights. I agree that we can get so caught up in this world of consumerism and the next best solution for us that we forget to digest it through our lens and then act on inspiration.

Great article, Derek! I really needed that. Perfect timing. Thanks!
-Joel

Priceless advice. Nicely Done! Today's world suffers from paralysis of analysis. Your "breathe out" and definition of work. Is spot on.

Understatement Derek, what I admire so much about your posts, comments, ideas etc is that applied in the right manor they all work period!

Looking forward to seeing you soon...

Well put, Derek! I concur.

"...constantly seeking inspiration is anti-inspiring."

How ironically true. Great read. Thanks.

That post is veyr serendipitous...I discuss this concept in the context of meditation...meditation has given me the space and the reminder to take a pause...and let idea integrate in the unconscious space and bubble up in new ways....

Derek, thanks for your recommendation to check out plainly simple studios...about to release an AWESOME animation theyve done for the Mindful in May campaign..brilliant referral! Appreciate your generosity and sharing: )

Your advice works equally well for those who are feeling blue (and/or uninspired / stuck)...

reminds me of an excerpt of this poem:

...return gently to your work
that which leaves you satisfied
no matter how you began
that which requires
your unique palette of colors...
and please accept
the full presence and depth
available in each moment....

Derek, this is so true! I'm a musician and writer. I find that just the act of creating sets off a whole chain of inspired ideas and I create more. IOW it's a cycle that perpetuates itself.

So appropriate to liken the it to breathing.

Next time I feel like I'm stuck and need inspiration, I think I'll just start doing something! ;)

Derek,
Thanks! You put into words what was dancing just outside my mental periferial vision. I forwarded it to all my team in the shop (as I do with much of what you create.)

Warmly

De

Well put
Totally true!

Strongly agree. Just trying to implement this "doing" attitude into life.

Derek,
Thank you for another excellent blog post. I enjoy your writing very much.
I believe giving (in all its manifestations) or serving others is a path to a meaningful life, and your emphasis on creating what others may enjoy resonates so well.
Thanks again, and joy to you.
Maurice

Derek,

I really, really like this! You have to start doing.

Peter

Inspiring!

- Corbin

In Viktor E. Frankl's book "Man's Search For Meaning" the same is said in a different sort of way. There the indication is given that "our actions give meaning" to our lives.

Again, the output side of things, then; where perhaps inspiration has been found, through application; in part, the fruit of such endeavours being meaning, as well.

Well put Derek. I need to re-read this a few more x to get inspired ~ thank you!

Nice one D, just what I needed lol... seriously.

That feeeling you get when you work on something new, that is inspiration for me. I try to keep it going everyday and get on-a-roll so to speak. Very nice post Derek. You got me thinking.

Well said Derek. I need to re-read this several more x to inspire myself ~ thank you!

Well gosh, i was expecting more inspiring words under the photo of the well-written hand essay!
Having read (listened to) the Steven Pressfield book you recommended about "doing the work" and also listening to Don Campbell's The Wisdom and Power of Music last week, your words are quite perfect.
There is so much in the world to be inspired by, it can be overwhelming and as you say, you might be "uninspired" at that point. But to take one idea and start working on it, that is genius. To get excited about turning the idea into a work of art, that is inspiration. That is joy. But you have to do it. In the workshop words of songwriter Bob Franke, "the difference between you and a songwriter is.... the songwriter writes songs."

Never thought of it that way. But it sounds spot on. It reminded me of my best friend. About 2 years ago he dropped an amazing 40 pounds in a matter of months. And he did it the right way, exercise and a healthier diet. I asked him what finally inspired him. He said that his 5 year old daughter commented on his size and it hit him all of a sudden. The funny thing is, when I asked him a year later. He had a different answer. He said the biggest inspiration was the amount of weight he lost during his first week of committed workouts. My narcissistic friend fell in love with the person in the mirror and just kept at it. He currently could double as Mr.Clean with his bald head and sculpted body. Nothing like results to keep you going.

I think the beauty in artistry is the individualism that grows from within the artist. Sound alone is a huge part of my inspiration. If I play a piece by Chopin and I like two chord changes....I mean specific voice-ings I usually find that I can build a piece from there....it sounds so simple..and maybe it is....but I play around with the sounds and I think 'quick grab the pencil you'll never remember what you've discovered.'

I read a quote today from John Steinbeck about how he thought his 'Grapes of Wrath' would be a failure. So, I often wonder if our own criticism helps or hinders our creativity.....and then I think just write it down and don't worry about anything else.

thanks for reading,
rada

I really like this one Derek! Thanks bro!

Matt

Thanks Derek! That's a nice new way to look at taking action with, and make these dreams come true! Breathe out!
I Love it!

You nailed it again Derek but now I have Machinehead by Bush imbedded in my brain. Thanks a lot!

I moved to Hong Kong to work in finance in December. To say it sucked is an understatement. After 9 years of working my ass off in sales to pay a mortgage (death gauge) on a house in England that just got repossessed, I have decided this. I live on an island in Hong Kong with Roads not big enough for cars. There is no pollution. My record label has been hit over 4 million times in the last three years with no marketing and limited advertising. I just got sacked, but the work that I did could still make me a lot of money, that the company has agreed to pay me for, on the deals I have done. I have been Linking In with as many people in the UK music industry as I can over the last month. I have a distribution deal with Universal in the UK, 400 indie shops, 8 reps. I am not doing any more fucking work until this money comes in. I am relaxing my ass off, running up and down the beach and diving in the sea to cool off. I am gonna use the money from the deals, to release my roster on limited edition vinyl in the UK and chill out for the rest of my life, with my wife, on this tiny island and laugh my fucking head off at the panic of the western world. I am devoting every waking moment, to www.recreationrecords.com and good proper music, for good proper music fans. you don't need much money. You need to eat, sleep, pay the rent and do something you love for a living. So rent somewhere cheap, find someone you love, do something you love, eat well, sleep well and have a great life. Cheung Chau and don't fucking worry, you have your health, I hope.

Derek, this post is very INSPIRING!

OK, now I'm going to go expire -- I mean exhale -- into my guitar.

:-) Thanks for the great energy, as always!

- Marc

Some friends of mine and I started a project a while back called "30 Days". 1 new piece of creative work (for me, a new piece of music), once a day for 30 days in a row. The biggest lesson for me from this experience was that inspiration does not come first. I made a blog post about this here if you're interested in a bit more annecdotal detail: http://lascaux21.com/40/1540-the-lessons-of-30-days/

This phrase says it all: "You have to pause the input, and focus on your output. ", greetings from Paraguay.

Nice observation, Tim. :-)

"My personal revelation here was that inspiration is really always there, the mistake is to expect it to descend towards us when the opportunity is always there to pull ourselves up towards it." Tim Gerwing

http://lascaux21.com/40/1540-the-lessons-of-30-days/

Agree completely. I'm a visual artist. I work. Whether I have an idea is irrelevant. I like the approach taken by Jasper Johns the great American artist, "Make a mark. Change it. Change it again. Make another mark." And so on. Work. Do stuff. I'm too busy working to get inspired. But excited? I get excited as hell, forget where I am, I am inside the work, it's breathing through me, I am transparent.
Some may call that inspired. Dunno. Gotta get back to work.
Cheers.

So true. And sometimes it takes a long bike ride, snowboarding, kiteboarding session or hike to help process the input.

By sharing your writing and thoughts to the world, you're doing exactly that Derek...breathing out.

Thanks for sharing and reminding all of us to put inspiration to work. Otherwise, it's only hot air we're breathing out instead of real pieces of work.

thinking once that greater success and public acclaim would inspire and boost my own musical productivity, chances to find out how i would be affected by such stimuli never materialized. the public affirmation i thought my work deserved remains as elusive as ever. fortunately, my sense of artistic self-worth remains as solid as granite. i have noted, incidentally, that during my half-century of songwriting, feelings of loss, fear, and disappointment are forever poignant and powerful catalysts to an artist.

I enjoyed the post. Breathe out... something easy to forget.

I'm hip, you're right, I just gotta get back on course. Thanks brah.

The most bizarre thing in the world is to be told you're inspiring. It happens to me a lot. I never wake up in the morning thinking - "what can I do to inspire others?"

My day usually consists of getting things done. I'm always working on something. Whether it's new music. A video. A music festival. Collecting data. Working on a deal. Etc.

I'm always looking at the next thing that needs to be done. Somehow others find that inspiring.

Isn't the real secret to inspiration really about getting out and doing something?

I love this. Reminds me to slow down, digest, reflect and apply (with focus). We are inundated with information, ideas, challenges, to do lists, etc. all day long. It is so easy to get overwhelmed and lose the message. It is likely that if we just slow down and pick one thing to mull over and commit to breathing something out- this simple act will make all the difference.
I am going to commit to breathing one thing back out this week. Thanks!

One should have never stopped exhaling ever.

The artist's dream, that the world will breathe in their output ...

Yea inspiration sometimes comes easy. I go to bed and by morning usually have something to start with. I like to connect with the other world and they are great I believe, once you learn to work with them. *** constantly seeking inspiration is anti-inspiring*** not sure if i am constant enough to have this problem .... (:

Recently moving into a big city, this is SPOT on. There is always something different driving your attention, and if I don't take a step back (think, meditate, etc) than I don't feel grounded.

Great post Derek. Thank you

I breathe more deeply when I'm walking in nature and nature itself is an endless source of inspiration.

Thank you, Derek.

Thanks Derek! I find it funny that another verb for "breathing out" is to "expire" - which also has... deadly connotations! :)

It kind of perfectly represents why maybe at times we avoid "expiring" or breathing out - it's hard work, takes the most effort and we're scared it'll "kill us" (in an artistic sense, of course) since we dare to output it to the world...

Great perspective Derek - thanks for sharing your thoughts!

So, it's inspiration, then perspiration, right?

Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us,
Todd

Derek
You hit the nail directly on the head
"The inspiration is not the receiving of information. The inspiration is applying what you’ve received."

I remember a mentor I mine once saying "Its time to fish or cut bait"

I wrote a similar post a few weeks ago! Using age as a planning tool for input vs output. http://sett.com/marc/input-vs-output

I write my blog at www.anacoluthia.net as a way of seeking inspiration. I'm always surprised by the connections my brain finds when I'm creating. Same goes for music.

Focus more on creating than protecting/reading.

My 2 c

Excellent and thought provoking about inspiration . I focused much on input and this blog reflects me to focus on output. Mindblowing. Thanks for sharing...

Great analogy! It's definitely too easy to just consume information and feel like you're being productive. But it ends up feeling empty. Thanks for putting this feeling in simple terms.

Thanks for your insightful interpretation of inspiration, an entrepreneurial analysis. I read a lot and now applying the breathing out. I really get excited by this article, especially.

I have three principles :
-What I'm doing right now, forget everything else.
-Spontan move my body to something I want/should do.
-Enthusiasm, don't tempted, patient, precise, testing, checked, regularity, neat work, anticipate, maintaining, save the used material, and backup.

None of them are inspired from others.
But it makes me doing and finishing my work.
It may be doesn't as neat as Seth Godin sentences, but it shorter, and works fortunately.

The ART is in the DOING.

Ohh this is so nice Derek:-) I have a big inspiration I am working on ....takes time. But it is from my heart, and I am so happy to share....
Have a wonderful week!!
Rachel

Funny how sometimes you can also find inspiration by taking a walk, changing your perspective (visual, physical and emotional) and allowing yourself be open to whatever comes. Then, yes, you have to start producing your own "work" or the inspiration "expires".

Hi Derek!
Very wise "inspiring" Words. Thank you.

I believe the continued seeking of inspiration becomes a safe haven for procrastination

Very cool.

Years ago, someone in Kauai taught me a running (or jogging) breathing technique where you just keep on focusing on the exhale, no focus on the inhale, and if you have a heart rate monitor on, you can easily get your heart to your ideal heart rate target zone by timing the exhales with every 4 to 5 (or experiment if more or less) steps that are taken. Not only that, but once in that mode, the running feels effortless and infinite. Derek, your post reminded me that this applies to life and being fully immersed in what we love to do. Thank you.
Love it! Focus on the output, and the input will take care of itself. — Derek

Very inspiring (no pun intended) and great advice!
Thanks, Derek.

What a lovely way to start my day! thanks. I agree, ever since I got a job where I have to be creative whether I like it or not, I haven't had a single thought about inspiration... I just do. Cheers.

Derek

If I'm honest I'm only really inspired when I believe I can translate it into some something actionable. It's not to say I'm not inspired by architecture, or music or great sport but most business stories I hear or read inspire me when I know I can action them tomorrow at work! So I'm with you in these thoughts as they relate to business. I didn't think of myself as exhaling but its a great analogy.

Inspiration is the body's way to take in air, to live.

For the duration that air remains in your lungs, in between breaths, oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream, and flows to various organs, nourishing them. The air you breathe in is utilized by every single part of your system.

Expiration (or exhaling) cleanses the body of carbon dioxide.

And the "waste" you thus release has a magical effect as well... because for leaves on trees, it's the reverse process. They INSPIRE carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the atmosphere, making it possible for life to go on.

Extend the idea Derek shared in this post to the EXHALATION side. The ideas you imbibe to be inspired must not only be used to fuel and power your passionate purpose - it should also be released back into the universe... so that OTHERS will be inspired by them, and reach for THEIR dreams!

Thanks for sparking off that insight, Derek :)

All success
Dr.Mani
Nice metaphor! ☺ — Derek

"No try. Do!"

Beautifully expressed. Correct, IMHO. Thank you, Derek, for always giving an inpired POV. Elena

Totally agree! The most important thing we can focus on is what we contribute to the world. Don't get me wrong, what we take in is also vital. However, first and foremost, we are here to give to each other, and that has to be remembered.

Derek, appreciate your promotion of inspiration. Software engineering is an eclectic discipline. I speak for myself in Colorado and my geek friends at Wintellect in Tennessee. So glad that success for us really can translate to Maslow's image of true self actualization. We really have responsibility to our fellow (man) thank you for living it out in all you say and do.

Blessing and continued success. A FB friend here in the states.

Ah yes... and the inspiration continues :-) "In other words, your work, itself, is the inspiration." Thank you for reminding us all that inspiration is not more thought, it is in fact, "... not the receiving of information. The inspiration is applying what you’ve received."
Wishing you well-- Nanette

I wholeheartedly believe that if we start applying ourselves in order to become an inspiration for those looking up to us, we'll never run out of inspiration. If we aim to inspire, we'll be inspired!

How true! I am a troubleshooter and designer. I've always said that the clear definition of the problem is half the solution. So too have I said that a college (or other) education is a waste if never applied to good use.

Writer's block is another problem. I does require one to sit back and exhale and wait if nothing comes to mind. But good advice is to just write! Don't waste your time for your muse to get in the mood to help you. As the wise man Larry the cable guy says "Git er done!"

Inspiration arrives when we least expect it. What ever it is...a smile, a full moon,an action of courage,the roof crackling in a huge gust of wind....it gets in our bones and our creativity takes us to that 'special place'. It may take three minutes or three years till the work is completed .That is the mystery of creating !
Putting down songs is like cooking. Some food gets made on the stove in little time. Some takes hours of slow baking in the oven . I'm totally off topic now but Derek you inspired me to blab on and on ! Luv ya ,man and take care.

Just doing It is the best way

Don't know how you manage to do it, but every time I read your blog, it is always 'so simple, yet so true'. This fits perfectly with a blog post I have been meaning to write for the last few days. Thanks again. Now, to go to work!

Very insightful article, thanks a lot Derek.

I think lots of people including me reading a lot to get inspired or get well prepared. After a while, what we need essentially is to do something, to kick off the project we want to do for a long time.

Breath in, breath out is a good metaphor :)

It does seem that releasing a song is as important as both writing and recording one...
noone can decide 2 buy it if u have already judged it unworthy and have hidden it away...
4give urself and share...

Excellent, there is no better way to show your inspiration than what have you have accomplished and also your attitude while you were doing it!

"Hooray" comes to mind.

It's autumn here and I put aside the guitar and immerse myself in the garden - the pruning and clearing tasks that the time demands. But only if I'm open to it.

'Yippee.' ..... and it doesn't matter in the slightest that it will 'take time' to do it properly ..... the world that I'm saving is the one in which I live and 'saving time' doesn't make much sense to me.

That being said - reading your articles IS inspiring - food for thought and very nourishing too.

I think/feel that - it's got something to do with being whole hearted in whatever it is that needs to be done.

'It' being inspiration.

Not being too bright, I take delight in the ideas and concepts delivered in your posts.

Ahhh ... breathing out..... it's very yogic isn't it.

cheers and thanks

>People think that if they keep reading articles, browsing books, listening to talks, or meeting people, that they’re going to suddenly get inspired.

That's true.

>The inspiration is applying what you’ve received.

Sometimes, after applying/creating something. We need inspiration just to keep pushing forward. For such inspiration look for comments/feedback on your creation from others. Your friends/users - that will energize/inspire you further.

Thanks mate, very inspiring! Handy notebook!

"Black Bottom Stomp" by JRM is very hard to play on the piano. Esp when one had cataracts. Now, with one brand new eye, I can read the dots again and I am inspired to play it often. Wish I had gone to Berkley too, Derek.

Sometimes the best way is the classic way of application...to teach someone else what you've learned or taken in....thanks Derek.

Yes, I've found that to be true. Once you've got that strong personal vision thing rolling in the actual work, it provides an endless well to draw from. Other things from the outside world may sneak in there to provide a different spice or flavoring of sorts, but the body of the work is all you like DNA endlessly flowing and always available for the drinking...

We're our own inspiration.

Of course talking to people, especially if they are different from us, can be helpful too! :-D

Great piece. Seems like the various ways we refer to people inspiring us definitely can or cannot lead to action:

He's such an inspiration = for what?
He inspires me to... = a little better, implies a desire to do something
He inspired me to = voila

Thanks for the inspiration to more thoughtfully use this word. ;)

Wow Derek, one of the best articles I've read in a while!

You nailed it for me. Application of inspiring ideas and taking action are my biggest problems! Thanks for the great insight!

Thanks for the reminder Derek. By concentrating on the breathe out also helps heal a tired mind and body and it really works. I make a point of doing it several times a week.
Bill Bodell

taping into the pure and natural, surfing your way through the unknown

I really enjoyed this and agree breath.....

I don't know why but this one post struck me. You're exactly right. The best artists I know are the ones out there painting, or writing music, or acting. When they need inspiration, THEN they go out looking for it. They don't do it the other way around. One musician even told me to just keep playing, even when I don't feel inspired. Or at that point, learn a cover. But keep playing.

And they know the difference between copying something, and being inspired by it.

People think humans operate as a series of switches. Breathe in switch, on. Switch on breathe out. I think it has to be practiced. I heard that if meditation is easy, then you're doing it wrong, and I think it's the same with action. In is so easy. Out isn't. So to do it right you need to practice the out. Going with the meditation analogy, I heard that you should start with 2 min, and work up. Same goes for breathing out. Practice bit of new and inspired output. Then work your way up.

Thank you for letting me realize that I have been only breathing in feeling I can't get enough inspiration. That is so true. I'll try to breath out!

Lovin' it. :-)

and Breathing out should be the easiest part to avoid choking and dying. We still need people like you to remind us Derek
thanks a mil

Thank you for this post...yes, inspiration needs to find us working... looking for others to inspire us is, well nuts. All inspiration comes from within, and it is that moment that we seize an opportunity, idea, connection, whatever..that we get inspired... Action brings inspiration... period.

Wow !!! How accurate is this !!! Thanks for sharing !!

Well said. Its the application of that inspiration you receive. My inspiration come from the Holy Spirit.

Hi Derek, timing was perfect as always; cold finnish bus stop at 7am, decided to check my email and bang! Thanks. Oh, have to remember to breath in and out in this situation,as well:)

This is great advice, which I was going to pass along to a friend, who's currently struggling with inspiration, and has been for awhile. Only HER issue is she doesn't know what her work is anymore. She used to be a dancer, but at 66 those days are long gone. I really feel for her. We should all be thankful that we work in art forms that are timeless, as dancers do age out. Yes, one could say she could still teach or choreograph or whatever, but that's not her strength or interest.

There are two levels to inspiration: getting inspired about our work, but also finding out what that work is. I ask that anyone who reads this say a little prayer for her tonight, as she's really struggling.

In Tao you also find that as being full or empty. I liked the notion there that you also never know what life brings to you next, so if there are bigger thigs coming up "you better be empty" so you have capacity to deal with it.
Generally, applying gets easier the smaller the steps and goals are. Which is counterintuitive to us wanting to produce "something big", but I guess learning that is just part of growing :)

To get inspired means to get a push from something or somebody energizimg your dreams which are sleeping inside of you and need this special moment to wake up.
The question is how to deal with , how to work wth as Derek says...

Nicely written. Thanks! Now I need to exhale this one out first.

I've heard bits of this principle applied to "motivation," something I have learned not to wait for. It too is in the 'doing'. For me, the void before the motivation and inspiration is like standing blindfolded near the edge of a cliff. But once I take that step and discover I'm not falling, that's where I get motivated, and when I start believing the work that I am doing is good and meaningful, and then I'm inspired. All in all the bottom line is, work it, apply it, just do it.

I enjoyed reading your email. It was timely for me. You have a way of doing that.

Thank you.

Long time fan,

Tina Jackson
(from your CD Baby days)

So true, Derek. So true.

The intake of info is so valuable, but the best way for intelligent people to feel like they're accomplishing something as they avoid taking action, the work. The court as opposed to the stands.

Magic Johnson didn't get inspired sitting in the stands, now did he? As he dropped sweat into the court, he was inspired again and again while seamlessly joined to the living present and movement at hand.

Would love to hear your thoughts in a future post on the power of improvisation, and its relation to inspiration and action.

Hi Derek.
Great article! Straight to the point, short and clear with no bullshit. I love it! Totally!! 100% true!!
Thanks!

Tu Chè

im breathing and helping others around me to breathe deeply as a group. Its nice to breathe quietly here.

Brilliant Derek! I've a "Breathe" blog post in the offing, tho' of a different angle - and am recording first song which is called "Breathe" and has chorus of "Take a breath, take a breath, take a breath (breathe in, breathe out)"! Doing loads of vocal coaching and everything (in life) comes back to the breath.

Hope the three of you are thriving!

Tracy
x

Notice that inspiration is only half of the equation. Medically speaking, death results if one has only inspiration and no expiration. Similarly, artistic death occurs with inspiration and no creation. There's a kind of logic and sensibility inherent in the process.

...and to take the analogy a bit further. Breathing out might relate to getting rid of some of the ideas that are cluttering our minds, to make room for something fresher.

I just posted this on Facebook tonight in answer to a post about the complexity of creative people:

A creative person is a bridge between the mundane and the divine. We receive inspiration and express it. We also have to work effectively in the world as self-employed entrepreneurs, or deal with our inability to do this, and find some other way to survive. We also have to constantly improve (or, at least, maintain) our skills in the medium in which we are creating. We have to maintain our self-esteem in the face of public and private criticism. It is not an easy life, but when a person is muse-driven, the suggestions of the muse command attention before all else, including logic. That is why what we do is perceived as magical when we do, after all, succeed in expressing the inspirations we receive.

I've never thought if it that way before. Breathing is a great metaphor.

Everything about our bodies run in a pulse-like matter. Breathing, Heart beat, rest cycle etc. That's definitely the most efficient way to get value out of our body.

Thanks for writing this up. :)

On the other hand, as the Taoists say "few people in this world truly understand the precept of silence and the value of inaction" .... Letting things simmer, sometimes for very long periods of time, pregnancies, are often what bear deep fruit .... Many artists appropriately have years between albums, novels, screenplays

Re: comment # 119 ... Check out the tremendous dancer Anna Halprin, still dancing in her nineties .... and what dancing, what life comes through her aged physicality !!

And, at what point one has breathed in deeply enough is not such an easy question, or has such a simple answer.

How can one's particular talents be best deployed by the Global Mind for its healing can take a lot of contemplation. And when one is older, one embarks upon multi-year projects often with much more care. One often needs to waits until it's really in one's guts before beginning a major effort.

Great article! You are an awesome dude.

Dear Derek Sivers,

I just had to reply to your very inspiring article and say that I agree with your thoughts.

I work with producer Henning Olsen who sent the article to me.

I am a psychologist/psychotherapist and have been working with my own and my clients' dreams for many years. I started writing lyrics for another artist about 2 years ago. After about two months I suddenly woke up with a melody and some lyrics that I quickly recorded on my smartphone. After that experience I started dreaming lyrics and melodies almost every night that popped up at all times of the night.

As people in my surroundings, some with music as their proffesion heard these recordings and responded positively I felt I just had to keep on going, almost as if there was no option but to continue. That is what brought me to my producer and has opened up a whole new world to me.

I am very passionate about my songwriting. I also am lucky enough to be able to sing my own songs.

And now to the main point of interest! My main source
of inspiration comes from inside, from my dreams and continues to do so. I consider myself very fortunate as I still have dreams containing inspiring melodies and lyrics almost every night. I than get down to work composing and it is not so difficult, as it in a sense streams forth from an inner source. Of course dream material is inspired by life experiences combined with inner drives, so there is automatically an outer influence, but the main source of inspiration in my opinion comes from within. That is probably why I feel I just have to continue. It is virtually impossible for me not to compose songs.

When I compose I am also inspired by ideas from everyday life, emotions, nature, etc. that I combine with the dream material.

So thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to tell you my story. I am also a much happier person after I have started composing and singing being introduced to a wonderful new world. I have some musical experience from school choir singing and flute playing when I was a child and youth. I grew up in Scarsdale, NY and moved to Denmark when I was 13 years old so all my songs are in English.

My artist name is Carolyn Alexandra and I do have some songs on Youtube.

I wish you all the best,

Carolyn Alexandra Ipsen

Hi Derek
Mmm... I am struggling with this one!!!

I can hold my hand up and say I'm guilty of always breathing in. I've got a whole list of things I want to do and I keep adding to it.
Sure, I do some things off the list each week but if I stopped looking for new things for just one week I'm sure I'd get a lot more done.

This is true. For years I did the breathing in bit but forgot about the breathing out! Then I finally realised what you said; "The inspiration is not the receiving of information. The inspiration is applying what you’ve received." I had forgotten the DOING bit! I'm now breathing out for the first time in years and it's hard to put into words what a complete and utter relief this is!

Yep and “sometimes breathing is easy, sometimes breathing is hard” Lao Tzu - but nothing about not breathing at all… :))

Nice one Derek.

Today I'm too down to give any good comment or adding to your wonderful article. I just wanted to say that I'm really happy that you shared sth .. I miss your video alot .. they inspired me a lot last year.

This year things been letting me down a lot .. plans are being canceled .. etc .. ok ok maybe I'm being dramatic at the moment coz I'm down ..
This year been good and full of "Firsts" as well!

How to be great in sth Derek? I have been looking for sth like a hobby or special skill in me .. but seems nothing interest me enough .. not having sth I'm GREAT at put me in blue mood all the time!

once again .. thank you for this wonderful article .. I'll try to apply these golden rules on my current blue life.

the dramatic,
Teddy.

That is awesome! Neal Donald Walsh said it like this in Coversations With God:
Wisdom is doing.
Applying is the word of the day.
Thank you for your inspiration ;-)

Hi Derek,

In: great post
Out: thank you

Cheers,
Craig.

The difference, in Italian, is the N. In fact we say "Inspirare" to breath in and "Ispirare" to inspire..it is funny to notice how a different language can change the concept of an idea based to the similarity of words...

Thank you. Absolutely agree.

Stop looking, and start doing.

Derek,

I breathe in what I just read.
I breathe out the song it gives inspiration to.

Thank you,
M

Good stuff

I believe that the idea of "inspiration" -or "spirit" - being mere ethereal steerings of essential internal humors may be vestigial of our cultures lengthy dabbling with religious doctrine … which basically teaches that spirit and matter are separate and that for us to reach soulful harmony , spirit must somehow supersede matter and even control it. In my opinion, That is a great fallacy and one that has harmful consequences on how, as a civilization, we have failed to build fit mental structures to account for the increasing complexities of daily reality . This dichotomy is an illusion and Matter is as much magical as spirit and modern quantum physics tells us so. And as you said, we mustn’t just breathe-in new ideas but me must also blow relevant action into our undertakings, in the same fashion as the old wizard blows off big spells weaving magic transmutations.

I want to know much about hacker

U R absolutely right. I have spent over 3 years on hacker news trying to get inspired. As long as I don't apply it in work this ha bit will never work

Derek,
Man I wish I would of read this yesterday because I was talking to an associate and I mentioned he needed to take action on the beautiful woman that "inspired" both of us to attend an event she was partcipating in. His words were "what's for me is for me"

I totally agree. Actually trying little things and testing minor ideas usually inspires me for major ideas.

Take songwriting: I am currently working through "Songwriting without boundaries" by Pat Pattison (as a Berklee alumni you sure know him) and to do the exercises is really inspiring for me. In each assignment I find some point of view that seems really interesting to me.

Like this morning I did a 5-minute assignment: Who-Writing about a sailor. Pretty boring stuff, or so I thought. But actually writing about a sailor with all his longings I found some interesting details that connect the life of a sailor to mine. And so I started a song that seems pretty cool so far and is totally different from my other songs :)

It's like fishing for ideas. Or like a hanging out at a playground: You can look at the equipment as long as you want, but it's in playing and testing that you get to the fun part of it.

Derek,
Man I wish I would of read this yesterday because I was talking to an associate and I mentioned he needed to take action on the beautiful woman that "inspired" both of us to attend an event she was partcipating in. His words were "what's for me is for me", which basically means he's holding his breath! Thanks again!
Alphonse

thank you derek for article,

Best regards
Jan

I'm in a season of life where I'm focusing more on the application of what I know aka "Wisdom." To receive this blog post, while in that season and for it to also have an underlying theme of application, this just might be that small piece that I'm missing. I thank you for this.

I Agree,

I needed to do this. Last night I started to listen to a favorite song. So In my living room I cranked it up & after about three times . . . went & got my guitar & amp & just played along
Wow . . .
That was soooo . . .
I needed to do that . . .
Another time I wrote a song after seeing an outdoor summer concert.
Then others while @ or after a movie.

Derek, Thx for Your Article
I get it better.
:)

I have plenty of inspiration...what I need is time to implement! lol Great post...thanks, Derek.

And the more you breath out the more you can breath in, right?

Thanks for YOUR inspiration, Derek.

Good, and inspirating ideas !!

My favorite mathematical formula:

Inspiration + Perspiration = Innovation

Dear Derek,

Thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring heart and mind.
I wish we all realize our magnificent and that we light many candles with our own exquisite light.

Harmonically yours, Ahmad

Great post! Just recently I read a quote that I thought was stupid till I saw who wrote it. "Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking." As an avid life long reader this just sounded crazy to me, until I got to A. Einstein . . . . your points illustrate Albert's thought almost perfectly. So I'm inspired to write more and read less - at least for a time. Thanks and keep up the good work.

True so very true.

You spot the correct position :)

Well said. Inspiration should be a catalyst for you to do something.

Very true!

I hear a lot more of people trying to avoid other artists' output, being concerned about it affecting their own. It's interesting considering one's own work as a lens through which the world can be viewed. Well, I've managed to find some inspiration in this post, Derek.

Awesome post Derek. After exchanging a couple emails with you last year, I started to breath out following your advice. At the time I was thinking about selling T-shirts, but I followed your suggestion to talk with friends and see how they would react and changed course. AccountabilityAngels.com was born feb/2013. It helps people ingrain positive habits by applying pear pressure. Thanks for all your great posts, mentorship and advice! Breath out people!!

Derek,

Great stuff as always. I've had a sort of "moment of clarity" over this weekend. This definitely helped to inspire me to give myself the proverbial kick in the ass to take action on that new revelation.

Thanks!

Hey Derek! well said there..!

Thanks for that

Good one! That was very thoughtful.. Had never thought in this perspective.. i think i finally found how to breath in inspiration and breath out awesome stuff! :)

As usual, this was just what I needed to hear today. I'm about to finish my BS in Business Administration in less than three weeks, and I have learned so much and feel so inspired. Now, I just need to apply it to my business. This is exactly what will keep me inspired.
I also love the analogy of using the breath! I have a tendency to hold my breath. I'm actually working with someone who is teaching me how to breathe better. Breathing seems like such a simple thing. So silly we need to be taught. Just like inspiration we think it should come naturally. But, it doesn't always work that way. Learning how to breathe has not only increased my energy, but also allows me to think clearer and follow through on projects.
Great post, Derek! Thanks for taking a break from all that coding to give us all a little inspiration!

Yes. Energy seems to come from a balance of breathing in and out, and learning or being stimulated and producing. Let's use our inspiration.

Thank you very much. I agree.The etymology of "inspiration" is perfect. "Breathing in" the world and letting yourself be touched by it. In this state of being, this "breath"acts like air igniting a flame.Yet inspiration is only, as you well put it, part of the equation ( two sides of the same coin). In order for there to be "flow" there needs to be "room" ( in your lungs or in yourself) to continue being inspired and that is only achieved when you exhale (in other words create,work, manifest, produce). Inspiration ignites passion and creativity and just like a burning flame it will extinguish if you don't go through the whole cycle. xapientia.wordpress.com

thanks Derek, off to work!

While I would agree with the statement that "constantly seeking inspiration is anti-inspiring", I'm not sure I agree with "The inspiration is not the receiving of information. The inspiration is applying what you’ve received. "

For me, inspiration is a spark, like the ignition of a car. I won't be able to drive if the engine doesn't turn over. It's the same for me re: creativity. Inspiration is a spark to my intuition that impels me to start moving creatively.

The Tai' Chi Gung Lamas of Tibet might add, that another way of saying the same thing is "all energy seeks it's completion." They sometimes call this "completing the figure eight". An idea put into action is important because it completes the cycle of creation.

It might also be helpful to understand the importance of acceptance. Putting creativity out into the universe is the first half of a larger figure eight. Accepting the reward or benefit, whether financial or in terms of sincere gratitude is the completion of that larger creative cycle. If you believe inside that you don't deserve to be compensated or rewarded for your creative work, you might wonder why all your effort yields little to no results.

Oh... it helps to be detached from the whole thing... really speeds it up. And it really helps to be detached from how fast it all happens. lol I heard about a guy who put a $5 video up for sale on his website... he made $1,000,000 in 10 days. You know what he said? Come to my show, laugh if you want... or don't... I don't care. Interesting, if you think about it. (Oh, by the way... he's been working at his craft for 28 years.)

I don't usually look at blogs and such, but Derek Sivers is very special and I do look forward to hearing what he has to say. Thank you for being there--very inspiring :-)

Great thoughts. I think I have had this issue to some degree. I need to start applying more and stop simply waiting for the perfect idea to kick me in the shins.

AMEN, Derek! People definitely forget the "breathe out" part a LOT. Thank you for the reminder and the wisdom that you are so generous with!

Someone said something like 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. Most of the best work ever done in any art form were actually commanded...yes of course inspiration is important but it's what you end-up doing with it that count!
I know that for me - and I know it's true for many of my friends - many ideas for grooves and melodies come to me without trying when i am strolling on my bike or taking long walks with my dog. I suppose my brain is well oxygenated and in a kind of meditational state where you need to be aware of everything around you but without having to focus specifically on anything.
My problem was to remember those ideas until I discovered the voice recorder on my phone...
Great subject as usual Derek. Keep them coming you are a huge source of inspiration for me an many others!
Peace!
Jacques

Ah, so that's what the old saw about 99% perspiration meant :)

In my view: the people who ship are true artists. The people who don't are dilettantes looking for a perfection that will never come.

Totally. Affluence actually means flow. Same deal with creativity. Needs to flow around our brains, not just to it...

Thanks for that Derek

Allow me to exhale: Thank you, Derek.

Reality can be tough, uninspiring and be an unproductive drain. A short, inspired post can be a reminder of the rush of being inspired. In a matter of minutes after reading this I sat up straighter, had a clearer thought process and, well, feel much more inspired.

I tend to just peruse prose written by the millions of "experts" out there - not that I appreciate their collective efforts but...

anyway, thanks Derek - hope you are well brother!

Breathing in, absolutely! However, I've always associated inspiration with the human heart. I remember reading something Carlos Santana once said, "The first and foremost purpose of music is to inspire the human heart." I interpret that as filling human hearts with divine breath, call it love. That is, we don't just breath in air, we also breath in unbearable compassion to the extent that we are open to it. And correspondingly, our aspirations, what we seek to achieve and the products of our work will reflect the divinity with which we are inspired.

Inspiration and motivation, for me, are very close in a practical sense.

I believe that silence is where a lot of inspiration flows. Often the noise in our heads prevents the flow of either the in or the out or both.

I agree. Very well said.

always well worth the few minutes to read your words derek. how simple - how true. -- recently took a road trip to santa fe and listened to a tony hillerman book - detective stories placed in nw new mexico. somewhere in there a character said, "that's the difference between the pueblo peoples, the jewish, the christians, you name it and the navaho. if there is a draught, all the above will pray for rain, while the navaho's wil pray for strength to accept and deal with what is presented to them - a draught." paraphrased but it really resonated with me. back to work - constantly looking for inspiration and how and where to apply it. Thanks Derek!

I think you caught me with this at just the right time! I'm inspired to not be inspired for a little while (if that makes any sense at all) and breathe out. Thanks Derek!

Derek, yes, yes yes! Inspiration is there with every breath, but the tricky part is how one applies it. I started asking the question and filming the responses to "What's Your Inspiration?" to commuters who stop and talk to me while I perform in the subway. Why? Because I am fascinated by the people who allow the time to stop. Without knowing it, they are taking the first step as you say to pause, and yes that's where inspiration resides. My desire is someone's spontaneous response to my question will actually encourage them to spend more time to think about what truly inspires them.

You have always been an inspiration because you encourage us all to me mindful, not thoughtless.
all the best, Cathy aka NYCSubwayGirl

Thanks Derek!
Your posts are always inspiring, as are the responses. I actually look at those as much as possible to gain insight & view other facets of these jewels of wisdom.
I also look thru to find friends to make sure they haven't died or something.
:)
'Cuz waking up every morning is more inspiring than the alternative.

Derek -
My takeaway: If you only breathe in and never out you suffocate. Imagine trying to do anything (working out, relaxing, speaking) while only breathing in. Sooner or later you will pass out. Getting the inspiration and holding it will be suffocating.

Once again thanks for a profound post.

Right on Derek!

Right on! And when it happens,,,it's like magic!

So true. We're inspired when something flies us where we want to go. Or shows us that elusive destination we've benn wandering around trying to reach. Or... it's great. The possibilities are limitless. A happy post.

Very true, Derek. I stumbled across the same information preparing the "Creativity Practicum" for our songwriting conference last year. Going along with your inspiration - breathe in - breathe out - balancing, is the notion of "Logos" - creating with the power of the word. The concept is prevalent in tons of world religions, so philosophers called it "ex nihlo" - out of nothing. Hmm... say ex nihlo and see what it sounds like. Exhale? Here's a link to the companion article on our site: http://songwritingandmusicbusiness.com/articles/history_of_creativity/

You are sooo right :)
In my genre, which is full of preservationists and historians--musicians are often pushed to copy by rote and are criticized for breathing the music in and exhaling it through the creativity and soul of the musician.
But I try to ignore them, because stagnant music is dead music & music that has been altered by time and place and individual is living music :)
Best wishes always,
Mary Z Cox

Yes.

Although there is a different way than passively absorbing TED, etc.

I am fortunate to have a lifetime pass to the Museum of Modern Art. That means I can come and go whenever I want, at odd moments, for however long or short, no charge.

I like to just sit with an artwork and free-write for 60-90 minutes...it's interactive, me and Monet, me and Klee, whomever... It might be a journal-entry, or a prose-poem, or fragments that might turn into a song. The energy comes and goes, and then says goodbye.

But it's definitely breathing OUT...dancing with the stimulus.

As a musician as well as an artist, I know this to be true! It's when you start applying what gave you the idea that you give it a chance to grow and inspire you more. The breathe in and out is a great motto for creativity as well as life.

Derek, Love this! Breathe out= apply your inspiration. I once heard a great story about a gentleman attending his yearly mastermind group conference. A group he paid tens of thousands to be a part of. Within the first 15 minutes, he was inspired to make a big change in his business. Did he sit through the rest of the conference? Nope. He jumped up with excitement, kindly excused himself and implemented his new plan. The new direction eventually positioned him at the top of his industry.

Wow, another fantastic blog Derek! Thanks for reminding us to exhale more often! I really probably only exhale each time I finally complete a new song in the recording studio or when my happy customer's have received their custom imprinted promotional products. Thanks Derek, I can apply the message in this blog daily! ;)

Thanks!

We all want to be inspired....with wisdom...knowledge...and understanding.

This is from the spiritual side...JAMES 1:5...If any of you lack wisdom, let him first ask
of GOD, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him

ECCLESIATES 7:25...I applied my heart to know, and to search, and seek out wisdom,
and the reason of things, to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and
madness

PROVERBS Chapter 18 (take some time to know, to search, seek out GOD)

Inspiration comes desires (let your desires be TO Know of GOD)

PSALM 37:4...Take delight in the Lord, and he will give (grant) you the desires of your
heart.

Inspiration also means to breathe in? A new concept to me, and one I rather dig. Thanks for the post. Timely.

O! so appropriate for this time in my life, Derek. Thank you for this reminder. As I read this, a molting male cardinal landed outside my window looking really ragged. The sight of him also reminded me that letting go is part of growth and progress. We have to exhale/let go to make room for the new, lustrous feathers.

Derek,
An inspiring article, thank you.

I made a point of looking at all the comments about your article. Then I clicked each link on the comment-writer's names... to be read later today.

It struck me how collectively inspired... and inspiring, we ALL are together. Musicians and artists are lucky because we generally know this truth... humans are both inspired and inspiring, and this is the foundation of life !

I'm looking forward to checking out all these links later today : )

best,
Caelen

I was going to write something, but, thank goodness, deleted before sending :) Ultimately, it was just bla, bla, bla. I'll say this instead: Your journey, right now, is a perfect expression of life.

Thank you, Derek! I seek inspiration in books and blogs (like yours.) I find ideas to enrich my own writing and teaching. However, I think I'm looking for that "great idea" to really put my company on fast-track growth and yet perhaps business expansion is all about plodding and growing steadily, one customer at a time.

I appreciate the food for thought,
Laura

JUst some good ass readin there ...
LOve It!!!

Excellent- You are right on- Often we wait til something is 'perfect' or have to get opinions from others first before we'll send it 'out'. But the truth is. we are never perfect. So send it out there anyway, and move to the next- I love it- Breathe in- Breathe out!

thanks!

Hi,
Thanks, you're right -

Best wishes

Westby

Thanks for the post. It makes good sense to use inspiration in your job, life, etc.

today has been a creatively fulfilling day.
i'll have to think about this later.


:p

Great Derek, Thanks for sharing... I always seek inspiration and wonder why m not inspired... I share my thoughts with my uncle and used to share that no point keep reading without applying... however his thoughts are reading good stuff keep your mind in positive thoughts... Got the answer today for my question... Thanks for your kind efforts... now next questions are coming in mind... where to apply... how to apply... when to apply... do not have apatite to take wrong decisions... as have to run the show for me and my family... there is a fear inside what if this goes in wrong way and I turn out to loose what I have currently.

Hi Derek,

A pleasure being inspired by you, as always.

Your insight is inspirational and almost 'nirvanic.' Our society is bent on feeding, sucking, leaching and being addicted to engrossing ourselves into Professional sources that apparently inspire us. In doing so, we become ultra-dependent on utilizing these sources to constantly feed us more information.

All this information overload and different opinions from different "Experts," inundates us with more un-certainty and the NEED to 'IN-hale' more and be more 'IN-spired.'

In other words, all of these IN-puts, drown us deep in an ocean with each droplet being an additional information that overwhelms and confuses us.

In our instinct to breather and survive, we hold our breath, afraid to 'EX-hale' and let creativity and innovation inspire us through our own work and doing.

As you so wisely emphasize; JUST DO IT!

..............I must admit that I had envisioned my reply to your article in my mind and did not see a need to put my thoughts into typed words or comments. I finally did it and am glad to share my thoughts with you and your fellow admirers.

Good luck to all and long live EX-HALATION, unless you have bad breath of course, in which case, EX-haling through your nose might suffice and free you from the duress of self-imposed, psychological imprisonment.

Best regards to all,
Steven Fallz

Great reminder Derek. At times I feel like I've got too many things going on. I need to just pick a project, doesn't really matter which, and get it done. I call it cleaning the attic. My brain gets to cluttered and needs a good airing out.

Hi Derek,
Personally, I am never lacking inspiration. I'm one of those people that think that life is short and there are not enough hours in a day to do all the fun things there are to do. I'm in total agreement that the work fuels the imagination, inspiration..whatever you want to call that driving force, and just by diving in, ideas abound.
Thanks for the great, thought provoking articles.
John

Thank you Derek !
Love your generosity and sharing. By participating in the game of life without the fear of looking bad or good you get to be a part of it on so many levels. If we think back on does moments in when we step into a new challenge without knowing the outcome, like learning to ride a bicycle for the first time. Getting the (talks) instructions from how ever let you go for the first time and in an instance you get balance that stays with you for the rest of life. For myself and my life, I would be dead if I did not try new thing and having the hunger to learn and play with new things

Kent

Thanks agains for sharing your thoughts, I never fail to appreciate your gift! Yes, that's what it is, a gift of your time and your thoughts. They are inspiring.

Bobby Lee

But wait! I'm waiting for output perfection!

As Thomas Edison said, "Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration." A related quote I've always liked: "The harder I work, the luckier I get!"

Derek, your wisdom is never ending...I am inspired constantly by conversations with friends and people I meet. I am overwhelmed with creative feelings and instincts...by one special phrase or thought...keep up the fine inspiration you inspire...respectfully yours, Sam Stray

Derek
Thanks for another reminder, balance in all things.

This is wonderful, Derek. Thank you!

May I have your permission to share this article on my blog?

~Sandy
Thanks. And yes, always. Anything on my blog is free to take, copy, re-post, alter, or anything else. It's all yours. — Derek

So true...
Inspiration should not be confused with Procrastination

Oh, you are so good Derek. I smell a great, inspiring sermon in this one. Can you imagine what life would be like if we would all breathe in the inspiring Word of God and breath it out by actually applying it to our lives. I find that idea to be truly inspiring!!
Thank you and blessings, ~ Pastor Lynn

Very good point as usual Derek.

Consider this:
0|-----------------------------|100

In this case, "100" is the total effort required to successfully complete any communication event. This of course includes converting a stranger to a friend, or a cold prospect to a regular customer.

Putting minimal effort into communications (merely grunting during a business meeting, say, or sending the same email to thousands of strangers) means I've only bothered to complete one percent of the effort required to get agreement or close a sale. I expect the other person at the meeting or reading my email to do the other 99%. This expectation puts the chances of my getting what I want somewhere between absurd and infinitesimal. Nobody's going to work that hard to help me achieve success.

Constantly "breathing in" is like completely a tiny percent of the effort required to succeed. We learn a little information and sit back, expecting somebody to appreciate my minimal effort so viscerally, they'll drop everything and give me what I'm after. Ain't gonna happen, folks.

Unfortunately, "breathing out" requires careful thought, showing sincere interest in others, and taking systematic long-term action. Three things that seem to be evaporating before our eyes.

Keep breathing in and you'll eventually pass out, requiring the services of a doctor, marketing guru, snake oil salesman etc. Expensive service providers who'll only throw a little bottled tonic in our faces before they move on to the next sucker.

A very wise man once taught us how to start a movement. In three minutes. No doubt some other shirtless concert-goer was just outside the video frame, passed out on the grass and hoping that his or her prostrate form would attract followers.

ahhh I find myself forgetting to breath out all to often!

Great observation! As a jazz trumpet player, my work is to master the instrument and the music. I find inspiration daily when I begin my warmup. It comes from my sound and from the excerises. The routine is pretty and leads to new ideas as I work, or as I like to call it; "Play." If the ideas are fresh and interesting, I record or jot them on manuscript paper. I've accumilated plenty of motifs from which I draw on as I improvise during performance. These motifs are evolving and becoming more sophisticated as the creative process changes.

I don't think anyone knows how inspiration works. In my own personal experience it is something absolutely spiritual. If you are fortunate enough to recieve the gift of inspiration that you want to apply dearly to your work but you are not sure if you have the power to proceed, If you are fortunate, when inspiration comes the timing and the event is so perfect that you feel it is a special event where the inspired thing carries the answer to what you want to do. The event is so perfectly timed that you intiutively know you have recieved your answer and you will never forget the event.

Love it and think that you can sense your passion and dedication to motivate people by your truly inspirational words to the real entrepreneurs of our time.

Anyone can sit and judge but few can act and have the courage to DO. You see Doing means risking and risking means to allow yourself to fail. Failure means coming to terms with the fact that what you think you can do you can't and that takes courage and courage does not exist with those who sit and just judge rather then DO!

This is true...the more one actually works...the more inspiration comes and thoughts just flow and then when it is applied it continues on to the next thought and more ideas. This article is so deep and insightful itself. Thank you!!!

Some of us artists are hyperventilating over here, desperately needing to exhale. Loving this.

Yep, I can relate to this. I recently had tendinitis in my wrist that got so bad I had to wear a brace at night when I slept. As a massage therapist, this was a serious problem. Eventually, the pain forced me to stop working to allow time for healing. During this time I was wondering if I would have to change careers. Opening myself to inspiration and guidance, I found that I could learn a technique called Ashiatsu that involves massaging with my feet. I pursued this and am using it to save my career. So... I am definitely putting the inspiration into action. My next task is to update my website and brochures with the new info., which I am happy to do. Every challenge is an opportunity.

I'm a super word geek and have always liked the somewhat unrelated meanings of 'inspire'. These days I guess I've been doing a lot of holding my breath, and trying not to blow it on whatever my next thing is...

Yes I agree, there is no action without a reaction. The first steps are the most difficult and with each step new experiences are learned allowing future steps easier to tread. So take the initial step you may just surprise yourself.

Inspiring as usual. I found when I started a business from inside my university print room I attracted funding and creativity. People sent me money, wrote my website and promoted me. I was one of the first to use
Google Adwords in my car wash. It was exactly what you prescribed. Now, I am an employee and not running my own business so all the inspiration filters through my hands. I am waiting for the next irresistible itch to launch and then I know all the inspiration will be glued down and turned in to profit!

“You have to pause the input, and focus on your output.”

Brilliant analogy. Do I feel a constant need for inspiration because I am not currently pursuing what inspires me?

Nice, short and to the point! Good insight; the hard task is to know when to stop being inspired and roll up your sleeves and get down to the business of creation.

What you've said above is so true & action itself is absolutely essential if one is to realise their inspiration.
Alas, I'm good at procrastinating! But I'm working more on doing now, rather than being a gunno do this, shudda done that, sort of person.
All the best,
Wendy
P.S. I used to have a little website when I had a Bed & Breakfast accommodation cottage on my farm, but it's closed down now, & I shut down my website for it, soon afterwards.
I'd like to design an app or a website for an idea that I have, though. Any suggestions for finding material or classes for learning how to do either of those things?
Yep! See my article about that: sive.rs/prog. — Derek

This article left me sitting back and smiling into space. Thank you Derek Sivers. With your thoughts on finding inspiration, you have forged a golden tool to assist us in our works. Thank you.

Reminds me of a phrase I used to hear a lot when I was growing up: "Impression without Expression leads to Depression."

I love it Derek... Oh sooo true... I've got to give away my creative energy & inspiration to keep getting replenished!

Sincerely,

Grateful Ed aka MrNDVERSE (Retired):-0~

I agree. After a dormant period of breathing in- I am ready to breath out. Thank you!

So true, so true. I see people become paralyzed by too much input.

Well said! I agree that inspiration is the motivation to do your own art, to follow your own vision.

Hope you don't mind the scripture reference Derek...

"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests."
- Proverbs 14:4 NIV

= Ya gotta plow the fields :)

Great article. I also remember great book Goal-free living from Shapiro, which speaks about inspiration (and necessity of action etc) in very similar ways. This book is also good inspiration...

Great Derek!
Life is... inspiration, to breath in...
Thanks, keep it going...

Thanks for this article, Derek.

Later this morning I'll be running a workshop. I'm going to feel extra inspired doing it, because you've helped me realize that I'll be applying what I've learned, and, today, breathing out!

I work hard first to get good ideas and when one of them starts to sparkle, it's then I get inspired to go on and hopefully turn it into a good song.

This was really a great one, love your articles and this one inspired me. Thanks!

As a respiratory therapist, I love the analogy. I've noticed that when some of my students are tackling a difficult psychomotor task they hold their breath or begin to breath shallow. That's my cue to remind them to breath.

so true !! seeking only input is a singn of depression ...all input puts finally down if it does not come to world to light !! Thanks, Derek

Wonderful. I agree and have noticed that the more I write the more I am inspired to write.

Agree totally. I call it inspration Vs transformation. I'd love to hear your ideas on how to inspire transformation.

Derek Sivers is "Inspiriation" & 'Super Muse' for millions of musicians! CDBaby which he founded, pays millions to independent artists around the globe..

How true - How true
Read, listen, etc. - but go out and apply - apply - apply.
For sure if you do not do it for you, know one else will do it for you. The best one to depend on is yourself. Same as prayer, you can pray till you are blue in the face - BUT if you do not take at least 50% of the action, nothing will take place. Blessings to you always and once again I am so thankful and honored for you to take time to share with us all. TerryLee

sounds very "slotish"!

"...act&think&act&think&act&think... &relax"

Derek that was awesome advice very similar to the insights given at http://TheSimplistLife.com I definitely needed to hear this because I have been learning and studying a lot but not actually creating. Thanks again!

Derek, thanks for sharing this point of view (as well as the link!) :-)

I appreciate your observation of Nature and people. The subtle breathing out - the application is definitely needed to complete the cycle and in fact makes room for more inspiration to be taken in!

Splendid!!

Breathing in and out...

Great Article Derek....!!........Its high time we are looking for and gathering inspirations.......now its the time to paint the canvass of our life with our creativity......:)

Didn't someone once say (write) that inspiration is 95% perspiration. People who expect ideas to arrive by osmosis are always going to be disappointed.

I agree, you can only take in so much information and at some point you'll have to exhale. Your information given will inspire and you'll be inspired by others, if you'll apply what you've learned. I believe that inspiration is spiritual, and the idea that jumps out at you from the ether is a spiritual connection to the infinite mind of the universe, or God if you will. Connecting to Mind of God will give you inspiration. The great ideas and inventions that have change the world for the better have come from the infinite mind of God, there is no greater source of inspiration than connecting to the greatest intelligence in the universe.

Love the hand! //I'm starting another, more industrial looking, Skateboard Series (Check out the first series at NickyShane/Facebook - line page). It's taking all my discipline on this one to sit down at the table and get started. (Besides that, my new manager is not following through on the dozen things I need help with and I'm losing patients... I'm computer illiterate) Scribble, scribble (baby steps) more coffee...nuts, bolts, pipes, machinery...My favorite word "Verisimilitude"...I'm going to Petes coffee to work on my stand-up material.

Derek I was inspired yesterday when I met the Governor of Washington because of the LifeCenter Northwest organization, which facilitates the organ donor program. Asked to stand in for the family of my friend who passed away two years ago and whose liver saved a youth Pastor's life - served to inspire me. I will do whatever I can now to make more musicians and artists aware of this program and the rising need - to give life. Here's the link to the news story if you have a minute : http://ow.ly/k7JEo Bruce Maier

I need to breathe out more

Gurdjieff used to say that there is the work for oneself, the work for the community, and the work for THE WORK itself. The Fourth Way incorporates all three. ... Buddhists might think of it as the three paths to spiritual liberation: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. ... Work is The Way. ... The only way to keep moving is to keep on moving. ... Blood, water, and money must constantly FLOW to stay healthy. ... Thank you, Derek !! : )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Way

My immediate response to this is I disagree. Art is the action/product of solving a problem or filling the void for another. If all our problem are within us, they don't resonate widely unless the problem is universal. Nearly all my inspiration comes as a response to misinformation that ultimately helps or inspires others.

Ultimately it makes sense to ditch the sardine can mentality and find your own path.

This is only for the sake of discussion, and not a total diss on what you have to say. I'm not a yes person, by any stretch. You always have my respect.

Thank you. I needed this.

You nailed it! Again. Short and sweet. Take it in and go for it! Derek, you have inspired me repeatedly and often with this admonition ~to put consciousness to work. No longer am I afraid to jump in with my thoughts and dreams. Thank you for another one of your inspired calls to action!

It's a strange thing that collecting and curating things makes us feel like we are creating things as well. The difficulty is identifying that and actually doing something about it. Then again, I'm willing to guess we all think we know what we are doing and of course, this insightful piece doesn't directly apply to us.

Hello Derek,
I'm very much agree with you on the idea of "Inspiration". In fact, when I compose. I do think thoughly and make plan. But without that magic( "word") come to me, I probably will write something that people only listen once. "Inspiration" to me is a very positive attitude and drive to creat an art work. I mean "anything" that is created in it's best possible form become an art piece. A great boat, a nice building, a cool painting, and a beautiful garden...... etc. "Inspiration" is an idea full of life which jumping start the process, and a subsequent master work is the best display and reflection of that "Inspiration". Thanks for sharing this wonderful ideas! Keep in touch!

Best,
Gong Qian Yang

my attention directed to you via Jeff Karr who thought your views, insights might be of interest.
Concur with your take on inspiration and have similar on motivation...i.e., motivating others or self (not) defining what your motivation is (yes).....and the inigma of the Knowing - Doing Gap.
First pass.....look forward to more.
Best.
Frank

I can very humbly say that I am guilty of this. I read as many articles as possible, and am always trying to learn new tricks and tips to reach more people with my band's music. Some days I feel overwhelmed by the amount of 'input' I take in, that it discourages any 'output'.

Coincidently in the past 3 weeks or so, I have put forth an extra effort to start tackling some of my ongoing projects including finishing partially written songs, recording home demo's for my band and support team, and starting to apply myself more to connecting with people through social media outlets. And just like this article mentions, it's kick-started all kinds of inspiration! It's like a chain reaction or ripple effect. The more I apply myself to my list of things-to-do, the more motivated I am to continue doing them. I definitely feel like I can take on more projects with confidence now, and have started to strategically build a new plan for the direction of my band.

As someone who grew up being very involved in sports and athletics, I learned a lot about working with people as a team as well as digging deep within ones self to put forth your best effort and rise to the occasion. I am a competitive person by nature and look forward to a challenge. I always find myself looking back to the years I spent working with great coaches who really helped me build the foundation and principles that I've grown up on. Sometimes I get a little off track on my road through life, but I've recently found that reading your articles has triggered something and helped inspire me to regain my focus.

Dear Derek,

Glad we are on the planet at the same time. Sincerely, Martin

Guilty as charged. This never even crossed my mind, so thanks for pointing it out!

Absolutely true, and a wonderful reminder. Thanks!

Derek; great article;
Inspiration comes in many forms, by many methods and at anytime. You just need to recognize it and not look for it, otherwise it will become anti-inspiration.

Case in point: I had an conference earlier this week in Deadwood, SD - the Black hills and Mount Rushmore.
I wanted to write a song about it, because in the past, I remember it to be a beautiful and very inspirational to me. So, I attemped to compose from memory my feelings - to get to the point - it did not work.
When I arrived , just seeing the Black Hills, smelling the air and feeling the beauty touched me in a such way, that later that evening, I managed to write a song and perform the song at our dinner. Though, the song is still a work in progress, the connection was made and it was a moving experience for me. Therefore,the external emotions must work in conjuction with the internal emotions. As in any Art form, you can not force something to happen.

Songwriters that I have read about, usually put their work aside and then wait, it finally comes together, at a later date.

The Breathe in - Breathe out factor, Derek does work. Thanks

Good writing guys
Vic

breathing. breathing. breathing.

( :) )

Short, straight, to the point and still as profound as ever :)
I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading this.
Big luvs & hugs Derek

Great perspective as usual my friend. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This relates back to what you said about a good idea only being worth $20 unless worked through to completion.
I confess to being an ideas person. I love inspiration. Some ideas lead to a finished product and some do not. I'm working on a cool little guitar app for iPhone. That's been fun. Thank you for inspiring me to learn about what goes on behind the computer's mask!

peace2u

Derek,

If I would walk away with anything from this would be I hung on to this line.

You have to pause the input, and focus on your output.
It's now the time to put out what you have taken in.

So that others can benefit from what you know and can share with them.

Thanks,
For a well thought out piece of writing

You are so right! The last year I have been reading about collaborative consumption and the sharing economy. I get so inspired, that I could jump and touch the sky. However every time I come back to reality it fades just as soon as it came. I realise the next thing to do, is to put my ideas into action. Thanks for your post, giving me the extra support I need!

While breathing , be like a child before being socialized you breathed from your belly button up & out - in & down.....deeply , in the moment with wonder & curiousity = Inspiration !!!

My inspiration is usually not unsolicited, unexpected suddenly appeared in my brain, I don't know why.

Very true! Don't read about it, DO IT!!! Very...inspiring.

I couldn't agree more with your thoughts! All the helpful advice and suggestions we receive are only helpful when we implement them.

Thanks for sharing :0)

dont be tricked the word inspiration is just a word NOW GET IN spy erd but stop trying so hard plz for yourself
Rooster? — Derek

As you mentioned, this is so true in any field. A teacher going to an instructional workshop might feel inspired at the point of reception, but it does no good if there is no application of what was absorbed! Just the opposite, sometimes we do not give ourselves adequate time to take in a variety of mediums to get inspired. I think we need inspiration, to encourage application..........and hopefully that will be the recipe for motivation! I fall short in all three categories many times! Don't judge! :)

I agree, thanks for inspiration ;-)

Now, back to work

Rooster?
Toaster? ☺ — Derek

I fully agree. One inspiring word, thought, event can be like injecting your life with pure light and energy and give you the courage to go in a completely different direction. It's forward momentum that brings real change and mental stability. I have found for me the only thing that puts the past where it belongs is to move forward and follow all your peronal passions.

It's all about priorities. If we are being entertained and letting the experience live only in our memory rather than inspired and seeing it in our work then that's our own lazy fault.

Very lovely - and to the point enough to get someone out of a rut :)
It reminds us that in the end any inspiration will lead to a new form of action... otherwise it has no life of its own, just a magazine clipping or TED talk.
It also reminds more to the point that, we can do things of our own that are inspiring.

thanks

Brilliant!

To live is to breathe. To fear is to breathe in. To create is to breathe out.

If it smells bad than go get some mouthwash and breathe out again J

How true is that and I thought I'm the only one who think overview perspective is necessary. Sometimes you keep working without looking at your destination and you lose your way. That's why every week I take out a day from my work and try to look at my work from a different perspective and figure out what I should do in the long run.

You pointed it out perfectly, exhaling is equally important.

100 % true. I am also a guy who keep searching for inspiration in day to day life activity. But inpiration is applying the things what you know to achieve good results in day to day life

Self awareness

Derek you are so correct about being inspired. Meaning having the idea and being inspired enough to really do something about it. Like you said many years ago. One should have experienced through commitment the satisfaction of success being inspired enough to accomplish all of ones goals. You said in that blog, one should slide into their grave using only the time needed to make it there. You said we spend so much unnecessary time on things we really don’t need such as 8 hours of sleep instead of 4 or 5 hours when we can be using that extra time to accomplish are goals. That was a great blog you wrote several years ago. Derek i know this is why you have been so successful throughout your life. Although I probably could never be as proactive as yourself, you have always certainly inspired me to pick up the pace to reach my goals. Thanks for the inspiration and guidance that you continually provide to us all and if one follows your advice to the fullest, I know that it increases their chances to become truly successful.


Flow Master Hip Hop

Oh Derek! You must re-post that blog again (use of your time). That was a great blog. Take care man

Love this. I spend so much time trying to learn the next great thing that I miss the current great thing. Time to exhale.

Dude:
Tremendous!
Thank you.
Have the BEST day of your life!
actually...........KEEP having the BEST day of your life!
JT

So, maybe it's in the language. Inspiration may be application, but the charge/spark has to light the fuse.

And the really sad thing is that art schools *require* students to look elsewhere for inspiration. It's the first step in a project: go look and meticulously document that looking in a visual diary. They required us to prove that we got our ideas from somewhere more reliable than ourselves, our experiments and our own work. (I gave two art schools two years each and did well according to *their* measure. I bailed out of both without qualification because it wasn't worth it by mine.)

This article has inspired me. I bet a lot of people have said that! Now I'm going to put it to work for me in my work. Thank you.

I will also be thanking my friend who introduced me to your blog.

agree, it's very much like breathing in and out: being innovative is a mixture of going ahead and laying back. In methods like Design Thinking, this flip-flopping is captured in a systematic way.

However, for highly innovative things one must mix it the right way, just on a day to day basis, personally depending on the mood you're in etc.

So long
|=

Derek, you have inspired me to action! I really need the gumption to apply all the articles, books, webpages, business models I read and save. Thank you very much.

I don't believe in writer's block... writer's avoidance, writer's laziness, writer's self-doubt, sure, but not writer's block. But in order to write (books or music or whatever), we have to actually pick up a guitar or pen or tablet and start playing, writing, typing. And there comes the inspiration... Not perfectly realized, usually, but it'll come. God will guide our direction, but we must first move our feet.

As time is limited , we as artistes must create as much as we can . Take risks, dont be afraid to exhale in all kinds of ways . We must not end up as sponges so full we cannot move in any direction !

Absolutely right. It is like learning new vocabulary words in a second or third language. You can study, but then you need to put them to use to make them your own. The trick is integrating the ideas (inspirations) into your work. Some don't work for you or the current project, but you have to work with them to learn their range and depth. That way they become available to you when they are appropriate.

Otherwise it is just a somewhat pointless search for new stimulants.

Well said! You must chase the inspiration within grasshopper! work....breathe...work...breathe...

Thank you for reminding me of my own well of unlimited inspiration lies within me. Not as a recluse--but to include myself in the equation.

I can testify to the breathing exercise--my clarity/motivation/inspiration always always come when I stop 'spinning' (like a plate on a stick) and take a moment or two to breathe! Appreciating your words, have a pleasant day.

yes breath in AND breath out....I fine myself guilty of this sometimes, taking in a lot, but the output, ah the output.
thanks for the reminder and as always thank you for sharing.

Inspiration sucks (literally) :-)

But don’t forget to breathe out. - that says it all!

We (The Agency...) have a single launch gig in Newcastle-upon-Tyne tonight, and reading this article has bumped up my enthusiasm from "oh no, here comes a day of stress and chaos" to "hurray! time to exhale!!!"

lotsa love
Andy

Great write-up! Brilliant contents, as always! : )

It's the journey that matters not the destination.

Solid article Derek! If you're truly passionate about something, it's important to give back or "breath out" in a way that you're motivated to do so. All smiles!

Beautiful - I have unsuccessfully tried to explain this to my partner for a while now and here are some words I think he might finally hear......

Thank you - you are indeed an awesome dude!

well, I think it's a matter of self-confidence, too.
I mean, sometimes you need to produce something by your own hands, to make something like a step out of it, and prove you're not wasting your time, and get some more new information.
it's the reason I disconnect from internet when I want to write something i.e. my article.
True, Derek!

I am a musician, and I have been feeling uninspired lately and have been looking for inspiration. This post put things into perspective a little bit for me. It's kind of like perusing happiness, it's harder to find if you are looking for it. Thanks!

It's funny how the inspirational juices actually start flowing once you show faith by doing the work.

This is a great post. I have found that the best way to find inspiration in life is through the core values for inspired living: opportunity, prosperity, respect, attitude, and happiness.

Loving the blog Derek. Totally agree, if something makes me happy I continue doing it. If it doesn't I need to make a change.

absolutely
couldn't agree more
when inspiration is not met by aspiration , there could be internal pressures building up !!

Hi Derek,

Always great to hear your thoughts.

Input, input, input (inspiration)... has its time.

Perculation, assimilation, synthesis, feeling it... being inspired by the input of new ideas, images and sounds goes into a period of gestation, reflective time

- then leads to output, output, output (exhalation) has its time

Not necessarily to be a commercial success (which is a good thing) as the only motivation, but merely to feel a deep need to express that song, melody, dance movement, poem, essay, painting, sketch, any form of creative manifestation - is the gift in all of this.

To bring what is around us in all forms, in and through our own unique way of seeing, knowing, being and sharing is the wonder of it all. Is the gift we bring to the world.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose..."

I have read and saved most of your articles, (actually, every one that I read), I've found that your writings bond especially well with the way I think. I'm thoroughly impressed at the way you breakdown things to such a simplistic sense when everyone else just make into a ball of confusion. I come up with ideas all the time, but without capital I have no idea how to get a prototype made. Off that subject I've seen many of the movies on eberts list and I agree with most, but here are a few you should see that are very very good. I am Sam, Something that the lord made, The Other Sister, Pay it Forward, Seven Pounds, The Skeleton Key, Don't say a Word, Erin Brockovich, The Fighter, and The Hurricane to name a few.

Completely Agree! I was spending far too much time trying to inspire myself to come up with new ideas for my company, when I stopped searching and focused on what I was already doing I actually came up with some great ideas!

Yes, so true! One must breathe out as well. As in yoga. Discipline is key.

J.

For me, inspiration and application are almost simultaneous since my method is meditation followed by improvisation. From their union inspiration is born. I don't do much scouring of the world. Breathing out doesn't happen until the music is shared. No breathing out without first breathing in. No breathing in without first breathing out.

These are the words of a true sage, and were exactly what I needed to remember today.

A coined message! It inspires because it put the thoughts into action!
Thanks Derek

Hi Derek, great Input, but why are there no sharing buttons all over your site? I wanna spread the word! :-) thx!

This is good Derek. And liek all good things in life- simple.

I appreciate your thoughts on inspiration. Inspiration is an action. Thank you for stirring my creative juices.

Thank you, it's a great inspiration ^^

Maybe a little less breathing and a little more self acceptance for what I have accomplished in life would be a good idea.

I should be inspired by me.

thanks for helping me see this

sw

Been busy. Just found this. Glad. How true this. Thanx.

I think it is the first time that I actually understand something about me and work.

Thank you for writing this!

Great and very interesting information. I personally consumed so much inspiration (breath in) but failed to apply them to my daily work activity (breath out).

Wow. It's all in the application. I have heard that many times but not like this. Cheers.

Really it's a great info for me,
thanks for give me a true mean of inspiration

please write some thing about how is we can make ourself creator

Thanks sir,

I like the inspiration share, it has put me alot of incouragement and am so inspired. Thank alot for the inspiration share.

Francis.
Regards.

Thanks Derek, no nonsense straight-up advice. I’m going to take this on board and apply it by applying what I already know and have learnt first before ’breathing in’ more and more. Cheers Will.

Thanks, Derek.