How do you stay motivated?

jdavison67

For me... in music, writing, and art.... nothing is linear.... the brain doesn't go from A to Z....at least... my brain doesn't.

Create...create...create.... sort it out later.... sleep on it.... go with your gut.... do something else and come back to it......later....

Work on many projects at once...so when you get stuck.... you jump to your other projects....or start a new one...

 

JD

Ainm

Stick your work in a drawer for 6 months and work on a new challenge. If you take out your previous work 6 months later and don't hate it, congratulations, you've learned nothing. Stow it for another 6 months; toss in anything you've done in the 6 months since too. Get back to work on something new and punishing.

One day, something in the drawer will end up in the bin or back on your desk. Both are huge successes. But when you get bored of what's on your desk, the drawer is too good. Hoist it on others - publish! It's someone else's problem now. It's not like you'll ever finish anything anyway.

5 years after a publication and any last thought of a work, call it up out of the blue and invite it to a fancy date. Reminisce at the lovely times; remember why you broke up. Return to your desk; stare at the wall for three weeks. Then a tear, a smile and a new energy. 

That's how my motivation runs, at least. Look back often, but never when within reach.