Real Talk // The M Word

Hello! 

This blog has seen radio silence for 13 months and my my my, haven’t things changed just a tad. Alongside a digital makover, today I bring you a post related to the reasoning for my disappearance, motivation; or lack of it.

My last post (see here)  was something I am so passionate about and was one of the easiest pieces to write. Then life got a little busier and slightly crazy at work (Thanks Rona) and I just lost the motivation to write and express myself during my free time, I was mentally exhausted. But we’re here, starting again and hoping for the best; but how did I get here?

I’m going to write about some of the things that spurred me on when motivation was at an all time low but I was ready to get back on the horse!

First things first: Remember why you do it! 

Think back to why you do what you do. I love writing and expressing my thoughts in this particular way and I missed it! I created this blog eight years ago as a personal space to both express my passion for writing and share my thoughts on a range of things and this is something I let slip away from me.

Source - Skills You Need

This lull in motivation will catch up with you thought because I soon found myself applying for jobs in my desired creative field and of course a key component to any application is a strong portfolio or presentation of your own work...and mine was a year old because I had let myself fall behind on one of my greatest hobbies.This was enough to make me say  ‘No more!’ and kick started this first post back...even if it has been sat in the drafts folder since November.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! 

It’s easy to jump head first back into something but that might not always produce the best results. Reading any of these blog posts you might think I just sit down and whip out 1000 words willy nilly but you would be thoroughly deceived. It takes time, preparation and countless drafts but that is okay because perfection takes time but your future self will thank you for it . By preparing and constructing a thorough template, you’ll soon fall right back into the swing of things.

Source-  Cartoon Stock

This may be the first post back but I have four more sitting back ready to go when the time feels right. Because I have these pieces semi prepped and in the ‘blog bank’ I have comfort knowing I don’t need to stress about producing content - maybe just brewing up some new ideas! Everyone needs that safety net when the motivation takes a little holiday.

Easy on the pressure!

Who do you think is your biggest critic? Without being too cliche...It’s you. (a classic saying for a reason). No one will put more pressure on you to succeed than yourself and at the end of the day, there’s no need for it. Whilst diamonds are made under pressure you also can’t rush perfection. 

Source - Your Quote

Give yourself time to find your flow, your rhythm and re-discover the excitement and enjoyment that motivated you in the first place. Whatever it is should be fun, stress free and if it feels like it’s becoming a bit of a grey cloud over you step away, take a breather and go back when you’re ready. 

Of course all of these things are easier said than done, but once you start making active changes which positively affect your way of living you’ll begin to feel a build up of self gratitude and pride it will motivate you to carry on! I hope this has been a thought provoking and motivating post which has helped to enlighten you to the fact personal morale will have its bumps in the road but you can take charge to move forward and keep the movement going whatever the journey is. 

I've got a few posts being prepped and drafted so keep your eyes peeled for those!

Until next time,

Shannon xx