You’re struggling to stay motivated while working on a difficult story. How can you overcome this?

In my experience, overcoming difficulties requires resilience and adaptability. When faced with challenges, I've learned to break them down into smaller, manageable tasks, focusing on one step at a time. Seeking support from mentors, colleagues, or friends has been invaluable, providing fresh perspectives and guidance. Embracing failure as an opportunity to learn and grow has also been crucial, allowing me to iterate and improve my approach. By staying persistent, resourceful, and open-minded, I've navigated through obstacles, emerging stronger and more capable on the other side.

In addition to breaking a larger task down into smaller, manageable tasks, I've found that I must also create time and space for the creative process. When I am struggling with motivation or being overwhelmed, I like to create an outline or bullet points for what I know I want to cover and then I walk away and sleep on it. Usually by the next day my brain has had a chance to absorb and marinate in the outline/bullet points and I find I am more motivated and ready to create. Additionally, forcing the creative process usually results in subpar performance. Creating the space and time for the process allows you to meet deadlines without the frustration of forcing it.

Linking tasks to your purpose can be a powerful motivator. Even seemingly mundane activities can become more engaging when you understand how they contribute to your broader goals. By connecting the dots between daily actions and your long-term aspirations, you inject meaning and significance into your work, creating a sense of fulfillment and driving you forward, even on challenging days.

In my experience, seeking feedback is essential for personal and professional growth. I actively solicit input from mentors, peers, and supervisors to gain diverse perspectives and identify blind spots. Constructive criticism has been instrumental in refining my skills and decision-making processes. I approach feedback with an open mind, valuing honesty and transparency. Implementing feedback requires humility and a willingness to adapt. By incorporating actionable suggestions, I've consistently improved performance and fostered stronger relationships. Seeking feedback fosters continuous learning and development, ultimately leading to greater success and fulfillment.

In my experience, finding your purpose involves introspection, exploration, and perseverance. Reflecting on personal values, passions, and strengths is a crucial starting point. I've engaged in activities that resonate with my interests and align with my values to uncover what brings me fulfillment. Experimenting with different pursuits and being open to new experiences has allowed me to discover what truly drives me. It's essential to embrace failure and setbacks as part of the journey, using them as opportunities for growth and refinement. Seeking mentorship and guidance from those who have found their purpose can provide valuable insights and support along the way.

In my experience, rewarding yourself is essential for maintaining motivation and well-being. Acknowledging achievements, no matter how small, boosts self-confidence and morale. I've established a system of rewards, such as treating myself to a favorite activity or indulging in a special treat, upon reaching milestones or completing tasks. Setting specific goals with tangible rewards helps me stay focused and committed to my objectives. It's important to celebrate progress and accomplishments along the way, reinforcing positive behaviors and fostering a sense of accomplishment. By incorporating self-care and rewards into my routine, I sustain motivation and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

In my experience, seeking inspiration is essential for creativity and personal growth. I actively expose myself to diverse experiences, such as exploring nature, visiting museums, or engaging with different cultures, to stimulate my imagination and broaden my perspective. Surrounding myself with creative individuals, whether through networking events or online communities, provides fresh ideas and sparks innovation. I also carve out time for reflection and introspection, allowing ideas to incubate and develop organically. Embracing curiosity and being open to new ideas fuels my creativity and drives me to push boundaries. By actively seeking inspiration from various sources, I continuously evolve and expand my creative horizons.

If it were easy, anyone could do it. If it were easy and fun, you'd do it for free. Suck it up. LinkedIn wants a minimum number of characters to convey this point, which is somewhat counter to the message...

Who are you writing the story for? For example, it might not feel too motivating to write a story for your editor, for your boss, for money. Can you change that perspective? How are you writing this story for someone you value? For a group of people you want to help? For yourself, because you love the story? Motivation can be very closely related to who you write for, so make it about the right person(s).