A master copy I am working at the moment.
In my line of work, one might think that I have a lot of motivation to draw everyday. Motivation, in layman's term, is the drive to do what needs to be done. But what happens when motivation is nowhere to be found and you need to finish that one project that is scheduled to be submitted in 30 minutes?
The answer is grit.
One's character trait. A person's backbone.
I came across Angela Lee Duckworth's TED Talk about grit a few years ago (which I'll be linking down), and it made me realize and understand life questions. Why did I fail at school? Why did I go through on hiatus in my life as an artist? Did I lack the motivation? Did I not persevere? Was my passion not enough? And although my mental health has something to do with it; I failed because I was not gritty enough.
Watch: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Lee Duckworth
My work-space. I always watch or have #Reply1988 play in the background.
Now let me share to you the 5 things I consciously practice everyday in order to keep moving forward despite the lack of motivation.
1. THE 5 SECOND RULE
To make it short and sweet: If you want to do something, do it immediately. Ideally under 5 seconds or your brail will kill your will to do it.
Read: The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
2. REASSESS YOUR PURPOSE AND LONG-TERM GOALS
Nothing is more meaningful than re-assessing your purpose as to why you even started. And although we do have short-term goals, which is just as inspirational and rewarding, nothing can defeat the joy and excitement of realizing your biggest dream. (Mine would be attending and graduating in an Atelier.)
3. REPEAT YOUR MANTRAS IN LIFE
When achieving something, we often find ourselves sidetracked because of various reasons. And it can make us or break us. One of the things I love is reminding myself of my principles and virtues in life in order to achieve something without hurting or stepping on anyone along the way. This will also help you in maintaining your inner peace which is crucial in everyday decision making.
Here are my personal favorites:
- If the grass looks greener on the other side… Stop staring. Stop comparing. Stop complaining and start watering the grass you’re standing on.
- The true measure of your success is how many times you can bounce back from failure.
- Don’t sit around. Start moving! In the beginning you may not go in the direction you dream, but as long as you’re moving, you’re creating possibilities.
Om Namah Shivaya ― The Meaning of Om Namah Shivaywa 🌙
4. YOU CAN REST, BUT ALWAYS TRY AGAIN
This is another personal favorite and has always worked for me. After applying the 5 second rule, I work. And even though I am already working, I still can find excuses to stop, i.e. it's not working. What I do is that I give myself a minimum of 15 minutes to work on a drawing. most of the time I find myself engaged in the last few minutes, and that gives me that undeniable drive to continue working. But if that fails as well, then rest. Drop everything and do something else. But remember to try again as soon as possible.
5. "FAILURE IS AN OPTION, BUT GIVING UP IS NOT"
That is self-explanatory, right? But just let me share to you a very powerful story and message from Pakistan's Iron Lady Muniba Mazari.
