How To Stay Motivated | Organization and Inspiration
If you are like me, you probably get ideas every now and then that in the moment, ignite a huge spark of inspiration and you might feel that you can easily see these ideas through from start to finish only to find that after a few weeks, maybe days, maybe even hours, you start to lose inspiration, motivation, and the will to keep going.
Let me start with a few tips I use (these days more unconsciously) to get through a task. These can be used for smaller, or larger tasks. I have also added to the free, downloadable business plan template I posted last month so feel free to copy and paste what I added
The following is all about figuring out where a block or lack of motivation might come from. If you want to create for the sake of creating, just do it. It can be frivolous and joyful and does not need to be anything beyond that. But if the task feels like it might be hard to follow through with or you are struggling, consider the following four factors of motivation. These are not the only factors in existence, they are just what I personally use. Again, you will find these factors in the business plan template.
The Four Factors of Motivation I added to the business plan template for you to keep as reference or to add to with your own ideas.
Keeping all of these things in mind can help you understand why you are doing something, if there is a reason beyond doing it just for the sake of the muse of course, and sometimes knowing the why, can be a great motivating end goal. I learned after writing this that there is an existing “4 factors of Motivation” often used by employers but this is not based on that (though feel free to look into that if it is helpful!)
When I paint a piece, my motivation comes from the joy of creation, knowing that I will have something new to share with you, and the concept that it will benefit my career. The passion always comes first for me though. When I write an article such as this, while it might be less exciting than painting, my passion comes from knowing that it might help you, and it will give my Patreon more content and substance for others to enjoy. And of course, in all these things, I am motivated by growth because with each project I complete, I learn. Even if I fail, I still learn.
I want to mention that you do not NEED to think of all the above factors every time you come up with a project. Truly, these are bits of advice to reserve for those times when you do need them. When you are uninspired, or trying to find a way to improve your body of work or career.
Larger Tasks
Once more, this image is a preview of what I added to the business plan template for you to fill out for yourself <3
When I talk about larger tasks, I am thinking of things that are applicable to me, and where I am at. For me, a larger task might be planning out a new series of work, planning out my art book or a new direction in my business, but for some, it might also be the creation of a new painting or song or something that they might feel needs extensive planning. Each of us works differently in that sense. When I have all my planning and calculating for a larger task done, I usually know pretty well if I actually want to follow through with the project. Sometimes I decide it is not the direction I want to go, and change it. And of course I always try to leave some extra time for myself, and some room for evolution. When I first planned to do an art book, it was supposed to be a 16-20 page self printed zine until I decided to let it span several years of work with a similar theme!
You can also use these methods to rethink existing projects. Again, my art book plans changed heavily over time, so using organizational tools like this can now help me get them more on track, within reason, so that I have a better idea of what I need to finish this big project.
Next time I post an article it will be about the mental and physical health aspects of motivation which are just as important, if not more so, for many of us. I hope this has been helpful for you thus far!
