Guaranteed Inspiration Right Here

 
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When you're grinding as an entrepreneur, business owner, or even a salaried employee, it's easy to get in a rut. It happens to me all the time. We get used to doing the same actions over and over again without questioning why we're doing them.

I've come up with a system for kick-starting creativity. If you do one of these things, I guarantee you'll be out of your rut before you know it.

1. Get in the habit of saving IG photos to a collection.

Whenever I see something on my feed, I tap the little "save" button. That way when I'm completely uninspired, I see a lovely collection full of posts that made me laugh, think, and swoon. It's nice to cut through the clutter and see things you love all in one place.

 
To save something to a collection on Instagram, click the ribbon icon visible in the bottom right below the post.

To save something to a collection on Instagram, click the ribbon icon visible in the bottom right below the post.

 

2. Turn off your phone and get away from your computer.

This is a big one for me. I recently heard that humans spend an average of 10 hours a day looking at a screen, which is just so unnatural. Get up and get outside for a walk. Force yourself to be away from your phone and look around you. Give yourself permission to let your mind wander without having a "reason" pushing you.

3. Book a trip somewhere.

Half the fun of going somewhere is learning about it. You don't have to go far. Just shake up your routine. Use an app to book a hotel deal. It shouldn't set you back too much and you'll give yourself a new experience.

4. Go on Pinterest.

This is a go-to for me. Pinterest has this amazing way of pulling you down a rabbit hole. Pin something that's inspiring and unrelated to work (like recipes or packing tips) and let your brain loose.

5. Give yourself the day off.

There's a reason why mental health days exist. Sometimes you need to just fully disengage to come back as your best self. If you're feeling off and you can afford it, take the day and don't think about work at all. Trust me. It always works.

When you're overwhelmed and uninspired, what tactic works for you? Comment below with your thoughts.

 
 
Phil Pallen

I'm Phil Pallen, a brand and AI strategist who has spent 15 years helping small businesses figure out who they are, say it clearly, and show up consistently. About six years ago, I started creating content on the side as a way to teach strategy and tools to people who wanted to build their brands themselves. That side project now makes up 80% of what I do, and it has given me hands-on experience with hundreds of tools, partnerships with over 150 brands including Adobe, and a clear sense of what actually works for small businesses.

I have delivered keynote speeches on five continents, written AI for Small Business, and created Brandmasters, a private membership community for small business owners serious about their brand.

I am not just someone who talks about this stuff. I live it, test it, and teach it every day.


Find me at philpallen.co or @philpallen on social media.

https://www.philpallen.co
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