5 Reasons You Can't Afford Not to be Motivated!

　

I started out with the best of intentions. Woke up bright eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to take on the world and unleash my awesomeness!

It was a Monday, the first month in the second quarter, and I was super excited about new projects, as the beautiful spring weather peeked in at me through my corner office window.

At 6:20 a.m., I logged unto my computer to get things cracking.

I checked my email, mentally prepared my to-do list, and then I was good to go.

FAST FORWARD...

Three hours in, and I'm frustrated by computer glitches, spam emails, stress, expectations unmet, a migraine, back pain, eye strain, and a partridge in a pair tree!

It’s one of those days when I question whether or not to continue my journey as a writer; whether it’s worth all the disappointments, detours and doubts. Grrrrrrr….

If you’ve been on the scene for awhile, I’m almost certain that you’ve had these days too. Hello?
Immersed in the thick of things, I sometimes feel like throwing in the towel and joining the circus.
I figure I already have a lot of "juggling" experience as a freelance writer.

A POSITIVE SPIN ON NEGATIVE THOUGHTS...

Seems that Murphy's Law is often in the mix...obstacles to overcome or some set-back to sabotage my efforts: a client who pays late, a computer browser that’s no longer supported, a promising project that gets cancelled unexpectedly, income projections that miss the mark.

I think about quitting. Again.
But, unlike most careers, “true writers” can’t quit; we’re “drafted.“
It’s in our blood. It’s part of our internal wiring. It’s our calling.

Not to mention, too much is at stake for us not to stay motivated and stay in the game!

HERE’S WHY…

Whether you’re busted or disgusted, here are 5 reasons you must stay motivated in 2017!

See if you agree.

1. YOUR MESSAGE MATTERS.

You don’t have to be a big celebrity to have a big impact. If your words change one person’s life for the better, consider yourself a success. Nobody has the same exact experiences, the same perspective, the same style, the same voice as you do. Keep going. Remember the words of Dr. Seuss: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not."

2. YOU HAVE TO STAY MOTIVATED HONEY, TO MAKE MONEY.

It’s simple business math. Stress and lack of motivation can cause writer's block.
No output means no income.

Technically, we don’t have a boss behind us “cracking the whip.” For writers, motivation is a “do-it-yourself” project. Of course we all need and deserve a “pity party” now and again. Perhaps yours is due this week. Host it. Have it.

Then use what you’ve learned in your private time to take personal inventory. What could you do better to insure greater success? What bad habits do you need to eliminate?
What are some small victories that can serve to inspire you in days ahead? Assess and apply.
(Sidenote: I keep a beautiful plaque that I was awarded for my blog, above my desk as a visual reminder of what I have accomplished.)

3. ADVERSITY BUILDS CHARACTER.

And your portfolio. When you feel like giving up, instead dig deep. Why not tap into your creative powers? Pen a poem. Write a post about your trials and tribulations to inform others.
Here's an example where I practice what I preach:
https://refiction.com/articles/5-ways-to-turn-writing-gaffes-into-writing-gold

4. SOMEONE IS COUNTING ON YOUR SUCCESS.

It could be someone you mentor, or a family member. They're watching and taking note. They believe in you. You need to accept the challenge. You need to step up, my friend.

5. QUITTING TOO SOON CAN CAUSE ENDLESS REGERTS   REGRETS.

Who wants to live with a lifetime of "would haves" and "should haves"?
To quote the lottery commercial here: "You can't win if you don't play."

IF YOU'RE ON BOARD, HERE ARE A FEW TIMELY TIPS

TO KEEP YOU ON A PROGRESSIVE PATH:

1. Try a Change of Scenery.

If you’re used to working from home, why not tote your laptop or journal to the local library, coffee shop, or park? Bird watching, star gazing, or simply engaging in conversations with others can often provide information and inspiration for that next chapter of your novel, or next blog post.

2. Color.

Adult coloring books are all the rage. If you’re thinking that they’re just for kids, retrain your brain. According to Craig Sawchuk, a clinical psychologist at Mayo Clinic: “Coloring can help slow down heart rate and respiration, loosen muscles and stimulate the brain.”

In 2015, an estimated 12 million adult coloring books were sold in the United States.

3. Take a Break.

That’s right. Though this may seem counter-productive it actually works. Scheduling some “down time” helps to relax the mind, rejuvenate the spirit, and recover. Make it a part of your regular routine to break the monotony and to break through to new levels in your writing.

4. Read motivational quotes.

I often purchase motivational calendars with daily positive messages to embrace. You can also find them online by simply Google-ing "motivational quotes."

To wrap things up here

A wise person once said: "When you feel like quitting, remember why you started."
Words to live by.



...A penny for your thoughts. :-)


Image credits: https://Pixabay.com/