How to Have Strong Motivation: Our 10-Step Guide

Life isn’t always easy – sometimes you just lack a strong motivation needed to see the project through. Hey, we’ve all been there.

Reposting a few motivational words on your Insta page unfortunately won’t tick off your checklist of chores. What you need is a mindset change: something to silence that annoying instant gratification monkey, and allow you to get on with things that are important.

Before you find your mind wandering again – do you really need that Facebook tab open? – here’s our 10-step, fool-proof guide to granting yourself the strongest of strong motivation. Read on…

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#1 Work to your strengths / identify your weaknesses

Work out what you’re good at and what you’re not.

Motivation comes naturally when you’re working to your strengths, so find out what you’re good at. Challenges that you just can’t overcome can cause a loss of motivation.

Don’t struggle by yourself – know when you need to reach out for help.

#2 Set goals

It’s easier to stay focused when you’re working towards something. Set yourself goals for the long term, medium-term and short term.

For example; by the end of the year I will have released 3 mixtapes, by the end of the month I will have arranged album artwork for my first mixtape, by the end of today I will have planned out my first feature, etc…

#3 Organise yourself

Having strong motivation involves getting yourself in the right frame of mind. For work, this is a must.

Shut out all other distractions and concentrate on the task at hand. Work in a place where you’re able to focus and won’t be interrupted. If you have your own studio, it might be worth taking some time to decorate

Prepare your space – make sure you have all the tools you need to complete your work.

#4 Work when it suits you

Everyone has a slightly different body clock.

If your brain goes into sleep mode after 9pm, there’s no point trying to force it to come up with new ideas after this time, or you’ll just hit a mental block. Work at a time when you’re comfortable and mentally awake.

#5 Plan

Making a plan of action ahead of time will allow you to get straight down to work. Plan out what you’re going to do, make a schedule, and follow it.

You’ll be able to tick things off as you complete them, giving you little wins as you go!

#6 Stay accountable – get critique & feedback

Tell your peers and friends what you’re working on. Let them know you’ll show them your work when it’s ready and ask for their feedback and critique.

You’ll maintain strong motivation knowing that you have to work to a deadline and that your work will be assessed. Join local groups or associations where you can show your work to like-minded creatives and discuss ideas.

#7 Procrastination – just say no!

No excuses – all your other tasks can wait. Even the laundry. Yes, even checking the mail.

…You don’t still have that Facebook tab open do you?

#8 Get a hobby

When you lack motivation for one creative project, try another. Start a hobby that’s completely different – knitting, foreign languages, basket weaving – anything.

You’ll find the change of scenery will get your creative juices flowing, and you’ll return to your project with a refreshed mind.

Your new hobby will make you more creative – learning new skills is the best way to stay fresh.

#9 Don’t force it

Accept it.

Creative block happens to everyone.

The more you try to struggle through, the more uncooperative your brain gets. Try approaching your task from a different angle.

Or, if all else fails take a break from the project entirely.

#10 Have fun and remember why you’re doing it in the first place

When you enjoy what you’re doing, finding the strong motivation to work is less of a problem.

Remember why you became creative in the first place; was it to express yourself artistically? To share your vision with the world? Personal gain? Is this one little step on the road to global domination?

Don’t forget to reward yourself for reaching a goal, no matter how tiny.

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