Monday Motivation Tips for Creatives
This article was originally published on August 10, 2020 at https://gritdaily.com/monday-motivation-for-creatives/
Monday motivation, we need it, stat! How can you be creative when we’re all weighed down by the strife in the world and need a boost? Here’s a pick-me-up to launch your week on the right foot. Studies show that your morning mood affects your productivity all day. Grit Daily is here to get your work week off to a good start. Pump your fists – it’s time for Monday motivation!
Artistic Expression
Last week, we featured Monday motivation tips for entrepreneurs, founders, startups and overall badasses trying to get something going of their own. Besides, we’re previously featured how to become more creative so we know the importance of this soft skill. We heard from a few creatives, who not only face the same challenges trying to launch a business, but they also have to be creative. Daily.
Monday motivation recognizes that age is just a number. While talent is a gift, you can be called to share your gift with the world at any age. You can be like Akiane Kramarik, who at the age of 5, was literally “called” by the Lord and has turned her calling and passion for painting religious icons into a multi-million dollar business.
On the other side of that equation is Grandma Moses, who didn’t pick up a paintbrush until she was 78-years old then went on to become one of America’s celebrated folk artists. Speaking of older and wiser, George Burns, a life-long actor and funny man, now deceased, didn’t top the charts with his comedy until he was 84 years old. Here are 20 other actors who didn’t even get noticed until they were in their 40s.
Monday motivation tips to stay motivated as a creative
Creativity isn’t a utility that you just turn on. And off. Creatives need to be inspired, to feel something that moves them to express – artistically – how they feel. It’s not a simple task and artistry is not a gift that many people possess.
Perhaps that’s the first step right there? Acknowledging that you HAVE a gift. Your voice, your painting, your musicality, whatever it is, it’s a gift. Sure, it takes practice to be great and fully utilize your gift, and then it takes a whole lot more to convert your gift into a way of life. But you can do it. Start with gratitude, recognizing that you are special to have such a unique gift. Stay positive and find a way to turn it into a lifestyle.
#1 – connect and collaborate
It’s hard to make it on your own. Think about other creatives that you know – or can get to know via online networking groups including meetings with non-creatives who have commercialization skills – and how you can pool your resources to do something together. Perhaps you can share a studio space or host an exhibition together. Maybe team up and sell your art online together.
#2 – give yourself permission to “not have it today”
Your artistry is kind of like a faucet in that it drips, flows or does not. However, you’re often not in control of when you can turn that faucet on and how much you can open the valve to let it flow openly. So, on those days when you’re “not feeling it,” pause. Give yourself permission to take a break. Go outside or tour the internet searching for virtual inspiration. Let it seep in, sleep in, and then feel restored to go at it again tomorrow.
#3 – refresh your memory
Pull out that “best” painting, sculpture, music hook, video, photograph, whatever it is that you feel enormously proud of. Hold it (or look at it). Again. Then one more time. Remind yourself that you HAVE it in you. It’s there. Your talent might just be obstructed a bit right now, clouded by some situations in your life. Remember that your talent is YOURS. It’s there for you and it will be ready when you are.
Extra bits
If you like podcasts, well, wouldn’t you know, we’ve got those, too! Three of them, in fact: 1) Like a Boss with snappy insights; 2) wine down and chill; and 3) Monday motivation. All three are available on all streaming channels including Apple, iHeart Radio, Spotify and more. Tune in! Finally, if you like my writing, check out my new novel, The Battle for Humanity, it’s a thriller you won’t be able to put down.
Have a fabulous week!
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels