It’s time for our monthly “trailmix,” a collection of interesting pieces of inspiration, thought leadership and innovative new ideas, and this month we’re focus on getting started when you are feeling stagnant. Beginning again can be harder than starting in the first place. It requires mustering up your original enthusiasm and overcoming the mental obstacles that caused you to stop in the first place. When you do begin, however, you’ll discover that the feeling of accomplishment you’ll get can be even bigger, and the passion you once had for a goal or project can be found…if you search within yourself long enough and simply “Jump In” again.

Enjoy our monthly list of articles, media and more to inspire you to buckle down and get started!

“What do I do if I’m asked for an idea or plan, and I have nothing?”

We’ve been asked this question too many times to count. Facilitating brainstorms is something we do a lot, both internally and for our partners, and this is a question that comes up at almost every one.

Sometimes you are just…tapped out. But often times life (or business needs) don’t stop just because you can’t think of something, so what’s a person to do?

Check out BNW Owner John Sweeney‘s answer here and get motivated to simply begin.

Want more videos like this one, access to John’s posts and news, and more? Follow John on his Facebook page and join in on all of the fun!

How to Spark Creativity When You’re In a Rut

In this article from the Harvard Business Review, author Priscilla Claman asks five questions to determine if you’re in a rut, then gives some key strategies to get out of one.

Remember that first day at your current job? Chances are you came in with curiosity and passion, drive and initiative. Your job has almost certainly changed since day one, but so have you - so what can you do now to re-engage with your position and employer?

Seeking out the new in your job, finding obstacles to tackle, looking at process intersections and sharing knowledge are some of Priscilla’s suggestions - check out the full article to go in depth and rediscover the spark in yourself and get creative again!

What Makes People Work Hard, Even When They Don’t Have To?

Figuring out what intrinsically motivates people can provide some invaluable lessons that can help get anyone motivated.

In this podcast from NPR‘s TED Radio Hour, behavioral economist Dan Ariely explores the intrinsic values we need to feel motivated to work.

Check it out here and let us know - what keeps you motivated to work hard at your work? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Put Innovation in Your Daily Plan and Get Yourself Started

Sometimes if you’re feeling stuck, it helps to sit down and write it out.

Putting innovation and action in your daily plan can help you achieve it - if you can plan it, you can do it, and to help, we’ve made you a handy Mindset of Discovery daily planner!

Download your printable daily planner here; print, fill out, and see how innovative you can be today!

Fueling Growth Over Time

When was the last time you heard a business success story about live theater?

In 1997, our owners John Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl bought the Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis, the country’s longest-running satirical comedy theater, from its founder, improv icon Dudley Riggs.

Over the past 20 years, they stumbled, they succeeded and — most importantly — they discovered that it’s possible to take a 39-year-old brand and fuel start-up-level growth. Revenue has increased from $264,000 to $3.5 million, and they’ve diversified the BNW’s offerings to include an incredibly successful corporate training division, as well as a nonprofit school.

Along the way, they learned five key lessons — all rooted in the tenets of improvisation — that can apply to any business.

Read the full article here.

Created by Ann Drewiske.