As writers, we all experience demotivation, times when the very idea of doing one of the things we love most only dredges up feelings of despair. Even if we’re enthusiastic about our work and its possibilities, we still struggle to make it to our sacred space, apply butt to chair, and write.
If you’ve ever been through this, you’re not alone. Every successful author has, at one point, battled to stay disciplined and not give up. Here are some simple ways to turn things around and get back on track.
Read what you last wrote
Self-explanatory. As my simplest tip, it’s one of the most effective ways to stay engaged and enthusiastic about your work. Just don’t go back too far and start editing. Read only to appreciate your efforts, get your creative juices flowing, and hopefully, write.
Banish resistance
When it comes to acknowledging that resistance is what keeps many from becoming authors, some writers respond to cut-and-dry advice, while others need more gentle coaxing.
My favourite motivational speaker is Eric Thomas, who gets straight to the point and often tells me through his videos what I don’t want (but need) to hear. Here’s an example–Warning: Not for the weak.
If you prefer books, The War of Art is a short read that many writers and other creatives use for a better understanding of the resistance we all encounter and how to deal with it.
Review your notes
Journals, research, reference material, sketches, videos, stories, and photographs can draw you back into your work without overwhelming you and inspire you to dig deeper and explore different aspects of the material. So dig up those boxes and files and reexamine the mementos and journals that sparked your need to write in the first place.
Change your environment
A scenic walk through your favourite neighbourhood, a hike or stroll along the beach, a manicure or pedicure, or a chat with a neighbour can all help shake out some cobwebs. (And a trip to a nearby bookstore, after seeing other people’s books lining the shelves, can jolt you back into action and to your manuscript.)
Write about Now
There’s no better way for you to clear your mind than by expressing your feelings on paper. What’s stopping you from writing? Or scaring you, discouraging you, or keeping you from sleeping at night? Writing out your frustrations is often a great outlet to put aside your fear and lack of motivation and put your head in a better place.
One way to do this is through Morning Pages, the practice of “longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning.” Once you make it a habit, you’ll find yourself leaving the words and your feelings on the pages.
Talk to another writer or author
There’s nothing like sharing like sharing your frustrations with another like-minded soul and getting their tips for solving a problem. Tap into your network of creative heads–ask individuals you know personally or, if you’re bold enough, ask through social media–and take note of their best advice.
Revisit your goals and your Why
When in doubt and you don’t remember why you signed up for this, go over the many ways your book will not only change your readers’ lives, but yours also. If you keep these reasons in the back of your mind, they’ll propel you to keep progressing until you cross the finish line.
What to do next:
Every manuscript draft comes with its own set of challenges. If you’ve started your first draft and are struggling to stay motivated, download this First-Draft Survival Guide as a step-by-step plan to quickly plan, write, and finish your manuscript.
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