Lack of motivation

One thing I have noticed in my life as a writer is a severe lack of motivation. Not to mention discipline. Ugh!!! I’m not too fond of those words sometimes. I really wish those words didn’t exist, and we could go about our merry lives in bliss.

Alas, but that should show me what I need to work on. You would think at least, right? It’s so easy not to have either. But how would we grow into what we are supposed to be if we don’t? so I will give you some little tidbits about each so you can fair better than me. Who knows, I may learn something too. And also take you along on my journey. Because heaven knows I could learn from my mistakes. 

If you look up motivation in the dictionary, it says the general desire or willingness of someone to do something. Or the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving particularly. When it’s put that way, it makes sense why so many people want to have it every day of their lives.

Just imagine what it would be like to be always motivated. We could have everything on our to-do list done. Also, have plenty of time on our hands afterward to do the things we love. It almost sounds like an impossible dream. I have been doing a lot of research on the topic.

All I can say is good luck finding one that works 100% of the time for you. There are hundreds if not thousands of different opinions on the subject. Each one might work for that person. But there is no guarantee that it will work for you. 

A few I have found is a 2-5 minute rule, the Pomodoro technique, and a few others. Pomodoro is working for 25 minutes at a time with 5 minute breaks in-between. Simple to implement. Also, simple to understand.

 The 2 to 5-minute rule is pretty basic. If there is a task that only takes around 2-5 minutes to do. I suggest doing them immediately. I have a couple that I tag on the end of my more significant tasks. All I can say is that it is super easy to get them out of the way versus procrastinating them. Because all you are doing is making it harder for you in the end. 

Discipline is an activity or experience that provides mental or physical training or train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way. It’s also my weakness, and I’m sure I’m not alone. I mean, how can you get to it with so much to do in a day. With all the advice, it can get very confusing. There are many people out there that are amazing at it. And seem to be happy to share their secrets. The only problem is we are brave enough to learn.

That is the key to the whole thing. It’s not something you can dabble in and call it good. It takes time, effort, and making it a daily habit no matter what you do. And it’s the worst thing in the world when you start. Because it seems like everything wants to grab your attention. But it would be best if you learned to focus, which helps with discipline.

 It’s also another reason you hear them together because they go hand in hand. Note it says something, not some things. As in, pick one thing to focus on. Finding a process that fits your lifestyle. For instance, some people batch tasks together to make it easier to do them.

And it works for me up to a point. I am a very visual person. So near me, I have a whiteboard that lists everything I do in a day. Down to the tiniest detail. I have found that it helps me focus better on disciplining myself. 

One thing I have noticed is that despite working on the ranch. I have a lot more time than I realize. We only work at the barn for about 16 hours each week. While this can be a good thing for having less stress in life. It’s also the worst thing in the world. Because then I get overwhelmed by all the things I can do.

But writing in detail what I am doing and when I do it. It truly helps detailed oriented people like me. I highly suggest it, unless your brain is wired differently than mine. If it is, might I suggest researching it? Who knows, it might just be the thing you need to finish your book finally. Or post or whatever it is you are doing.  

The hardest thing I am learning about this is to stop being so distracted and bored with what I am writing. I have learned how to spice it up, yet I still struggle. But I am told that is more common in writers than people think. To learn more about my opinion and tips on distractions and boredom. If you find yourself bored beyond imagination. Get up, walked around, and sit in a unique spot. You find it helps get those creative juices flowing.

Also, for those easily distracted. Block the distractions. Either on your phone or computer. There are ways to do it on your phone. The most uncomplicated way I have found to do it on the computer is putting a thick black cloth or paper on your screen and starting typing. or if you're not a writer, watch or read something like your work.