Stop waiting for Inspiration
Why Consistency Beats Motivation Every Time
When you're just starting out in filmmaking or writing, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that creativity comes in bursts of lightning-fast inspiration. You've probably heard people talk about waiting for the "perfect moment" or waiting until the ideas start flowing. But let me be clear: this myth is one of the biggest hurdles you'll face as a filmmaker, writer, or any type of creator.
The reality? Creativity doesn't work like that.
If you wait for motivation or inspiration to strike before you work, you're going to spend a lot of time waiting. And worse yet, you'll end up wasting opportunities and time that could’ve been spent improving your craft. Think about this:
“You don’t have to be inspired to work, you have to work to get inspired.” – Steven Pressfield
When it comes to film, it’s easy to romanticize the idea of inspiration. You want your work to be meaningful, profound, to leave a mark. But here’s the hard truth: waiting for that “big moment” of divine creativity will likely never come. Filmmaking is about the grind—about showing up when you don’t feel like it, and learning that the work itself will spark your creativity.
Take professional athletes, for example. They don’t wait until they’re "feeling" like playing their best game. They show up every day and work on their skills, regardless of whether they feel motivated. The same applies to filmmakers and writers.
Think about how easily we convince ourselves that we’re too tired, too uninspired, or too busy to work. The first hurdle is often just getting started.
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King
At this point, you might be thinking he’s a Stephen King fan. Well, you're not wrong.
But it’s true. That initial moment when you look at a blank screen or empty film slate can feel paralyzing. It’s the fear of the unknown, the self-doubt. But here's the kicker: that fear is part of the process. Every successful filmmaker or writer has faced it. The secret is not waiting for the fear to vanish, but working through it.
Why waiting is the enemy:
In the world of film, inspiration won’t always come when you want it. Sometimes, you have to create it yourself. If you’ve ever been on set or worked on a script, you’ll know that real inspiration often comes after hours of mind-numbing work or frustration. You may spend the whole day feeling stuck, but then you have a breakthrough when you least expect it.
Think of writing as a muscle. If you don’t work it out, it’s not going to grow. If you don’t pick up the camera or grab the pen, the ideas won't come. They’re like seeds—they need to be planted, watered, and nurtured.
The magic happens when you show up, even when you don't want to.
If you really want to be a successful filmmaker, you can't afford to wait for the stars to align or for the next big idea to land in your lap. You need to commit to the work, day in and day out. It’s about forming a habit of creation. Whether it's writing a page, filming a scene, or even just brainstorming your next project, showing up consistently is half the battle.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
The key is to start and keep going, even when it’s hard. Don’t let the pressure of needing a perfect idea or the fear of failure stop you. That’s why it’s so important to give yourself permission to fail and fail often. The more you try, the closer you get to uncovering your real voice, your best work.
Instead of asking, “Where do I find motivation?” ask yourself, “What am I doing today to get closer to my goals?” Motivation is a byproduct of action, not a prerequisite.
If you want to be a professional filmmaker or writer, get comfortable with discomfort. It's not about having all the answers at the start—it’s about showing up every day, putting in the work, and trusting that progress will come, even when inspiration doesn’t.
So, no more waiting for the clouds to part. Get to work, and let the inspiration find you along the way.
For further inspiration on maintaining creative consistency and overcoming writer’s block, check out these articles:
How to Get Started as a Screenwriter
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-become-a-screenwriter/The Writing Process: How to Get Started
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-writing-your-first-screenplayOvercoming Writer’s Block: 5 Tips to Help You Write Consistently
https://www.creativebloq.com/inspiration/5-ways-to-overcome-writers-blockScreenwriting: How to Break Through Mental Barriers
https://www.screencraft.org/blog/how-to-overcome-writers-block-screenwriting/Writing Tips from Professional Screenwriters
https://www.indiewire.com/2015/02/screenwriting-tips-from-hollywoods-best-writers-128978/The Power of Habit in Writing
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-power-of-habit-and-why-you-need-it-as-a-writer_b_59b99f76e4b0b48184073893