Since Christmas, I feel like I've been in sort of a slump as far as creative work goes, and staying motivated to complete tasks and be inspired has been difficult. I can blame it partly on 'winter blues', which I always seem to get. I'm not fond of the cold and after December it feels like there are endless months of winter ahead. This weekend was typical of what I'm like in these dreary cold months: we spent most of the weekend at home because I had some work projects, but I ended up scrambling to complete things on Sunday afternoon because I had procrastinated (no surprise there) much of the weekend.
For those of you out there that do freelance/work for yourself, I'm sure you realize that being unmotivated or unproductive isn't really an option. You're on your own to make sure deadlines are met and customers/clients are happy. Thank goodness for my fear of messing that up, because it definitely keeps me in check. So, I'm wondering if others out there are experiencing the winter blues? I'm working on a plan to help myself be more productive during these long months, and I hope to start posting more about business & ideas to keep me accountable. To be honest, just writing out this post and knowing that it will be published for others to see makes me feel instantly motivated to stop wallowing and start doing.
(On a more important note: It's been over a week already since the quake in Haiti - if you are still looking for a charity to donate to, I know there are many, but this is great one.)
photos via Anita Calero Photography
11 COMMENTS:
I absolutely know how you feel, I don't work for myself, but at the same time I'm used to doing a lot of side projects after work. Lately its been tough to find the motivation to follow though on my (many) projects.
Here's to hoping you get your bounce back =)
Although i have not been working for close to a year, i definitely comprehend what you are going through. Freelancing jobs are very much accountable for and to yourself.
It is always good to know yourself, know what motivate and inspire to get you going. And the fear of messing things up, definitely help to set us on track. I am like that too.
Good luck in everything dear! It's just finding the momentum back, you will!
I have been feeling exactly the same way! while I have done several home improvements over the past coupe of weekends, I still feel pretty blah. I think this is common this time of year when the fun of the holidays is over and spring is still pretty far away. At least the sun is staying out later than 4 o'clock :)
Oh my goodness, thank you for writing this post!! I have been feeling the exact same way...so much to do, yet all I want to do is curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket. ;o)
My new plan is a bit goofy, but goofy might just be what I need. I'm going to pick a task or two from my two-page list, open up my calendar, close my eyes, and point to a day. That day gets assigned the chosen tasks. I'll repeat the process until all tasks are assigned, and voila! Massive, scary to-do list: be gone! ;o)
i was just thinking the same thing today- why am i SOO tired?! then i looked outside. i hate cold and gloomy days!!
{another blog i read listed all her to-do's and cut them out. each morning she picks one or two for the day}
i totally know how you feel! the only work i have right now is the work i create for myself and a similar case of the winter blues sure doesn't help!
i try to think of one single step at a time- instead of completing a task, all i need to think about is completing one phase of the task- and it doesn't seem so daunting.
good luck getting motivated! you can do it!
well further to wallowing, we are in fact hermiting ~ the middle of summer holidays down under and it is SUCH an effort to leave the house. mostly i can't be bothered!
and now i have two freelance projects sitting here that i have to drop off to clients ... better get dressed!
Hi Alli,
I love your new header, the brighter color really makes everything seem to stand out more. Thanks for visiting me and your kind words. I decided to check my google reader tonight since it is getting pretty filled up. I know how you feel. I seem to get those winter blues too and with what's going on in the world right now just seems to add to it. Writing things down, especially when you know others will see it is a good way to help get your self motivated and keep yourself accountable. I know it did for me on my blog and I have spent some good time in prayer. I'm ready to pick up and get going again. Wishing I could send some sunshine your way. xo, M.
Alli, it'd not just tyhe winter blues. Like you I'm an obsessive list maker and I have so many going on at the same time that I find I too proctrastinate especially at the beginning of the year when it is summer and I would rather be relaxing rather than doing what I need or must do. I think blogging abour it will help, it will motivate and keep you to account. By the way, love the pop of red in your header.
Cheers
Engracia
Oh, I definitely missed some great posts over here while busy with finals!
This weather makes me want to stay in bed all day long, read a book or watch a very sweet inspirational movie and do absolutely nothing else. Ah, it is so hard to force myself into studying and waking up early, putting my warmest clothes on and going out where it's so cold..
Being on your own and running your own business you just have to be extremely organized. I am NOT and I feel your pain! It has always been a bit contradicting for me because creative spirits are always considered a bit absent-minded and not very organized..
What works for me is what others have already said - making a list with tasks. I love lists and using my cute journals/notebooks makes it feel a bit less like an obligation.
Good luck, dear! xo
i thought it was just me. the winter blues have been terrible this time around. i have plenty of things to do on my list.
one thing i did this week was get a new planner. i had one that started in aug and takes me through to end of 2010...but it no longer was doing the job. breaking down my calender by 4 week intervals, then that into weekly goals, and then that into daily goals is helping rekindle the blues of the season and getting me moving. now, if only i could get over this head cold.
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