I have an odd relationship with the motivation, that being - I don’t trust it. Time and time again we fall into the trap of leaning into the surge of excitement that arises when we feel motivated. Your alarm goes and you kick the covers off ready to kick a** and seize the day. A week later the ringing of your alarm stings your ears as you reach for the snooze button and your half shut eyes peer around for motivation. It’s not there. It left. Without warning. All the promises it made; the big goals and good feels, they all left with it.
Relying on motivation is like putting all your trust and responsibility onto someone else. I often get messages from fellow creatives asking how I stay motivated… boy oh boy, if only you had been a fly on my wall during January.
The sloggy beginning to this year had me waiting for motivation to show up. Alas, it did not. Even my good friend discipline has been a bit touch or go recently.
As “motivational” reels fill our screens and LinkedIn posts for these great beings doing these great things go viral, I’m out here reminding you that it’s a lot of fluff encasing what has probably been months, if not years, of dedication and discipline.
A toxic commitment
Although I’m currently in a healthy relationship, I spent majority of my life single and in the remorseless world of modern dating. Looking back, motivation reminds me of past toxic encounters. Sometimes they’re next to you saying all the right things. A week later they ghost you. A month later they show up again and try to pick up where they left off. F***. That. What a waste of time. All that waiting around you did could’ve been put to better use. Do you see the resemblance?
Outsource your creativity
When motivation goes missing it can be easily mistaken for creative block. Getting “creative” with your daily habits can been so beneficial to reignite that drive for work. Conversations with other creatives, a new run route, a different book genre, re-organising the studio space, working in a cafe - are a few ways that help me during these funks.
Dedicated to the slog
I’d be lying to you if I said I’ve been feeling super excited for work at the moment. It feels a little relentless. That said, is it weird the merciless nature of this career path is sort of exciting? The uncertainty? The prospect of something, or nothing at all, landing in my inbox? That’s been my driving force and, dare I say it, my motivation. Maybe it’s delusional optimism but I’m hopeful that these testing times will make for something worthwhile. Until then, I’m dedicated to the slog.
Easy on the eyes… and ears
In the practice of outsourcing creativity here’s a few reads and a nice watch I enjoyed that wouldn’t be my normal “go-to” but ended up loving;
Frances Ha - How have I only just watched this? If you’re in your 20s, are striving to pursue a creative career and feel a little lost this film speaks volumes! It’s such an easy, light hearted, realistic representation of life that leaves you feeling uplifted.
On the desk
I’m currently working on my largest painting commission to date. I know this part will generate a few questions - so fire away if you have any and I can dedicate a post to that.
I’m always looking to enhance this space for you! So drop me a little message, comment or share posts you enjoy so I know what ones you find helpful.
Love Chiara xo
Omg I used to obsess over Lang Leav back in middle school!