How to avoid stagnation and stay inspired

Keep a notebook

Ideas don’t usually come to us while working, it’s those “in between” times that’s lets our mind become creative and generate new ideas. Jot those down in a notebook. Usually we can only remember something for a few minutes, especially if it’s just a passing thought. A notebook is a good place to put these down so that you can refer to it later.

Read

Find a book that you’re interested in and read it regularly. Even for just 15 minutes a day. Chances are you’ll come across something that you’ve never thought of before. This will encourage you to think in a different way which will encourage inspiration. Try to take notes too, it’s a really useful resource once you’ve finished the book.

Write

Is there something that you’re particular passionate about? Then start a blog and write about it! Chances are there will be people out there who will be just as interested as you and are craving new sources of information. Writing will also get you thinking differently about your topic and perhaps open new avenues for inspiration.

Learn something

Take some time and investigate a new technology or technique that you’ve heard about. Or if you haven’t heard anything then search online to learn what’s going on. This will motivate you as it will broaden your horizons and make you feel empowered.

Experiment

Take what you know, or don’t know and experiment. It doesn’t have to be anything useful, it can be a ball bouncing on the screen or an unorthodox way to use CSS. Don’t concern yourself with perfection either, this is just an excuse to play. Doing so will familiarize yourself with whatever you’re doing (especially if its new to you) as well as inspire new ideas.

Get away from the Computer

It’s easy to get boxed in if you sit at the computer for eight hours a day, seven days a week. You should drop everything for a while, get away from the computer and spend time with family and friends. Once you do get back to work you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle new problems.

Start some personal projects

Doing just client work, or work for your boss is great for bringing in the cash but it might not necessarily be very motivating. Start your own personal projects and work on them in your spare time. This will increase your enjoyment in your work, keep you motivated and who knows, maybe it will be a hit!

Make long term plans for current projects

Usually, in the beginning, a project has a period of rapid growth. Then once it’s released it begins to stagnate. Come up with some ideas in the beginning that you can implement in the future. That way, you don’t have to do all the work at once and you have a list of “new features” that you can depend on.

Get involved online

Participate in online forums, make contributons to questions and get actively involved in conversations. Chances are you’ll make several new friends and tap into a new wealth of ideas and inspiration.

Go to conferences

Conferences are a great way to get the inside scoop in your industry, plus you’ll find tons of people who are interested in the same things you are. There is a lot of activity going on with many bright people, go up to some and introduce yourself, you might even start a new partner or business relationship.

Get Out of your Comfort Zone

Break out of your normal routiene and embark on an adventure that tests your boundaries. Go on a road trip, explore new technologies, try a new sport. This will leave you feeling empowered and motivated.

Closing Comments

These are just some of the things you can do to help you get motivated, please feel free to post any additional ideas you might have in my comments.