Staying Motivated

How do you stay motivated?

Motivated to do what?

Both good questions…and how do you answer? What are you motivated to do?

Many of us, and most of us if we are honest, are motivated only and if there is something to work toward. It’s easy to create the excuse that we are too busy/tired etc etc to work on our voice and when there isn’t something standing in front of us that demands our attention. No value judgement. It just is.

Then, there are the others who lean into process no matter what the outcome and are ready and learning and exploring and discovering for the sake of the craft.

Where are you? Depends? Leaning one way or another?

Staying motivated, like anything athletic, demands your attention. You cannot dial it in. You have to be focused and thorough with that focus. No, it isn’t easy. No, it isn’t sexy. No, it isn’t exciting.

But, just like going to the gym, if you can just get yourself there, the rest motivates itself.

How do we get there?

How do we just get to the place where we practice and explore and discover and get curious?!?!

How do we re-frame the curiosity for the sake of curiosity and not just for a defined outcome?

How do we re-define the outcome for the sake of curiosity?

Re-defining motivation might be the key…what if we shift from outside and external reward to inner, intrinsic and purpose-driven ideals?

What about re-defining motivation with inner values?

Process and not just outcome?

Sustainability and purpose and not just tricks and quick fixes?

So, perhaps it’s time to re-define your motivation in order to stay motivated, or become motivated.

And motivated to do what, exactly?

Yes, it could be practice; it could be technique; it could be artistry; it could be so many things.

They are all up to you. YOU are the motivation. YOU are the reframe. YOU are the curiosity. YOU are the discovery. YOU are the consistency. YOU are the process.

If what motivates you is the next job - then stay ready for it. If what motivates you the progress of process no matter the job, then stay ready for it. All things can be true.

Just get honest with yourself so your motivation can remain true. The curiosity doesn’t have to be the same reason. It just needs to be real.

Motivate YOURSELF by being true to yourself. Don’t make excuses, don’t pretend. Be real and watch how it develops.

With fondness & fierceness,