Motivating yourself isn’t always easy!
I don’t know what it is about summer (maybe the intense east coast humidity) that makes it so much harder to motivate myself.
I haven’t been super motivated to do much of anything other than binge stream old tv shows, if I’m being honest. This wouldn’t be much of a problem if I didn’t have to…you know… be a real adult and functioning member of society! And I know I’m not the only one struggling!
Instagram and social media as a whole makes it seem like everyone (but you) is out there hustling nonstop, but that’s definitely not the case. Having those unmotivated moments is completely normal and happens to the best of us. I also know they’re pretty annoying and kind of inconvenient. I have things to do!!
When summer first started, I definitely had this vision of me booking trips, uploading 2 videos a week, getting a new blog post up every day, and maintaining a clean apartment, active social life and writing 2,000 words per week in my writing project.
It’s safe to say, that has NOT been the reality of my summer. But it hasn’t been a total bust either! It’s been harder to start, but I’ve slowly but surely been getting things done and working through my lists.
Here are a few things I’ve been doing lately to motivate myself:
1. Making realistic to-do lists
Because nothing is more daunting than knowing you have 400 things to do and no motivation to get them done! I’ve been trying to keep my lists to 5-6 items max. I always prioritize things and try not to have 1-2 super high priority items on the same list. It also helps to add some fun things to your list, like starting a new book! It makes looking at your list more inspirational and less daunting. Also, making a done list helps me to feel uber productive.
2. Organizing and settling into my apartment
I moved into this apartment in March and I’m still getting settled. Buying furniture, figuring out what each space needs, and budgeting for it all takes so much time. But the longer I put if off, the less motivated I felt at home. I finally framed some prints I bought last year, one being the Frida print featured in these photos. I also ordered some bedroom furniture, decluttering my closets, and starting browsing for new bedding. It’s a slow process and, overall, a small thing. But it motivates me so much to walk into a space I love.
3. Less screen time
Especially to make more time to read! It’s so easy to go down an Instagram or YouTube black hole and end up wasting hours of the day. I’ve been pushing myself not to start my day on the phone, and to put my phone down earlier. When I moved into this new place, I bought a tv for the first time since high school! It’s been interesting, and definitely makes it easy to fall into screening binges!
4. Closing the tabs
How many browser tabs do you have opened right now?! One day I looked and, I kid you not, had more than 15 tabs open! It’s easy to get distracted and bounce from tab to tab, without really focusing on the task you set out to do. I try to close all of my programs/apps/windows when I’m done working so I can just focus on the task at hand when I’m back at my desk.
5. Having a dedicated work space
There’s definitely a science behind having a dedicated workspace to motivate yourself. It signals to your brain hey, we’re about to do things for a bit. Getting my desk/work area together was one of the first things I did in the new apartment. It’s helped me get more done, work more efficiently and motivates me to do more! In my old place, I would blog and edit from my couch or bed, or go to coffee shops, and would always put things off to the last moment.
6. Having an accountability partner
Nothing helps to motivate yourself like having someone in the trenches, cheering you on and keeping you going. I’m lucky to have so many friends who are also balancing full time jobs and creative work. They’re the ones I can text about projects I’m struggling with, opportunities I’m gunning for or just for a kick in the butt to get to work! For the past few months, Callie and I have been meeting up to talk about our goals, brands and work and it’s motivated me so much!
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If you’re also struggling with motivating yourself this summer, I hope some of these tips help you!! Let me know how your motivation levels have been in the comments, and how you’re pushing through.