It’s Friday, and while I’m looking forward to the weekend, I can’t help but stare at my computer screen and my “to-do” list with a blank, unmotivated stare. Do you ever have those days?
Confession time: this happens to me a lot.
I know, I know, I’m cringing just typing this.
But seriously, I have my motivated days where I’m editing like crazy, and I’m typing my own book so fast my fingers can’t keep up. Then there’s days like today, when I’m struggling to keep my eyelids open.
I wish I could say that being a writer comes with unlimited amounts of gumption and creativity, but that’s not the case. It definitely seems to come with a caffeine addiction, but that’s another confession for another Friday.
So what do you do when your motivation and creativity can’t be found? How do you pound out that word count anyway? Here’s five ways that help me get to typing and kicking my motivation into high gear.
- CHANGE OF SCENERY. Get up and get moving. Yep. Leave the computer. Take a walk, play with your kiddos outside, wash your dishes, or change out of those yoga pants and fix your hair. Do something that changes your current state and gets your mind on something positive. The key here is doing something that won’t take up hours of your day, but around thirty minutes or less. That way you can get back to the computer and get that word count finished.
- DO SOMETHING ELSE THAT’S CREATIVE. Find a different creative outlet and have fun. I love to do anything crafty, and have lots of hobbies that I enjoy: crochet, string art, cake decorating, and I just got a wood burning kit for my birthday. Doing other creative things energizes me and gets my creative juices flowing.
- SET CLEAR, MANAGEABLE GOALS. The key here is to set goals that are clear and achievable. Be honest about your goals. If you haven’t been able to finish writing a novel, break it down into smaller goals that are reachable and that you can see yourself achieving. If you have a problem with follow through, set goals that you can build off of. Don’t sabotage yourself with goals that you don’t have any intention of reaching.
- READ/WATCH YOUR FAVORITE BOOK OR MOVIE. For me, reading a chapter or so from one of my favorite authors that inspire me or watching an all time favorite movie inspires me to get back to my writing and completing my goals. The key here is watch or read something that inspire you, and not to bring you down. That silly Nicholas Sparks movie is probably not the best choice here. Spoiler alert—something horrible and sad always happens.
- WRITE ANYWAY. One thing that a writer must learn is discipline and that you need to write something every day, regardless of how you feel. If you’re drawing a blank on your story, write a blog instead or maybe a journal entry about your day. Even if you feel like it’s the most boring page you’ve ever written, that’s okay. The idea is to become disciplined to write every day, even when the inspiration isn’t there. This is the key to being a writer.
Do you have a tip to kick that motivation into gear? Share it with us, leave your comment below!
Hugs,
Erin
Most of my writing is from scripture. So I have an endless source but still find myself staring at a page wondering what message God has for me. That’s when I do as you advise and move away. As I move, I pray for my ears to be open to HIs word and my heart to receive it. Usually when I return I’m ready to begin but it’s always that first word that gets me. Once it’s on the page, the rest comes around, and that first word often gets changed.
I’m the same way. Once I can get the first few words out, it flows easier. Prayer helps! =)