8 Ways to Get Motivated

Sometimes the hardest thing about writing is getting motivated.  I get it...and I've totally been there.  All the anxiety that swims inside of you threatens to burst out at the mere thought of starting to write.  What if you can't think of anything?  What if it sucks?  What if you can't finish?  Might as well not even try, right?

WRONG!  Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Here are some strategies to get yourself motivated to tackle your project.  These not only go for writing, but anything you're a little apprehensive to start.

1. Take a walk

When I've been struggling to know where to begin or how to proceed on a project or assignment,  I go for a walk.  It allows you to think while moving, which I believe helps your brain work better.  Even if I don't start out thinking about the assignment, my mind will eventually go there and I begin to work out the problems I've encountered.

Even if you don't actually think about your project, the fresh air and exercise will do you good.  It can be a short walk or a long walk, whatever you need.

2. Prepare a reward

Plan for something really awesome once you finish your project...a prize of some sort.  It could be watching an episode of your favorite show, or eating a treat.  Maybe you'll go buy yourself something.  It's an incentive to get it done. 

3. Give yourself a deadline

Teacher deadlines feel oppressive, but personal deadlines are empowering.  Give yourself a reasonable deadline before the teacher's and meet it.  You'll be amazed at how good you feel.

4. Take it a little at a time

This one only works if you have some time to work with, but it can be really helpful.  Start working on it early, but don't plan on finishing the whole thing.  Set a timer for 20 minutes and work on it for that amount of time.  The next day, set another timer for 20 minutes, and so on and so forth.  This can break a large project into small manageable chunks...and if you find yourself hitting your stride, you can go as long as you want. 

5. Work with a group

A study group can make the process fun, and gives you people to bounce ideas off of.  You can also proof-read and double check for each other.  But pick your group members carefully--you want to make sure you won't distract each other too much.

6. Do the header

This may sound silly, but I'm serious.  Just getting your header on there--name, date, period, title, etc.--can feel like a huge boost.  It's a start, and can help you get underway.  (To read the first page of Katniss's essay, click here.)

7. Eat a snack

Bring some chips, a bowl of popcorn, a banana, or a candy bar to your desk or work area.  Allow yourself to munch while you work.  No one likes to work on an empty stomach. (Just don't make a mess.)

8. Remember that the sooner you do it, the sooner it's done. 

The longer you put if off, the more stressful it'll become.  Just bite the bullet and get to work.  You'll thank yourself later. 


Until next time, I remain your motivating Online Writing Tutor,
Mrs. B