We all seek inspiration. We try to meet people, immerse ourselves in culture, read books, and listen to inspirational speeches, but it is not fruitful when we overextend ourselves in this pursuit to be inspired.

Tessa Miller, a writer for the website Lifehacker, notes that, “The word “inspiration” usually means something that mentally stimulates you. But “inspiration” also means to breathe in. The meanings poetically combine when you think of yourself breathing in thoughts, filling your body with ideas. But don’t forget to breathe out.” At first, these words seemed trite and cliche — pretty much anything I’ve read on the subject emphasizes the importance of seeking out inspirational people and experiences. And while I do believe that taking time to meditate and be inspired is important, it is more important that we act.

Derek Sivers, who wrote the guest post included in Miller’s piece, talks about how important it is to seize the calls to action that inspiration gives. First, he talked about how people can watch hundreds of TED talks and how musicians and artists can work themselves to death trying to find that spark of inspiration, but in the end of this pursuit, a lot of people simply find themselves exhausted and drained of creativity. Sivers said that is because people think too much, instead of simply doing.

He said, “Because nothing is truly inspiring unless you apply it to your work. (‘Work’ meaning your life’s output, whether creative, business, or personal.) In other words, your work itself is the inspiration. You may hear something or see something that gives you a new idea. But it’s only when you stop and think of your work through this new perspective, that you actually jump up and go turn the idea into reality. That’s the real inspiration that everyone is looking for!”

Sivers makes an important point — tirelessly reading books, attending talks, and seeking inspiration is actually “anti-inspirational” because it drains too much of your energy needed for the actual creative pursuit. Personally, I think real inspiration comes from an original idea, versus jumping on the bandwagon of whatever cause is popular at the moment. And this kind of inspiration really does require energy and effort. I really like how well he captures this idea: “The inspiration is not the receiving of information. The inspiration is applying what you’ve received… You have to pause the input, and focus on your output. For every bit of inspiration, use it and amplify it by applying it to your work.”

If you are curious about learning more about what Miller and Sivers have to say on this subject, check out their “Seeking Inspiration? Stop Looking and Start Doing.” This article really resonated with me because it was real, practical advice. It seems like the kind of advice that is so simple you should already know it, so in theory, it should be easier to put into practice. Truthfully, like most advice, this is easier said than done, yet these words have potential.

If we truly take time for ourselves to pull away from all the input, then we will have the energy to give back and create. I, for one, often overburden myself with too many responsibilities between work, school, and extracurriculars. I have come to the somewhat sad realization that I can’t do it all everyday and expect to put 100-percent effort into all that I am doing. Recently, I have discovered that is is more important that I devote myself and my time to a few things that matter the most to me. Sometimes you simply have to say, “no.” Despite what a lot of career services reps or resume builders might say, it is better to commit to less and be able to invest yourself wholly in the activities that matter most to you.

For me, this has been, and still is, an ongoing process. Naturally, I do try to seek inspiration. We cannot expect to cut off all sources of input and expect ideas to flow. Inspiration is striking the balance between our imagination and ideas and reality. And personally, I have found that my best inspiration comes from within. For me, writing allows me to see the culmination of ideas rolling around in my head and to gain clarity in my perspective. I explored journaling and creative writing earlier this year in my column “Unlocking creativity and happiness with journaling.”

Don’t be pressured into chasing every experience that promises to inspire and amaze. Look inside your own mind and heart to figure out what inspires you, and then it is simple: Go out and do it.

Kristen Daily is a junior in English from Orange City, Iowa.