Monday Motivation 4 Things to Remember

 Motivation

[moh-tuh-vey-shuh n]

noun

1.the act or an instance of motivating, or providing with a reason to act in a certain way:

I don't understand what her motivation was for quitting her job.

Synonyms: motive, inspiration, inducement, cause, impetus.

 2.the state or condition of being motivated or having a strong reason to act or accomplish something:

We know that these students have strong motivation to learn.

3.something that motivates; inducement; incentive:

Clearly, the company's long-term motivation is profit.

We writers talk a lot about motivation, and what motivates us to create. 

Like other creatives, that initial act of creation is one of the loneliest endeavors someone can undertake. Writers, like painters, sculptures, singers, and filmmakers, all start the process alone as we coax the initial spark into something we can be proud of sharing with the world. This is the most fragile time for any artist, especially new artists working on their first project, when the only feedback available is their own. 

After all who wants to share a first draft of anything, with anyone?

It is in this initial stage that more artists than we realize fail and never take another step forward. This is the make it or break it point in their budding careers. But it's also a necessary step. Everyone starts somewhere, some fail and push on, while others chuck it all and turn their energies to something easier. 

Once you've gotten past the initial stage it doesn't get any easier, especially if you're looking to hone your craft and take your work to the next level. Even as you climb toward lofty peaks you will reach plateaus that you feel you will never escape from. But you persist, and you do escape, to take your work to the next level. 

Even at this stage some will stop and accept what they have so far achieved. Believing they can go no further.That's where they're wrong. Only by accepting what you have now will you fail to reach your full potential. 

The following are four very important lessons I've learned over the years. 

4 Things every artist should remember.

Look back only to motivate yourself, don't dwell in the past. 

Don't compare yourself to others in your field.  

Don't accept anything less than your best, if you've done the best you can.

Don't be afraid to dream big. 

What would you add to this list?