Friday, February 13, 2009

How do you stay motivated?

I don't often struggle with motivation, but lately I've noticed myself getting off track here and there and failing to manage my time as well as I should. I've got lots of creativity flowing and I'm definitely pretty busy these day, but I need to get some momentum, maintain it, and stay focused. Not always an easy task when you've got work and technology, clients you love, colleagues, and a husband and two kids vying for your attention. For goodness sakes, even this little blog here has been a bit neglected!

So my wise readers, I ask you, how do you stay on task? What are your tips and tricks for staying motivated? Do you have a special method for triaging your projects? Do you use a reward system? I'd love to know. Comment now and my burgeoning schedule thanks you in advance! Happy Friday!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Erin, I'm no expert on time management (ask anyone!), but what I try to do is schedule as many things as possible. For example: 3 weeks ago, I decided to schedule our laundry and so far it's working smoothly! Instead of doing 5-6 loads of laundry during the weekend, I do very small loads throughout the week separated by colors (whites, colors, etc.). I try to do the same for my workload (though everyday there is some curve ball that gets thrown into the mix). I also use a kitchen timer to schedule tasks in 30 minutes increments for anything - breaks, email writing, social marketing, etc.

Hope that helps. It's a constant work-in-progress!

Tulaloo said...

I have a ginormous dry erase board for categorized to-do lists at my desk. love it.

And if I cross of a certain number of things from the lists I make myself go have a glass of wine or read a chapter of mu book. Just something relaxing.

vicki said...

Boy I could use some help with this! I have so many projects I need to work on that I've been completely avoiding (filing, uploading, other boring stuff...).

I definitely reward myself when I get work done. Chocolate chip cookies are serious incentive :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, goodness - I need help with this, too. I have no problem (well, usually) finding motivation to do the things that I enjoy doing. It's those things that I don't enjoy as much that I can't quite find the motivation for.

A few things that work for me:

-Set a deadline
-Make limited lists - I create so many lists that I spend more time making them than actually completing the tasks on them!
-Do extra when you're motivated - then you've got a little time to relax when you're feeling a little slacker-ish.

Good luck! Hope you get some good tips!

bridechic said...

The secret on this is to priortize. Having a design biz, the samples (my creations) always get pushed to the back burner because there's really no deadline. Customer come first. After that I get as much as I can done.

Erin Nowak, Designer and Illustrator said...

bridechic, you summed up my issue in a nutshell. I wish I had time for "my creations" as you put it. Customer's do come first. but I will start scheduling in design time now, because it should be a higher priority than I'm allowing. Thanks for the tips all!

Inkspot Workshop said...

I find coffee really helps my mind to focus and stay on task. I am a full time medical sales rep, mommy to a busy 3 year old boy, wife and owner of 2 (yes 2) Etsy stationery shops. I'm no expert, but I find coffe and having my own office space where I can close the door are key:)

Fiona Cartolina said...

As a self confessed control freak I lose sleep if I think that I may be getting behind on tasks or that things are piling up on the 'to do' list. And as a 40 something woman I cannot afford to lose sleep!
So I am driven by the desire to not have bags under my eyes - which means get a good night's sleep, which means get the work done now!
So it's purely a vanity thing for me ;-)

Erin Nowak, Designer and Illustrator said...

I hear you Fiona! I am becoming more protective of my sleep these days as well. I'm a morning person too, so I try to get things done early as well. Inkspot, this morning was a 2 cup morning for me so I can relate to your advice as well! Thanks!