​​One of the greatest gifts we have is the gift of inspiration and insight. Some of the greatest human achievements were born out of a split second of inspiration, and this inspiration lies open to all men and women alike. Some people believe that insight comes from God, others believe it comes from the universal storehouse of wisdom, and some believe that it is all chance. It's not my place to tell you where it comes from, but I can tell you what I do to receive inspiration, and ​I can also tell you what I do to make the most out of it. I hope that these tips will be as helpful to you as they have been for me.

1 - Meditation, Solitude, Nature, and Walking

I have found that my mind is most receptive to inspiration when I am meditating, in solitude, spending time in nature, or walking. These activities are all extremely helpful for me when I want to find the answer to a problem in my life, seek insight into my own mind, or find a new and powerful idea. If your mind is cluttered you will not be able to think clearly. Think of your mind as a glass of water; if you don’t pour some out you will never allow for more to be poured in. I find that all of these activities help to empty my mind and ​make way for more inspiration to be poured in, which should be the ultimate strategy if you are looking for answers or insight.

2 - learn

Quite the opposite to the previous strategy, learning and filling your mind with new information is often the best way to receive insight. Just because an idea comes from another person and not from the universe or God doesn't mean that it isn't insightful or inspired. Some of the best ideas I've ever had came to me because I chose to read, listen to podcasts, or educate myself further. If it's answers or ideas that you are looking for then you will surely find them by seeking out good teachers or philosophers in any form.

3 - Write It Down

As soon as I have a great idea or insight I write it down. Carry with you a notepad or a start a new list on your phone so that you can always write down inspiring ideas or thoughts that come to your mind. Never trust your memory! I have learned this lesson too many times when I have had a great idea and thought that it was good enough that I would remember it, but within a few hours it is gone. Be sure to take immediate notes on each inspiring idea and you will never face this issue.

4 - Write a Battle Plan

Now that you have received the idea or inspiration it is time to write a brief plan that will outline how you plan to use this insight. I have come to find that if I don’t write a plan I will rarely act on my insights. Even writing a simple list of possible actions to take will help you to act on your inspiration.

5 - Take Action While the Fire is Hot

Inspiration will not waste her time with those who refuse to act on her gifts, and so it is imperative that you take action while the fire is still hot. The only sure way to keep the excitement and passion that comes with inspiration is to take massive action. Tony Robbins said that he never leaves the scene of inspiration without taking massive action. If you stay where you are and do something that will make use of the answer or insight you just received then you are immediately more likely to take full advantage of that gift. If you let time pass by the feeling will die and you will no longer feel as excited about this idea.

Always remember that more ideas will be given to you as you make use of the ones you already have. It is a true skill to cultivate ideas and inspiration, and often the best way to develop this skill is to take action on the insights that you currently have.

These are the five strategies that I use to find and use inspiration, and I hope that they are as helpful to you as they have been for me. Don’t take inspiration lightly; it is a beautiful gift and if it is not used correctly it will rarely find you again, and it may go to someone else in stead.