Maintaining Motivation

This is the time of year I usually find myself struggling to maintain my motivation. Seminar season is done, we are looking at winter moving in, and computer work is piling up with some new things in the works. I find solace in regular chores and training dogs. But to be honest, sitting in front of the computer to write and create classes is sometimes very difficult.

Sitting at the computer is a habit, actually creating something while sitting here requires motivation and being inspired. Some days are easier than others. I've started looking at things in my life I find reinforcing. Taking the dogs for a walk, training the dogs, spending time with the donkeys, and playing a computer game (yes, I do that) are my reinforcers. I use them to help me get things done.

Write a module, take the dogs for a walk.

Get a concept down for a class, train Belle.

Finish a graphic, train Raven.

Write a Thoughtful Thursday, spend time with the baby donkey.

I may even get to the point of 'write one more paragraph and you can go do chores and then train'.

I also have habits that help support writing and creating. Between knowing when my most creative times of the day are, I specifically plan when to do chores for a break. Some days I don't have to get quite this granular, some days I do. A lot of the time once I get going, things flow and I can knock out two or three things, then go train dogs for the day. Those are the awesome days!

Creating those habits that you can rely on to keep the forward momentum helps fill the gaps when your motivation may falter. During the SWDI Master Trainer program we had to pick a time of day to do five minutes of obedience training. My 'cue' to do this was after my first cup of coffee. That worked until I went on travel and came back. I had to be conscious about starting it up again.

What are some cues you can use in your everyday life to help you with things so they become a habit? For those of you who do training logs, what is the 'cue' for you to get into that habit so there isn't a mad scramble?

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New classes are coming!