If I get back to why I started writing a blog, it was as a creative outlet for things that inspired me and motivated me. It’s still that space for me, but of course has taken on a new life of sharing products that I’m loving, places we travel to and as a journal of sorts. I really enjoyed pushing myself to think of ways that I could grow this year and want to get back to more of those types of posts, if not weekly, then at least monthly!
It’s so easy to get the feeling of being burnt out or lacking motivation, especially when you think about how stimulated we are throughout the day and with all that we have going on at any given moment. I caught myself the other day listening to a podcast and reading the news – was I even taking anything in?! I can’t tell you how many times I find myself waking up in the middle of the night and jotting down something that Ineed to do the next morning. There’s a balance we all strive for and sometimes that balance occurs and more often than not you find yourself struggling. For me personally, motivation is often sparked during those moments where I feel like I’m struggling. Those are the moments that get me to where I want to go.
Staying motivated and inspired is as much of a mental game as it is a desire that you have to have. My sister says that this current stage of my life is the time in most women’s lives where they feel the most energized to create, to build something, to innovate and I find that to be so true – just look at your Instagram feed and the hundreds of women who are hustling to make a difference and to create something worthwhile.
I wanted to share just a few of the little ways that I stay on track, motivated and inspired.
- Keep a notepad handy || I have a small notebook that I carry with me in my purse and when the mood strikes or I have an idea, I take the time to write it down. It’s nothing pretty or fancy, just a small spiral notebook that houses blog post ideas, business ideas, travel needs, blog pitches I want to make, etc. This is not a place for my to do lists, this is strictly for ideas! I went to a conference last year and Joanna and Chip gains were the closing speakers. Chip said that Joanna had a notebook full of ideas and he told her, pick one and lets do it. If it doesn’t work out then we tried and we move on to the next, but at least we know we tried!
- Content Creators that inspire || I try to follow people on social media that provide some value to me, be it looking at their beautiful photos, content they create or the way they are as a person. I am filled with so much motivation and inspiration following along and reading about their journeys. I prefer to follow accounts that bring me joy and are positive. I appreciate realness, but when I’m on social media, I like a little break from reality. These are just a few of the people that I get daily inspiration from:
- Lydia Elise Millen
- Julia from Lemon Stripes
- Eva from Happily Eva After
- Courtney Shields
- Lindsi Lane
- Marianna Hewitt
- Sophia || She is my true inspiration and motivator every day. I know this to be so true for a lot of parents, but with everything I achieve I want her to be proud of me. I want her to grow up seeing hard work should be celebrated. Every little victory is just that a victory and something to be proud of. Most of all, on days when I’m feeling truly uninspired and lacking motivation, one hug or smile from her lifts me up in ways I can’t even begin to describe.
- Taking some time for myself || I’ll admit that taking time for myself makes me feel a little selfish, especially on the weekends when I should be maximizing the time I spend with G & Sophia, but I need that hour or two on my own to have a mental refresh. Most of the time it’s Gary taking nap time (because he not so secretly loves to nap too 😂) or my mom coming over so that we can both accomplish things we need to get done. During the week it’s me taking 45 minutes to an hour to go to the gym at lunch to get those endorphins pumping or walking around downtown to run errands so that I can spend more time with them and not thinking about what I have to do.
- Folder of Inspiration || I often go to Pinterest and look through inspirational quotes, so much so that I created a board for inspiration / motivation. Whenever I need a little extra push, I go to this board and read the quotes. When I need something uplifting to bring me out of a funk, I read the quotes. That’s usually enough to propel me to do what I’ve been putting off.
- Treat yourself || This can certainly get out of hand if you let it, but when I accomplish something pretty big, like a promotion or landing a campaign I was dreaming about, I reward myself because it’s a huge win. Knowing that I’m working toward something I’ve been coveting (typically a new bag 😍) helps keep me on track and motivated.
- Bouncing Ideas of family || My sister and Gary are my sounding boards for pretty much all of my ideas. With my sister, I’ll go for coffee or take a walk, talk for 10 minutes about our ideas and then say, so next step is?! She pushes me to make things happen, whether intentionally or not and gives me the motivation I need to not be scared. I have something commonly referred to as paralysis by analysis, where you over analyze pretty much everything and then talk yourself out of said idea because it just must not be that good. Having a sounding board, someone you can rely on and trust that will tell you when something should be pursued is really important to me. Gary is my biggest champion and any idea I get, he gives me the green light to go out and do it because he really appreciates how inspired I am about the ideas I have!
How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?
How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?
I found myself nodding the entire time I was reading this. I think so many of us bloggers that are still around can relate to this 110% girlfriend! The struggle is real and so much about blogging has changed. We must stay true to our hearts and hopefully we will all feel a rejuvenation and a revitalization this year! I love what keeps you motivated!
I love this! A large part of this whole journey is giving yourself grace and listening to yourself as well. Great that you have so many champions on your side.
I LOVE this post so much Biana! It definitely is a struggle sometimes to stay motivated especially when it comes to the blog. I totally keep a notepad in my bag too and treat myself with little rewards when I accomplish something big!
Rosy Outlook
I love this list and it's so true! My family is a huge motivator for me! 🙂
Love this! So true! That family pic is everything and I'll definitely have to check out those new accounts! (well new to me!) Hope y'all have a great rest of the week!
First of all – LOVE that photo of your sweet fam! And yes to all of this! I keep a notepad handy too, and Serena is my pure motivation each day <3
Green Fashionista
SO much, yes! I love that you've also thought about ways to stay inspired and strive to share those things that weigh on your heart. I always enjoy what you share and appreciate the balance you've given between family, products, and things you enjoy. Can't wait to see what content comes from your inspiration! Sierra Beautifully Candid
I'm sure just being a mom alone gives you all new sorts of ideas. They grow so fast so with each year, new way of doing life.
YES, YES, YES! I can't believe I started blogging over 6 years ago – and you were one of the first blogs who inspired me! I love that you continue to challenge yourself, as well. One of the biggest things I do is, like you said, keep my notepad handy. When I have a spark of inspiration, I run with it!
A notepad is a must, I am always writing things down. Planning is so important too.
This is a great post! It's always so interesting to see how other people manage balance in life, as well as how to stay motivated/inspired. You seem to have it down! I've found in the last couple years that a good run is usually what I need when I'm feeling overwhelmed or uninspired – exercise really clears my head and allows me to focus on new ideas!
Karly
whatkarlysaid.com
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I love this!! Aw little Sophia is so lucky to have such an ambitious and hard working mom to look up to!
xx Tess/ sequinsarethenewblack.com/
These are great ideas for staying inspired! I really need to carry a notebook with me because I always forget whatever idea I had later. My family lifts me up and keeps me motivated too! It's so important to reward yourself and give yourself a few hours of "me time" every week!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I love Pinterest whenever I need some inspiration. It is definitely my favourite way to procrastinate, but I always find myself being inspired by what I see too xo
Makeup Muddle
Yep, yes to all of this. Great post!
xx, Elise
sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
love this post, friend!!!
These are great tips! I love that Sophia is a motivator – kids change how we motivate SO much! Hope that you guys have a great weekend! XO