Why I don't worry about running out of ideas.... ever!

 

One of the questions that people ask me the most is something along the lines of "How do you keep coming up with new ideas?" This question always catches me off guard because running out of ideas isn't really something I think about. I recently wrote a post about staying inspired, but the topic of developing ideas is something else entirely, and something I'd love to chat with you about. 

 

In the beginning I remember the fear of "using up" my best ideas. I was under the impression that maybe I should save my better ideas for the future. Over the years I've learned that creativity is a learned skill, not a lucky break. The more good ideas that I come up with and execute the more I can imagine. Coming up with good, usable ideas is definitely something that you can practice at and improve. Isn't that cool? 

Here's a little bit about my creative process, when it comes to brainstorming new ideas...

Every day I sketch out and list ideas in my journal. Some ideas are good/usable and sometimes even great. Some ideas are weak, but have potential if I spend more time developing them. Some ideas are horrible. Really, really bad ideas. I don't love thinking of awful ideas, but it's part of the creative process so I write them down and then turn the page and keep going. Sometimes I have ideas that are good, but won't work for me currently. I save these for later and sometimes I give them to my friends too. Oh... and some ideas can be labeled as "spam"... these are just the product of living life. Sometimes when big trends are happening I end up sketching a lot of ideas for the trends, but they never make the final cut because they aren't really ideas that I'm passionate about... they're just on my mind as a product of my environment. Remember, all of these ideas are healthy! No one has 100% good ideas all the time. It's important to learn to prioritize the ideas you love most (we all have limited time) and to keep your creative mind awake! 

 

The more time you invest in developing your creative ideas, the better they will become. I've noticed that the more time I spend daily sketching, the better quality my ideas become. I highly recommend taking some time each day to list out ideas for your blog, hobby or business. Daily sketching is incredibly fulfilling and you'll never have to worry about "running out of ideas" again with journals full of them! xo. elsie

Comments

[Suz]

Great post Elsie! Soooo helpful and informative. TFS.
Suz

[Kacie @ A Collection of Passions]

I couldn't agree more. I often have the "I have too many ideas!" issue. I find inspiration in so many different places. I love your photos above, they really illustrate the truth. Love this post. Thanks for sharing.

Kacie

[chelsea]

these are really great tips, elsie! i just bought some cute little notebooks yesterday and i can't wait to fill them with ideas!

[Jenn]

Great post and can be applied to everyone. Sometimes I just don't take the time to sit down and write anything down - I hate to imagine all the good ideas that have floated out into the ether that could've been captured. And I wonder why I have ten blank journals...

[Shannon]

Great post! Very inspiring!

Shannon
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com

[Rebecca Kelsey]

So helpful! Thanks Elsie. I'm a newer blogger and still learning so much every day. I've really appreciated your insights.

Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca

[grace]

great post - I have a too many idea problem too - so I carry around little "idea books" in my purses to keep myself sane.

-grace
http//herumbrella.com

[katiediditt]

ahhh..such a great post..can't wait to use this as inspiration! time to get creative!

xo
katie

katiediditt.blogspot.com

[Sheena LaShay]

To date, this might be one of my top 10 post from you. And I read everything on your site! Thank you for writing this.

[Lindsay @ Delighted Momma]

Such a great post! I think I have asked you that question before too. I am a big believer in keeping your imagination young and fresh and constantly writing and staying inspired is such a great way to do that. Great advice about not saving your ideas for the "future"..I sometimes think that way..but you have a great point!

[Loulou]

Loved this post. Great advice to sketch out some ideas in a journal everyday!

Loulou @ Loulou Downtown

[a girl with a smile]

This is a great Idea

[Sarai]

I used to carry a journal a lot along time ago but somewhere along the way I stopped, this post is really making me wanna get another one!
xo Sarai
www.lovedovesnest.blogspot.com

[irene wibowo]

okay so inspiring.. thanks Elsie... I think you rights. i will try from right now :) nice post.. http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/

[weriem]

Good tips! I have a journal for that too :)

[Christine]

Thanks so much for the idea Elsie! I think I really need to do this... *goes out and buys a journal* =D

[Mandy @ Miss Indie]

Girl I couldn't agree with you more. This past year I've made sure to ALWAYS keep a journal with me..even when I'm out running errands..and I'm amazed at how many ideas/plans for the future/goals I've jotted down. My journals have quickly become my #1 source of inspiration. Even if I wrote down an idea that I wasn't too keen on at the time, in the future it might turn into something that I love or something that can be changed up and turned into something great!

Awesome post, love! Hope you're having a great night!

[Alyce]

oh Elsie, you really are the best! thank you for sharing :)

[Anita]

great post! I needed this to shake me up and get me back on track!

[ashley]

very helpful! thanks elsie!