Inspiration is Perishable: Act on It Immediately

In my experience, most of our enduring habits started as a spark of inspiration we acted on. I've found that all it takes is one small charge of energy to transform an idea into reality. Whether it's a side-hustle, a startup, a partnership, or a personal record in the gym or bank account - they all began as a fleeting moment of inspiration that I took seriously and acted upon.

One of the biggest limiters I've faced when acting on inspirations has been doubt, overthinking, and too much conscious deliberation about the approach, worthiness, and cost of pursuit. I've come to believe it's more costly in time and money to over-analyze the inspiration.

I've noticed that the small charge of inspiration energy will do a few loops in my mind—then suddenly dissolve—gone for the time being, and it might never return.

What's worked for me is using clear thinking and having confidence in my abilities to fulfill my inspirations. I'm inspired by Elon Musk, who had an idea to go to space and the action bias to make it happen.

Over the last two weeks, I've experienced a rush of creative ideas and clarity. I feel I've finally found a creative stack of habits and a method of living that make me clear and ready.

I'm acting on an inspiration I had yesterday—right before bed:

For the next 30 days, I'm designing 30 new startup ideas.

I invite you to join me for the ride.

My Take: Inspiration is Perishable, Act on It Immediately

In my experience, ideas aren't finite or limited, and creativity doesn't stop when you use it. I've found that creating doesn't burn me out. When I create something authentic to myself, I can't burn out.

For me, what's authentic is writing, visuals, and design. I'm leveraging my obsession with these disciplines and acting on my inspirations before they disappear.

I love this quote from James Clear:

"Inspiration comes on the twenty-fifth attempt, not the first. If you want to make something excellent, don't wait for a brilliant idea to strike. Create twenty-five of what you need and one will be great. Inspiration reveals itself after you get the average ideas out of the way, not before you take the first step."

I've found that the more I write, the better I write, and the more I write. Every day that I sit down to create, I feel like I'm chipping away at a large brick of stone, like an artist sculptor, shaping my ideas into a statue.

In my experience, creativity is best used when used. I try not to "procrastinate" creativity—it's energy, and the laws of physics don't allow frozen energy. When an idea strikes, I record a voice memo and act on it as soon as possible.

I believe that far into the future, I'll look back at my most creative days and consider them the best in my life. I've realized that when we limit ourselves to a schedule of mediocrity, we can't unlock the true creativity we all have the capacity to use. For me, creativity isn't something we have, get, or find—it's something we study, learn how to work with, then use and work in accordance with the creative substance.

This quote from Naval Ravikant resonates with me:

"Inspiration is Perishable; Act on it immediately."

Visual by Jack Butcher, Visualize Value

I often ask myself: When was the last time I had an idea I wanted to pursue? Did I embark on the idea? Or let it slip through my fingers like sand?

I feel a sense of regret whenever I know I could've acted but chose to let an idea run away.

This is the Creative Dilemma

In my view, we can let our expensive inspirations drift back into the universe, or we can catch them and make them our own tangible creations. As in science, art, and business—I try to catch my ideas as they arrive and vigorously put them to the test, break them, and create an authentic minimum viable product. I avoid washing them out at the start, making them just as I thought of them.

I've found it's best to act fast and vigorously. I ask myself: what's more important—the meeting that could've been an email or my creative inspirations in this moment? I believe we have the choice of leveraging our inspiration or suppressing our idea until "something" has been done. In my experience, we're going to lose the momentum that can potentially make it great—magnificent.

I love this quote from Marcus Aurelius:

"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

I don't think we need to go to a special place, retreat from the world, or do meditations. What's worked for me is reprogramming my mind to be able to act creatively whenever, learning to tolerate stress and others, and building a habit of dedicating time every morning to focus only on the inspirations I get.

Another great quote from Marcus Aurelius that I often reflect on:

"At any moment you choose, you can retire within yourself. Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul."

Inspiration Exists, But It Has to Find You Working

When I built Mind Visuals, I used a combination of hard thinking and lazy walks. I believe inspirations come when you're actively thinking and using your brain on something. Not necessarily deep focus for 9 hours daily—but striking a balance of leisure and effort.

For me, I find movement incredibly inspiring—I pair it with music and some caffeine, and I can create the mental real estate for clear thinking—to feel and act on the inspirations. Also, taking time in ordinary moments to "thank" our Creator and showing gratitude for our life is powerful for me—it helps me stay positive, keep faith, and renew my spirit.

I'm not highly religious, but I am highly committed to a few things in life, like diet, exercise, and creative thinking—providing me with a mission and purpose every second of the day. I love Viktor Frankl's work, and if this subject inspires you, I highly recommend reading his books. This sense of purpose has helped me take my creative ideas seriously and given me the confidence to act upon them.

I've found that taking my ideas seriously has helped me find more inspiration. Taking life seriously has helped me clarify my thinking about what I find important. Combined, I find more space to act creatively.

I love this quote from Pablo Picasso:

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working"

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PS. I'm excited to share my 30 startup ideas in the Creative Founder blog. If you want to see the designs and creations—and maybe get some inspiration for yourself—then subscribe below to get the letter in your inbox for free.