There’s a common misunderstanding about inspiration: Many people think it precedes getting started, that it comes before putting in hard work. They think it springs forth from an unknown source, ready to propel, a source of energy unto itself.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Inspiration does not spring forth from nothing, it grows from the seed of effort. Beginning is the best way to cultivate inspiration.

The same is true of momentum; an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon. Motivation and energy aren’t just going to spontaneously appear. Like a fire they need to be built from the kindling of desire and the spark of doing work. Only after you’ve created the right environment and put in the hard work of getting things started will things really start to ignite.

If you want to be motivated to write, you need to write to get motivated.