Let’s find ways of getting motivated—to move beyond fear’s stagnation, battle a lack of confidence, quell a bout of ennui, or whatever it is that’s tethering us in place with super-thick bungee cords.
Where to start? By un-tethering those cords and determining what needs doing. What’s the goal or objective? Mine: to create an extensive mailing list, have a recognizable name and successful blog, to assist fellow writers, and maybe offer editing advice and/or services. That’s a lot to accomplish with limited time; in fact, that’s a lot to accomplish in any span, period. The logical thing to do then is focus on one objective at a time. For me, the mailing list is an excellent one to begin with. As such, I should learn all I can about what makes a successful one and then apply that knowledge.
Having an objective is one thing; being motivated (enthused, stimulated) to make it happen is equally important. Viewing the works/products of others (in my case, successful authors) will provide creative ideas. Seeing their achievements will offer encouragement.
Having a timeframe is a great idea: set one that’s realistic. As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day; so don’t decide to accomplish your goal in 24 hours. You may want to post about it or simply stick a reminder on your fridge: keep the intent [and wished-for outcome] readily in view and accessible.
You may have a few hours, or days, where motivation just ain’t happening. That’s okay. It’s like writer’s block: a temporary time-out. Don’t fret and don’t give up. It will come. Keep the faith.
If necessary, find inspiration. Read inspirational quotes, watch a persuasive thought-provoking video, talk to a friend, join an on-line community (you’d be amazed how many offer valuable support and advice). Or maybe take a long walk, get some [relatively] fresh air, and un-jumble thoughts.
Stop finding excuses. <ROTFL> I have a great [true] one—that lack of time. But, at the end of the day, it’s exactly that: a X*&!%$ excuse (so here’s a kick in the butt to myself). If there are only 30 minutes of “personal” time per day, make the most of them: read, learn, absorb, apply!
Sure, some tasks aren’t that pleasurable, but they need to get done. So focus on the components of the goal that are fun and run with them. The rest will fall into place. Once you’ve discovered enough external motivation, realize it internally. It’s there and it’s in you. You’ve got what it takes.
Baby steps are something I’ve referred to in Typepad posts—how those teeny-tiny strides may seem like they’re not progressing us too quickly or very far, but the fact of the matter is they are. Moving slowly is actually a good thing: it allows us time to absorb and assimilate (kinda like Star Trek Borgs, but in a positive way).
These are but a few off-the-cuff ideas to get going. I could offer more, but this is a post, not a dissertation. . . . That said (speaking of goals), one day there’ll be a deck or vid on this blog. In fact, there’ll be a few. <LOA> But one baby step at a time, my friends. One baby step—and goal—at a time.
The Writer's Grab-Bag 