Working as a creative professional has a ton of rewards. Some days, your innate desire to “git er done” is through the roof, but on other days, it can be nearly impossible to find. (We know the feeling!) Step One is to acknowledge the fact that motivation, like inspiration, is fickle and fleeting. It comes and it goes. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to cheat the system and kickstart your productivity, even on your most sluggish of days. That’s Step Two:
1. UNPLUG
If your work requires a computer, you might not be able to disconnect completely, but eliminating some of distractions of 21st century life will save you significant amounts of time. If you can bear it, turn off your cell phone or leave it in another room for one or two-hour increments. Turn off non-essential push notifications and alerts for apps on all of your devices. You can even download apps that block social media for certain periods of time! Bottom line: save your energy for more important things.
2. BUDDY UP
Accountability works, plain and simple! Find someone in your life who can be your work buddy. Share your intentions for each work session with each other and be sure to check in on your progress throughout. Ask a pal to text you every hour to keep you on track. Investigate coworking spaces in your area. Immerse yourself in an environment where productivity is prioritized; monkey see, monkey do!
3. TIME BLOCKS
If you get overwhelmed just thinking about all that you need to get done in a single day, try zooming in a bit and breaking down your work into blocks of time. Sort your highest priority tasks into the number of categories that’s right for you, and project the amount of time it might take for you to accomplish the work in each category. You can also try dividing every hour into three work blocks and tackling your task list based on what can be accomplished in a twenty-minute increment. One step at a time; slow and steady wins the race.
4. REWARD SYSTEM
What is your incentive for getting things done? Of course, all of your work should be in service of your overall mission (as an artist, as an individual, as a brand), but if you are lacking in motivation, build in a reward at the end of the task that’s overwhelming you. This could be a cappuccino at the coffee shop down the block or tickets to a show, but however you “treat yo self,” be sure you’ve truly earned it.
5. GET INSPIRED
When your well of inspiration has run dry, turn to the people, places, and things that have inspired you in the past. See a play. Go to a concert. Get some fresh air. Read the newest book from your favorite author. Turn on a podcast. If you can surround yourself with art and culture and humanity that encourage you to be better, you’ll tap into reserves of motivation you didn’t know you had.