I love to write. It helps make sense of things, is relaxing, and is a way to communicate the way my brain thinks to the world. Yet, the motivation to sit down and write has somehow vanished. Maybe it’s because I’ve talked myself out of it, or perhaps I’ve let it slip away without totally realizing it.
It’s been a slippery slope, but I’ve felt it crumbling for a while now. But, I’m on a quest to get it back. Or at least tap into the joy of writing. You know long, but not too long thoughts, making sense of things through the beauty of words, and telling a kick-ass story (I have so many I could write a book. Yet I talk myself out of that.)
Even as I write this, and go back and check for the copious amounts of typos I’m prone to churning out, I’m wondering if this post is completely pointless. But no, I shall not talk myself out of this one. I KNOW people are struggling to find motivation in their crafts these days, too. And isn’t that the point of all of this? Connect, get thoughts out there, and make someone not feel so alone in what they’re going through or searching for. However big, small, meaningful, or trivial that thing might be.
So here’s how I’m attempting to get my motivation back to write, but also motivation to share, to think (and get outside of my head), and create.
1: I got to be more disciplined. There I said it. I’ve been straight-up slacking and swapping eBay for Microsoft Word. I’m setting aside 30 minutes a day, right after I put my son to bed, to sit down and write. Maybe it’s a blog post, maybe it’s a poem, or some thoughts. Or, maybe it’s a long-winded Amazon review. Just kidding. I have yet to write those but appreciate people who have the time and ambition to churn out those suckers.
It’s funny, when it comes to fitness I am a drill sergeant when it comes to working out and keeping my health in check. What’s the difference when it’s something creative or work-wise? Maybe if I see it as also being beneficial to my mental health that’ll spark something. So I’ll remember that next time I try to plop down on the couch and binge-watch LOOT rather than getting after it. Yeah, I’m all about balance but discipline, even a sprinkle of it tends to even out things rather nicely.
2: Remember perfection is not, and never has been the goal. Somehow I’ve gotten in the mindset that every blog post must be at least four perfect images and have an accompanying perfectly written essay to go along with it. And every poem must be a masterpiece. I think this is a massive side effect of overconsuming too much crap on the internet and in social media, and realizing sometimes simple, and messy is so much more human. Which is a thousand times more appealing.
3: Do things with zero expectation of being seen or replied to. Honestly, feeling like you’re sharing things in a vacant cave that echoes back all your self-doubt can be debilitating. It’s nice to get feedback and know you’re heard or seen. But, if that’s your only goal or measure of success you’re going to end up consuming way too much coffee and clenching your jaw 24/7 trying to keep up with the algorithms while having the joy sucked out of your craft and also losing your vision (Figuratively… and I guess literally, too. Blue lights from screens can be brutal.)
I’ve also learned that expectations can be the ultimate killer of creativity. And I’ve let them have their way too much. Put stuff out there and write/create for the love of it. Not the amount of silly hearts or comments, etc.
4: Accept that it’s all a work in progress with highs, lows, and human quirks. We are not, nor were ever meant to be non-emotional, machines. As much as everything is turning to AI, and it seems like Google and everything is veering towards just getting things written and created, those suckers can’t type in a voice or have personality and creativity. And it shows. I’m not going to feel inspired 24/7 nor should I be. What matters is to keep on taking baby steps each day (totally fine to take weekends off) and to be proud of any imperfections, or inconsistencies. Embrace the highs, lows, and blahs. Those blahs by the way totally kick my ass at times and are the most daunting and uninspiring.
5. Set a goal for once. I am horrible at goal setting. But if there’s a finish line or mountain to climb, I set those goals yesterday and already have a training plan in mind. Now, it’s time to translate that mindset into this creative stuff and figure out a few goals. Then start making a plan to get there. THAT will strike up some serious motivation.
I know what I’ll write about in my 30-minute writing session tomorrow night.
Cheers to creating, my friends, and all the awkward insecurities we overcome to help bring beauty into this crazy world.
Now, off to check for how many typos are in this thing.
More long thought posts aqui // Mood board made in Shuffles. Love that app so darn much.
Love this post! It came at just the right time! Especially your thoughts on perfectionism and accepting the work in progress. Thank you so much!
Sooooo thrilled to know it helped. Thank you and cheers to all the works in progress we’ve got going on!