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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Weather Woes = Less Motivation???

by

Dave Amaditz 
All right. It's wintertime in western Pennsylvania. Normally, it's a recipe for depression. Gray skies, rain, and cold are what we wake up to most of the time. But this winter has been a bit different. We've had plenty of sunshine, above average temperatures and virtually no snow.
So why have so many people I've spoken to told me they feel achy, tired and unmotivated to do anything?
I remind them of something we used to say when I was involved in sports, particularly as a runner getting ready to tackle one of the large hills on a particular course.
"The hills are in your head," we used to say.
What does that mean? And how does that apply to writing?
Obviously, the hills didn't just disappear because we said they weren't there. Your mind is a very strong tool, however. If you can overcome the mental blocks you establish whenever an obstacle is put in front of you things in life become much easier.
Take elite athletes for example. Most of them are graced with pretty much the same amount of talent. It's their work ethic and willingness to overcome the mental obstacles that puts them, and keeps them at the top.
So how can you as a writer overcome the blues and lack of motivation? Imagine that the hills or whatever obstacle is in front of you, are only in your head. Think of yourself as an elite athlete. Train harder and work harder than your competition. This will be your reward...
I recently spoke with a writer friend. She told me two things... After years of bad news on the publication front and nearly giving up writing she has landed an agent and a book deal.
How's that for overcoming the blues?

8 comments:

  1. I loved this post! It gave me the motivating boost that I needed on this gray day in S.E. Connecticut!

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  2. Thanks, Annie. I'm glad you liked it. Maybe someday soon you'll have some good news to share with us that will lift you out of the blues.

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  3. Thanks for the post, Dave. Right at a time when I'd been feeling defeated. Time to get back to the keyboard!

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  4. Push on, Sue. Hang in there. Keep focused on your goal.

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  5. Dave I've just discovered your blog and this was awesome! I needed this more than you can know as my mom is in kidney failure so it's been super tough. Thanks for the motivation to not let any of this get in my head. I really hadn't been able to write recently and this really helped. You rock!

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  6. Thanks, Elle. I'm glad this helped. I'll say a prayer for you and your family. Keep thinking positively.

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  7. I've always believed that perseverance is the key to success. Great post.

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  8. Yes, Cynthia. And a great writing community to keep you motivated surely helps.

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