How do you motivate yourself?

[Barr]

I've been down lately and cant seem to get anything done because of it. I start something and just stop 5 min in.
Do you guys have a way of motivating yourself or have any tips. Thanks.

[rainbowolfe]

I drink coffee energy drinks O3O And sometimes just normal coffee.
If I'm too caffeinated to sleep, I might as well work!

But on REALLY bad days, I just do like... sketch days (or story brainstorming/writing days). So then i feel like I accomplished something, and got something done (even if it's a really small part in the grand scheme of things).

But don't be afraid to just do nothing on some days! Don't wanna burn yourself out lol, then you really won;t be motivated.__

[VibrantFox]

another thread had some interesting suggestions so I'd certainly reiterate my reply here

Aside from motivational videos I'll listen to uplifting or just upbeat music to pick myself up even if it only boost my mood as opposed to productivity. If I'm really looking to dig deep then I'll pick a sound gen; typically something from MyNoise or something on youtube that corresponds with the atmoshpere I'm looking to create in a scene I'm drawing/writing.

I've also let myself listen to audio cd/podcast type stuff nothing to noisy or distracting but mostly for comfort, cafe noise has sometimes worked as well so long as the music is a little louder than the chatter.

I can also agree with @rainbowolfe that productivity desn't always just come to you even if you've worked to build an environment to motivate tat kind of activity. Sometimes you've just gotta have a lazy day or you might wear yourself out even more by forcing yourself to work. Then again there are those who can force themselves and power trough without too much struggle because "you have to."

In the end it's a matter of finding what works for you and most importantly knowing how to pace yourself. Hope you're able to work things out ^^

[Allanbrito]

The world can be a messed up place. People os fake, they do thimgs just for interest, they hate each other and most sad is that usually (not always of course) they don't do the stuff they like because they are afraid of the: "what will thay say?". I think some worry too much of what other think and they should worry for what YOU want.
I had a time when I used to be a super loner, the kind that never, ever EVER gets out of home. Then I met my girlfriend, she helped me to go through a depretion I didn't know I had. She taught me that I had choises, that I could do stuff by miself and that I wanted to do stuff. Now I'm drawing a comic that is just starting.
What I'm trying to say is just don't think on being depressed and enjoy what you have that is good, and protect it no matter what.
After all, you can do whatever you want....

[Barr]

Thanks for the advice.

[Barr]

Thanks. That actualy made me feal better. I'm happy that your doing better as well.

[Barr]

Lazy days sound nice. I'll try not to burn myself out. Thanks.

[IdiotWithPencil]

sit down, close the browser, put headphones and some music or a good audio-book, open my drawing program, put a timer for one hour and get shit done.

and most of all don't stand up until your hour is done.

[darkone4587]

Reading stuff, playing games, or watching some TV or movies.

[Barr]

I might try that. sounds good. Thanks

[Barr]

I'll try relaxing once in a while then too.

[feuersichel]

What helped me, is to doodle aroud in my sketchbook. Even if it's something silly ^^ but it might help do go freshly back to your project. Also drink alot (like water or tea :P)

[Barr]

Now that's something i can do. Thanks

[elaienar]

Hmm. I can't remember if I've had the problem of stopping 5 minutes into a project. For me it's usually that I can't start working because I have a lot to do and it seems really daunting. When that happens I'll set myself an easily met goal like "work on the page for fifteen minutes" or "ink one panel". Since that's a much smaller task I'll usually be able to start it, and then once I've finished I'm usually able to keep going and do more. And if I don't have the momentum to keep going, well, at least I accomplished a little bit.

I don't know if that's helpful since it seems like it might be a different problem, but I thought I'd mention it. ^^

[punkarsenic]

podcasts, youtube channels, and books on creating. things like dirty old ladies (podcast abt comics), understanding comics (comic abt comics), and writing down the bones (book abt writing) are massive motivators for me, they help w getting u back in focus and reminding u why u love the work youre doing

also, i have a 'confidence' playlist, and a 'calm' playlist which is like, a down-tempo version for when im too hyper. they really help

watching a really great movie can help too. i go for a waititi film myself. you can marvel at the craftsmanship and get swept away in the story, always very motivating, and its more fulfilling than serial tv, but quicker than reading a book (although for writing, reading some of a good book is so helpful)

or do an exercise - some life drawing, or some writing exercises. they can feel excruciating - like regular exercise - but they really loosen you up afterwards

[Barr]

Thanks. Im normaly the worst one for taking a big leap and not little steps so i'll try it out.

[Pisokely]

There are many ways to get motivated.
Personnally, I find books and other people arts really inspiring.

[Barr]

Nice and simple i like it. Well we all have things that work for us.

[sarrowsmith10]

My go to motivational things:

*Go for a walk/run
*Turn on loud music
*Drink hot chocolate
*Hire a babysitter for the kid

When none of those things work I take a nap. Usually my lack of motivation stems from me being too tired for life. haha

[Barr]

ooo. dont have a kid but i'll get my brother to look after the dog. I'll try that out too thanks.