Keep Your Eyes Open – How to Find Inspiration

Inspiration is everywhere if you just look around. The key to unlocking your imagination and discovering new and exciting sights is being hyper-aware of your surroundings and being prepared to capture the moment. This is easy to do as long as you employ the right strategy and have the proper tools. Inspiration leads to new ideas and product innovation.

Great news! You do not need to be a detective or have as master’s degree in research to discover a person, place, or event that will forever transform the way you see life and add value to your professional experience. You only need a keen eye. If you travel while on business, be aware of those distractions that may appear as an annoyance because your next great idea may be hidden there. Most of the technology we use is based on a solution to a common, everyday problem. Think of the sleek design of a tablet as opposed to a notebook computer. It can be a bit annoying to carry a laptop bag along with a carryon through the airport. Most people will agree. Someone decided not to be annoyed and instead came up with lighter, sleeker way to conduct urgent business while waiting on the flight and people responded overwhelmingly. I see tablets everywhere, don’t you?

Inspiration is an essential part of the formula to the creative professional. If you are in any creative field such as art, entertainment, marketing, or advertising, you should know every single moment counts and your next great video or ad campaign idea could happen spontaneously while hailing a cab or walking through the park. While I was in Berlin for an international business trip, I had a bit of free time and decided to explore the city. My exploration was rewarding because I saw extremely talented street performers showcasing a range of talents; I was inspired and prepared. I had my ultra-lightweight Canon Power-Shot and took video footage, which I later uploaded to my YouTube channel.

The video features a fire thrower who was very skillful. At first glance, I knew I must capture this moment and share it with the world because it would inspire others. He had so much passion in his performance he drew a large audience to watch him defy gravity as he tossed the flame-lit sticks into the air.  His performance sparks a thought about the founder of Cirque du Soleil, a fire breather and former street performer named Guy Laliberte. Guy Laliberte is more than a success story; he is an inspiration to creative professionals everywhere. He is the example of what a brilliant mind and an active imagination can accomplish. Cirque du Soliel is a global success and an attraction that is sought out by millions.

Whether you are on vacation, traveling on business, or going through the rigors of your everyday life, look for inspirations because the payoff will be substantial. You have great ideas; you only need to explore the world that surrounds you to unleash your meaningful contribution to humanity. Go out there and be inspired. Remember to “think outside the word.”