Finding Inspiration in Your Own Backyard

I'm convinced that everybody has a metaphorical backyard of unique skills and interests already inside of them that when combined can result in major inspiration and give them a new way to think about pursuing their creative passions.

I discovered the joy of taking long walks.

It was a little tasty mystery waiting to be unraveled.

For the first time in my life, I was having fun not knowing. The freedom that came with walking to suddenly feel like I could go anywhere and do anything and see fascinating stuff all along the way was like nothing I had ever experienced.

I had been so fixated for so long on getting from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible that I had never taken the time to notice this entire world hanging out right under my nose.

I had never tried going outside without a destination in mind before with no where to be and no expectations and no time restraints. Letting go of those things and being open to whatever laid before me was nothing short of life changing.

When your hobby becomes your job, you run the risk of turning something you really love into a slog that makes you queasy.

Self doubt has prevented me from trying many things in my life.

It finally dawned on me why my self-doubt was suddenly silent — I was doing something so totally me that so perfectly combined the best parts of myself that no one else was doing in the way I was doing. I finally didn't have anyone else to compare myself to.

You don't need to be the best at everything in order to be completely irreplaceable — be the best at exactly who you are.

We're so good at comparing ourselves to other people and their talent and skills. We don't spend nearly enough time nurturing and thinking about our own.

Inside of you right now is a completely unique combination of talents, skills, interests, and experiences. No one else has the combination that you have.

The problem is that we fail to see what is already inside of us. If we do see it, we're quick to dismiss or devalue it.

People really do respond to passion and authenticity.

If you're having trouble finding 'your thing,' ask yourself these questions with an honest and open mind: What is something I really love to do, just because?

What is something I really love to do, just because?

What is one ability I feel confident in?

What interest can I just not stay away from?

If you find a way to connect and combine these parts of yourself, the results is almost certainly something very unique, something people won't get anywhere else, and something you're incredibly passionate about.

Now is the time to rip the bandaid off and just start.