Working from “inspiration” vs. “routine”…By Darren Saul

We all know that when we are passionate about something time seems to fly, the task consumes us and we don’t feel like we have spent even one minute “working”. We enjoy every moment of what we are doing and very little can distract us from achieving our goal. Now you might argue that just being passionate about something doesn’t always mean that you are any good at it. This may be true, however I have generally noticed that people that "live and breath" what they love to do are usually very good at it!

This is a philosophy I am extremely passionate about and I would like to take it one step further. Practicing your chosen specialty day to day (the one you are very passionate about) still carries with it the risk of it developing into a mundane and lifeless routine if you let it. This is where the art comes in. Learning how to stay “inspired” wherever possible and not allowing the “routine” to overcome you is the secret to success and longevity in your chosen field.

How do you do this? Very simple! Be sensitive to your energy levels and motivation. If you don’t feel “inspired” take a break and do something you enjoy – grab a coffee, go for a walk or read something that does inspire you in some way. This does two things. Firstly, it removes you from your unproductive mindset and allows you to again think from a place of creativity. Secondly, if indulging in a totally different topic, a cross-fertilisation phenomenon can occur whereby thought in this seemingly non-related area generates inspirational parallels that can be adapted to your work (and vice versa). You must have noticed that most of your greatest ideas have “spontaneously” been born while focused on a totally different task. The art is being AWARE of your where you’re at mentally and harnessing the hidden potential laying dorment in your different mental states.

The general working environment also plays a major role. Some people are more productive in the morning while others are far more productive late at night. Certain individuals thrive in an open office environment while others find it very distracting and would be much more productive in a single office or even working from home. We are all different and thus respond differently to various stimuli. That is what makes us great! Why not exploit it instead of suppressing it.

Of course, this flexible working style can only be applied to its full potential if you are self-employed and might not be 100% suited to every situation. I am certain, however, that applying this style of thinking in some way to whatever you do will only enhance potential and manifest happiness and greatness at work!