We’ve all been there; sitting in front of the computer screen or a blank page in a notebook, wondering when the creative flow will take over. It can be hard to find inspiration when you just aren’t feeling it. Thankfully, if you’re experiencing this problem as well, I am here to give you some tips and personal examples of how I find ways to increase my motivation in times like these.
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I’ve experienced this feeling, even outside of writing. I create art as well and have a hard time knowing what to make. I have created tips for myself to try when things aren’t going well creatively, and I hope they are able to help you too. This article is highlighting a few of the many motivation techniques out there. I may make a second article for this subject, so make sure to look out for that as well!
Related: Writer’s Block & How to Creatively Procrastinate
You could have been sent anywhere on the internet for your writing advice, but I am thankful you decided to click on our blog post. I really hope you are able to find tricks that work for you.
Using Nature as a Muse
This may be common sense, but nature can do amazing things for your mental health. I find that sitting outside and letting go of all my thoughts is a great way to relax. Relaxing your mind & body is crucial for the best writing outcome. This could be as simple as sitting on your back porch, overlooking your yard, or sitting in the middle of a forest.
Just being outside and meditating on your thoughts can make a huge difference. I even take my iPad or a notebook outdoors with me in case I am able to find inspiration for my writing & art. Viewing the birds flying overheard or the clouds in the sky can hopefully spark motivation within you to complete whatever task you need to!
Write it Down First
Do you remember in school when you had to write countless essays? Each line of words seemed so hard to fabricate. This ended up making you frustrated and unmotivated to continue, right? At least, this feeling was familiar to me when I was still in school.
Related: Is There Such a Thing as Writer’s Block?
When this happens, what I have found to be useful is writing whatever you need to down and worrying about fixing it later. Getting your thoughts out on paper is a perfect start! If you are unsure how to begin writing, brainstorm smaller ideas that are easier to complete. You may have a big project due, but try breaking it up into smaller sections that are more manageable. If this seems like a big task as well, you could use the next tip to reset your mind to get back into working mode!
Take a Step Away
Sometimes, no matter how hard you can try, it can seem like a dead end. You don’t get anywhere with your writing, and you feel stuck. In this situation, I would recommend taking a step back from your project. Allow your mind to calm down from being pushed into thinking hard about what needs to be done. Your brain does so much for you as it is, and sometimes it deserves a break.
Take a small nap or go for a walk. You could even combine the first tip with this one, and take a walk in nature as your ’step away’ from work while finding inspiration within nature. Take the time you need to feel refreshed and motivated to start once again.
Remember Your Goals
If you are finding it difficult to begin or continue the writing process, remember why you want to write. What is the purpose of your writing journey? Will it lead to bigger opportunities? Do you want to use your work to communicate with a wider audience? Or are you writing because it simply brings you joy? Whatever your reason, you may need to remind yourself of it.
This is especially important during times when you are not feeling motivated. From a personal standpoint, I write because it brings me joy to discuss what evokes passion from within. Sharing my knowledge and happiness with those around me makes me feel wonderful and fulfilled. Remind yourself that if this was not important to you, you wouldn’t have made the conscious choice to begin your project in the first place.
Read to Expand Your Ideas
Reading and writing go hand-in-hand. When we read, we open our minds to the ideas that flow from each word that is written in the book. If you are feeling stuck in a rut of frustration, perhaps finding a book to read for a while will help. You can relax your mind while discovering new ideas and inspiration through the pages. You could potentially find the motivation you need by reading a few chapters of a book that has already been written. Try reading a story that you usually wouldn’t read in order to expand your ideas for your own writing and your literary horizons simultaneously!
“You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page. Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.”
— Annie Proulx
I hope these tips can allow you to start your trek up the mountain of motivation and out of the cavern of creative slumps. Do you have any more tips that you would like to share? Leave a comment for us and those reading to help them! Thank you so much for reading, and have a wonderful day! ♡