For me it's all about closing the taste gap between my work and that of my favorite artists. It's frustrating to fall short over and over, but motivating when I get a little closer in terms of song composition, arrangement, sound quality, etc. Creating any type of high-level art is extremely difficult, and it should be.
Like the quote from Psalm 46:10, "Be Still." Great advice for the religious or the not at all. Find someplace and be quiet. Then, listen. You'll eventually "hear" something that will inspire you. One of my songs came from walking my dog and watching all the blackbirds in a a tree that appeared to be watching me. Then, I was off to the races.
Other times, it is listening to artists and songwriters I admire. I'll then think about what I found drew me to the song. Then, think about what I would be different and use that as a jumping off point.
