Today was one of those days that it actually feels like work. Maybe it’s because Pickles got me up at the crack of dawn, maybe because it’s too cold out to really do anything, maybe it’s because I’m bummed that our offer on the house got rejected (hope is not lost, though, we just really need to sell our house), but I dragged all day today.
Do you ever have days like that? How do you keep yourself motivated? For me, it was the knowledge that if I didn’t keep going, I wouldn’t be able to make my deadlines for the rest of the week. I’ve more or less got every minute planned out over the next few days, and it really feels like it! Usually I don’t mind so much, but today, well, today the oh-so-compelling direct mail package from AWAI touting the wonder that is their copywriting program started looking really, really good. You know, except for the $39 x 13 payments part.
But the freedom to live the “retired life”? To travel? To live in Paris like one of the grinning testimonial-givers? That, I could get used to. That, and an extra hour or two of sleep a night. And on that note…
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Bummer about the house gig. Been through enough real estate deals (including right now) to know that can be a roller coaster.
As for motivation, some days I just don’t have it. Some days I struggle, and some I go fly fishing (and struggle to catch trout).
Oh my goodness I understand Kristen! I had one yesterday where the pajamas didn’t come off until….well at all reallly. I just muttered around trying to stick to assignments when really I was wondering aimlessly. I miss human interaction. Lol.
Oh, Kristen, I’m sorry about the house. That’s happened to me too. I also had a bad day yesterday: I got sucked into this cyberspace portal, and not in a good way. I’m making up for it today, though.
I have to keep telling myself that if I don’t get focused and do my work, (a) I won’t get to sleep, (b) I’ll miss out on my usual Friday night TV watching (which I don’t do during the week), and (c) the rent won’t be paid.
Hang in there!
–Noelle
http://www.edit-it-write.blogspot.com
Give yourself treats for mini-goals throughout the day.
Then, at the end of your workday, give yourself a big treat, whether it’s going out to eat or getting a manicure or whatever.
Feel better! Those days are frustrating, but they make the good ones all the more exhilerating.
I take a short exercise break–practice some martial arts, go for a walk, something like that. Yeah, it takes some time, but I’m much more focused afterwards, so I think it balances out.
Starting martial arts again is probably the best thing I’ve done for myself this year. :)
That’s too bad about the house offer. I like Devon’s idea about the treats. That sounds like a great way to pick yourself up.
I hope you’re feeling better today.
How do I keep motivated? By reminding myself that if I fail at the freelance life, I’ll have to go back and get a job. OHMYGOD. No! No! I don’t ever want to return to an office! And the only thing between me and that fate is myself, so I’d better get on the stick and get working, or marketing, or whatever it is I’m avoiding.
Now, as often happens (and in fact did this week), there are days when I just can’t get it together. When that happens, I spend a few minutes calculating whether I’ve got enough slush time on a job to afford a crash day. If so, I allow myself to crash and get it over with. I am, after all, my own boss, and the only one qualified to determine whether I deserve a break today.
Usually I bounce back and turn in the goods on time, at decent if not excellent quality. Other times it’s a painful push. Knowing that my success or failure is ENTIRELY UP TO ME is deeply motivating. The challenge is balancing all the pieces and parts so everything comes out right in the end.