What is inspiration? The dictionary defines inspiration as: an inspiring or animating action or influence, or something inspired, as an idea. As correct as this definition is, I feel it is necessary to include the other important aspect, which is the effect that inspiration can have on others.
It’s important to remember the energy that is created as a result of being inspired. It can lead to many great things, and can drive an individual to do the extraordinary. Now with the internet, inspiration can be found everywhere. There are endless websites that you could turn to, depending on your personal interests, but here are some places to start.
1. Facebook.com
Even though Facebook is meant purely as a social media network, there are many places where inspiration can be found. Staying connected with old friends may lead you to reconnect with them and catch up. Simply talking with people about their goals and aspirations may further inspire you to pursue your own. The amount of pictures all over Facebook can also play a part in inspiration; sorting through a friend’s photo album of their life-changing trip around the world just might inspire you, too.
2. QuotationsPage.com
Many people find inspiration in the words of wise individuals from the past. Quotations Page offers many inspirational and in-depth quotes that can give the reader a different or unique perspective on life, relationships, goals, or whatever they are pursuing.
3. Youtube.com
Youtube is also a great place to find inspiration. Because of networks like Youtube, talent that might have been easily overlooked can be exposed through just an internet connection and a computer. Many extremely talented and inspirational videos are constantly floating around Youtube, whether it may be a new musician that no one has discovered, or a sentimental video, or an inspiring slideshow.
4. Deviantart.com
Deviant Art is another great place to find inspiration. It is a network of online artists that share their work amongst each other. These are all open and can be viewed by non members also. There are so many great pictures on this site, from sketches, paintings, and drawings to ambient and abstract art. For a visually inspired person, Devientart.com is a great place to find inspiration.
5. Creativedepart.com
Creativedepart is a website that connects many artistic resources and news into one website. Geared towards designers, this website covers an array of design websites that are not only inspiring but are very informative for this niche of designers.
6. Flickr / Photobucket
Flickr and Photobucket, along with many other websites like it, allow users to upload photos for others to see. It is an online community that is great for inspiring photos and pictures. By looking at other people’s forms of art, it channels great new ideas to you that can be utilized as a springboard to create your own works of art.
7. Purevolume
Geared for musicians, Purevolume is a network of musicians and solo artists that allows people to post their music on the internet. It is a great way for musicians to interact with each other as well as get their music out there. Many other artists have been inspired by hearing music on Purevolume; whether they are already more widely-known musicians or beginning artists.
8. Myspace
Myspace Music, much like Purevolume, aims to create a social network and also helps promote musicians. They are also a great source of inspiration to many others that are starting out as well.
9. Blogs/forums
Getting involved in a blog or several blogs is a great way to be inspired. Many people gather inspiration from blogs because blogs are groups of people focusing on the same goal or interest. Because of the fast growing rate of the internet, there are blogs and forums about almost any topic you can find. This makes them a great source of inspiration.
10. My3Goals
My3Goals is another great way to find inspiration. It is a social network created for self help and maintaining personal goals. It allows users to connect on a personal level, as well as embark on goals as a group, or individually. With the help of life coaches, My3Goals is a great place to begin looking for that inspiration that you need.
All the best,
Evan Leong
& Margo Winton
My3Goals Blog Manager