How to Get Motivated

We all have motivation problems from time to time

Sometimes we just need to be more aware of what motivates us – we often don’t know exactly what that is.

Do you know what motivates you?

If not – try making a list. Perhaps you find a good book or film might inspire you?

For some people, it’s the opposite. I was inspired to write my first radio story after hearing a particularly dreary radio story while driving home in heavy traffic one afternoon.

I personally am motivated by several things. Like I said above, seeing or reading something I consider badly written will inspire me to do better.

At other times, I might read a story that was so well written, or so inspiring I just know I have to keep going.

Other times I find a story takes up so much of my thinking time that I am just burning to write it – I absolutely have to write it – for my own peace of mind.

How to Get Motivated

YOUR READERS

I am also greatly motivated by having people read my writing. Knowing people have bought my books and enjoyed them is a great feeling – especially if they leave interesting feedback, or ask me questions about the story.

You can’t beat the feeling you get when people like the work you love to do.

MONEY

Money is very important too. I have heard many artists and writers proclaim that they are not motivated by money but I can only assume they have inherited great wealth.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being motivated by money. Money pays the bills, puts food on our tables and pays for our computers and stationery.

However, we do need to be realistic about our aspirations and expectations. Not every writer will earn enough to make a living.

Some writers maintain full-time jobs while using the evenings or weekends to write.

I personally always had part-time teaching jobs and made my living from the combined income of my freelance creative writing and teaching.

CRASH

The economic crash in Ireland did away with most of the part-time teaching jobs and I really did not want to return to the office work of an earlier life.

MAGIC AND THE WILDERNESS

Instead of looking for other teaching jobs I decided to take control of my own life and start my own little business.

I live in the beautiful area of Galway you see below and the views inspired me to write children’s stories and to set them here on the Wild Atlantic Way.

My novel-writing, this website and my children’s stories website www.ballyyahoo.com are now my life’s work.

I now earn my living from the combined income of my freelance creative writing and my websites and these are key motivators for me.

Simply put, if I don’t write I will not earn a living. I have no other income, no trust fund etc. to fall back on. Believe me, when I say this is a great motivator.

HOW TO GET MOTIVATED DESPITE PROBLEMS

We all have problems – work problems, financial issues, and family stuff and many of these things can cause us to lose faith in our writing and sometimes even in ourselves.

I wrote a post about how I recovered my own motivation after a serious accident and you can read this post on staying motivated here.

I find motivational quotes and poems help too. They won’t lift you out of a serious funk but they can give you a little lift and sometimes that is all we need.

INNER CRITIC

We all have an inner critic – a voice in our head that discourages or criticises us.

This inner critic can tell us we are wasting our time or that our work is no good. If this is your problem, you may need to become disciplined in ignoring that voice.

Realising that thoughts are not facts will help.

Fear of failure can feed your inner critic. Dealing with this fear might take some time but it’s worth it. Read about coping with the fear of failure here.

You need to remind yourself that even the most successful writers suffer from these fears and worries and that the reason they are now successful is that they kept going.

Successful writers ignore their inner critic.

There is always some level of risk in undertaking any creative endeavour and accepting this is key.

Acceptance makes it easier to continue to write.

It might help you to remember that you only have one life.

Remember that in reality, we do have free time so why not use at least some of that time to write – nothing ventured nothing gained.

Find more about inspiration for writers here.

‘There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.’ – Christopher Morley

PRACTICAL CREATIVE WRITING EXERCISES

You won’t be able to stop writing because these beautiful and inspiring exercises will banish your writing block right now.

Never Be Stuck Again!

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