It’s the “lazy hazy days of procrastination” in Kansas. Motivation? It’s too hot. Focus? There are swimming pools and parties and picnics calling you. Not getting far on that project of yours? Here are five tips for staying motivated during the lazy hazy days of summer (or any time of year.)
People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.
Zig Ziglar
Get Started
There will be days when you don’t feel like working. Do it anyway. Take a small step. If necessary, take a tiny step. But do it. Once you’ve taken that first step, no matter how small, the next step is easier.
Can’t get started? Check out my post on creating the life you want. It discusses a 5-second rule that might change your life.
Starve your distractions. Feed your focus.
Unknown
Reduce Distractions
This is a big one for me. And yes, there are some distractions (husband and kids and family) one cannot simple “reduce.”
When my son was very young it was difficult to find the time and quiet to write. Then, when he got a little older, I used a noisy timer. I’d set it for ten minutes at first. When he could hear the ticking he wasn’t supposed to interrupt Mommy. Of course he did. Inevitably, not five minutes into my writing session he’d come to my desk.
Son: “Mom, Mom, Mom…” Mom: “Is it on fire?”
Son: “No.”
Mom: “Is it bleeding?”
Son: shakes his head
Mom: “Is it dead?”
Son: “No.” usually accompanied by an eye roll or two
Mom: “Then it’s not an emergency, come back when the timer rings.”
Today, I my son is grown. Now I distract myself–a lot. The internet is my big distraction. From social media to web-based games to “research,” I’m quick to go down the rabbit hole. There’s web based software that helps control internet distractions. Some software blocks certain sites. One piece of software I use keeps track of the time I spend on the device (phone, computer, or iPad). When I see my time go up, I re-evaluate and usually learn I need to refocus.
Boost Your Energy
Play music that gives you energy. This is huge for me. I have a playlist of music I call high energy. When I’m cleaning house or exercising that’s the music I play.
I have another playlist that’s for writing. Those pieces are dramatic and emotional.
Find the music that gets you going. Don’t know what to play? Youtube is a great place to try out a wide variety of music. See what came up when I searched for energy boosting music.
The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.
Neil Gaiman
Know Your Why
Remember where you started and why. It’s probably the best motivation you have. If you haven’t already, write down your reasons why you first wanted to do this thing that seems so hard now. Rekindling your passion will be the best motivation.
See the Big Picture
Make a visual, something that represents you achieving your goal. What will it look like? How will you feel?
Put that visual somewhere you will see it every day. Seeing your goal helps you reach your goal.
Tips for Staying Motivated
Summertime is full of distractions and heat and other things that can de-motivate you. Follow these five tips for staying motivated. Keep working toward your goals regardless of the procrastination season you’re in. Please share other tips or motivational tools that have worked for you in the comments below.
My motivation for writing is pretty much nil right now. Even when I have time, my brain is stuck on all the things I need to do to prepare for moving, and for getting the current house ready to sell. This is what some call a “life roll,” and often, the thing to do is to just get through it and come back to the writing when things settle down. Another option is to simply cut our writing goals way back and do what we can. I’m trying that, with mixed success.
You have a lot on your plate right now, Jennette. I think you’re doing what you can and I know you’ll get back to the writing. Good luck with all the moving prep!