On inspiration
In a recent podcast with Jason Fried, David Perell compared writers to running backs: the best ones patiently wait for a "hole" to open downfield; then, when it finally does, they go! They seize the opportunity and sprint through the opening. The point is that the perfect opportunity doesn’t hang around forever. Ideas fade, the muse disappears.
It's a beautiful comment on the fleeting nature of inspiration.
I've noticed many people spend a ton of time trying to craft the perfect working conditions for inspiration. While it’s probably worth spending some time doing this, in my experience, obsessing about it is among the last things you should do if the goal is to spark inspiration! Lack of inspiration, to borrow from Kartikay, is usually a "skill issue."
If you're lacking inspiration, my only real suggestions are as follows: If the room’s too loud, find a new room. If you’re blocked, take a walk. If you think you need music, try music. If you’re tired, coffee. But most importantly - improve your skill. Read a great book. Level up!
Instead of these simple ideas, many people will start with $1,000 desks and ergonomic chairs, mid-century modern wooden fixtures, photon lamps, noise-canceling headphones, elaborate time-tracking systems, and more. In my opinion, it’s all a massive distraction.
As Picasso said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
The key lies not in trying to artificially engineer inspiration but in priming yourself to act swiftly once it finally arrives.