What do you do if your motivation and focus waver as a self-employed UED professional?

Create a consistent daily or weekly routine that includes dedicated work hours, breaks, and time for personal activities. A structured schedule can help you stay focused and productive.

If my motivation and focus waver as a self-employed User Experience Designer (UED), I take proactive steps to recenter myself. I start by revisiting my long-term goals and reminding myself of the impact my work can have. I break down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to regain momentum and create a structured schedule to maintain focus. Additionally, I seek inspiration from peers, industry resources, and creative outlets to reignite my passion for design. Regular breaks and physical activity also help in refreshing my mind and maintaining productivity. Finally, I reflect on past successes to boost confidence and reaffirm my commitment to delivering exceptional user experiences.

Taking a step back and re-reading the objectives I set for myself, both short and long-term, can be a powerful motivator. It reminds me of the "why" behind my work – the impact I want to create and the future I'm building. Reconnecting with those goals reignites my passion and gets me refocused on the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Take time to reflect on why you chose this career path and the impact you aim to make in the field of user experience design. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, actionable steps that you can work on daily or weekly. Establishing a clear roadmap can reignite your passion and provide a sense of direction during challenging times. Consider seeking support from mentors, peers, or online communities to share experiences and gain fresh perspectives. Remember that setbacks are natural in any journey, but staying committed to your vision will ultimately drive your success.

When your motivation dips, revisiting your long-term goals can reignite your passion for UED work. Remind yourself why you chose to specialize in User Experience Design and the impact your work has on users' lives. By connecting your daily tasks to your overarching ambitions, you can find renewed purpose in even the most mundane tasks. Consider writing down your goals and keeping them visible in your workspace as a constant reminder of what you're striving to achieve.

I tend to structure my day around my project priority list, handling urgent matters first. I recommend developing a consistent daily routine that incorporates dedicated work hours. However, do schedule regular breaks throughout your day to prevent burnout... As a busy working mom, I like to complete my errands mid-day as a brain-break, this allows me to step out my home office, resting my eyes from screens! Also do yourself a favor by having that dedicated work space, by structuring your day with boundaries between your work and personal life helps signal to your brain when it's time to focus.

Having had worked remotely for more than 4 years (even before covid) really does a number on you without even knowing. It is definitely wise to go interact with real people that you solve complex UX issues for. A design conference, networking opportunity or simply something fun, but rooted in human interaction. Even if we go out and do something remotely connected to our work - that will get our subconscious going and re-energize us towards our craft.

Here's my strategy: online design communities and forums can be a great way to bounce ideas off fellow designers, share challenges, and get feedback. Local meetups or conferences offer another avenue for social interaction and inspiration. Sometimes, all it takes is exchanging ideas with peers who understand the UED world to reignite the motivation spark.

Even a short burst of exercise, like a brisk walk or some stretching, can work wonders for focus and energy. Sitting glued to a screen for hours can drain creativity, so a dose of physical activity is like hitting the refresh button for my mind. It breaks up the monotony, clears my head, and gets those creative juices flowing again. Plus, the endorphin rush from exercise is a natural mood booster, perfect for getting me refocused and ready to tackle design challenges with renewed vigor.

Learn on the go + handsfree! Here's my top UXPodcasts: ???? NN/g UX Podcast ???? User Defenders Podcast Highly recommend listening to this audiobook: ???? Don't Make Me Think: A Short, Sharp Look at Human Usability by Steve Krug

I reward myself with something I enjoy – a delicious coffee break, an episode of my favorite show, or even a longer lunch break. These little rewards acknowledge my progress and make the solopreneur journey more exciting. It's like positive reinforcement – the brain craves those rewards, keeping me motivated to push through challenging tasks and achieve my UED goals! Plus, who doesn't love a well-deserved treat?