Day 5: Lack of Motivation
If you are struggling with motivation, or find it difficult to stay focused and committed to your writing projects over time, try these steps:
Set tiny goals at first, highly achievable goals that you can definitely achieve. (Anne Lamott’s one-inch picture frame, I’m talking to you.)
Break larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks and build momentum. Or take a look at the tasks you have in front of you. Are these the projects you are really passionate about? If not, find ways to squeeze in the stuff you really care about. Maybe you have to write certain things to bring in the money, but make the time (even if it’s only a few minutes) to at least think about what really moves you.
This advice is from one of my favorite writing mentors, Katie Rubin: Whenever possible, write where the energy is.
Start with this line: I hate writing and this is boring. Keep going. Write badly. Write what you would write if you knew what you wanted to write about. Set the timer, five, ten, twenty minutes. Little chunks make a difference. Cs get degrees and little chunks of time bring books and essays and poems and stories to life.
Create a writing routine or schedule to help establish a consistent writing habit. Haha! This tip makes me laugh, and then cry, and then want to barf. If you read this and think what I think: But I’m not the kind of person who can stick to a routine! Rethink your idea of a routine. Part of my writing routine is meeting with my writing group every Friday night. We complain, we eat awesome food, and then we set the timer for twenty minutes, and shut up and write. You don’t have to be the kind of person who quits their job and writes eight hours a day, maybe you will be that kind of person some day, but for now, start small and couple your writing with something you love like coffee or a writing buddy or music or your dog snuggling at your feet.
I am very suspicious that a lack of motivation is tied to one of the earlier tips from the week, so maybe check in with yourself. Are you feeling doubt, the need for perfection, feeling like you're stuck? Remember, bad writing is always, always, always better than no writing. Bad writing is the bridge to better writing, so when all else fails, write your terrible, horrible, no good heart out. For twenty minutes. Then reward yourself with reality TV.
