Inspiration is something we often need when following our dreams. For myself, I need inspiration regularly when working on my novel. Sometimes I need inspiration to develop characters and at times I need inspiration to develop my plot.

Many people feel that inspired thought is something that just miraculously happens. While this is true and can happen on occasion, it is not the whole truth. Inspiration is something that you can coach yourself in, so that when you are in need of inspiration you know exactly how to get it.

You may be asking yourself, how do you coach yourself to become inspired at a time of your choosing? Well, this is a process that you’ll need to work on. Like all things it requires practice to become proficient.

First, look back at the times that you’ve had inspired thought or if you can’t remember any, start keeping track of when you become inspired. As you analyze each of these instances of inspiration you will most likely find a trend. Pay close attention because the trend may not be easily recognizable at first or maybe for you, you’ll pick it up right away.

For myself I found a pretty particular trend, walking while listening to music. I’m not sure what exactly it is about the combination but it has never failed to provide me ideas.

Here are some common triggers for inspiration (you may even need a combination of things):

• Exercise
• Music
• Reading
• Candles
• Eating or drinking a particular item
• Dreams

After you have determined your source of inspiration, make sure you utilize it. Go to that source of inspiration when you are trying to dream something up. If you do this, you’ll train your mind to encourage inspired thoughts under those circumstances. For example, if I go for a walk now while listening to music, plot lines and characters come to me easily.

Inspiration may seem like an out of reach concept but it’s not. It just requires some practice to make it come easily to you when you need it.