Written by You’ve probably heard me say this before, but it’s worth repeating: Be your biggest fan. Don’t rely on anyone else to provide you with the motivation you need to keep creating. Because let’s face it, if your motivation hinges on external factors, it can easily waver or disappear altogether.
What we do have control over is how we motivate ourselves. Many of us haven’t spent much time being our own cheerleaders, and that’s precisely why I’m putting together this podcast. I want to share what I do to keep myself motivated. It’s crucial to understand that being motivated doesn’t mean you’ll be consistently fired up. There will be days when you doubt yourself and your abilities, and that’s perfectly normal.
The ebb and flow of motivation often stems from what’s happening outside of us, like the responses we receive or how much attention our work is getting. But here’s the thing: your inner dialogue, that little voice inside your head, often mirrors your perception of the external world. So, building a strong relationship with yourself and becoming your own biggest fan can help you navigate the highs and lows of your creative journey.
Let’s dive into some actionable steps to boost your self-motivation:
Encourage and Give Positive Feedback to Yourself: Start by changing the narrative of your self-talk. Many of us are accustomed to self-deprecating thoughts. Replace those with positive feedback on your work. Even if something isn’t going as planned, focus on what’s going right. You don’t have to fixate on your mistakes to improve; in fact, it’s more productive to emphasize your strengths and solutions.
Set Realistic Goals: Don’t set yourself up for failure by aiming for unattainable goals. Break your long-term aspirations down into achievable milestones. Consider how much time you need for experimentation, mistakes, and adjustments. Give yourself some grace by setting goals with a buffer for unexpected challenges.
Create a Supportive Environment: Take a hard look at the people around you. Some may not be supportive of your creative endeavors. Limit your interactions with toxic individuals who drain your motivation. Ask yourself why you’re in specific relationships and whether they’re based on genuine support or fear.
Explore Resources and Nurture Self-Expression: Don’t force yourself to research things just because you think that’s what artists should do. Pursue resources that genuinely interest you and aid your creative growth. Rediscover the joy of self-expression and play in your art. Don’t let financial pressures smother your artistic spirit.
Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that success takes time. Avoid the trap of using setbacks as a reason to beat yourself up. The key to staying motivated is to treat yourself with kindness and patience. Pay close attention to your self-talk and adjust it if needed.
Stay Engaged in the Art Community: Attend art events, interact with fellow artists, and immerse yourself in the art world. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide valuable inspiration and motivation.
Ultimately, remember to talk to yourself more positively. It might sound simple, but it’s a powerful tool for maintaining motivation. Consider creating a reminder for yourself, like a poster that says, “I love talking to myself more positively.” Place it where you’ll see it daily to reinforce this essential habit.
As we wrap up, I want to remind you that you’ve got this. Your journey as an artist is a unique and ever-evolving adventure. Embrace the ebb and flow, be kind to yourself, and keep nurturing that internal cheerleader. Have an amazing, creative week, my friends. I adore each and every one of you, and I can’t wait to chat with you again next week. Adios!
I think stay engaged with the art community is where I struggle most. It’s too easy and comfortable to create in my own little corner of the world!