I just did an interview with a writer from Self Magazine on the topic of the January blues. She asked some excellent questions- and one of my ideas that she really liked was the concept that we can’t WAIT to want to do something- we have to just do something. That’s my first strategy in Get it Done When You’re Depressed. Depression never wants to do anything! I can sit until I’m frozen solid before I’ll want to get out and get on with my life if I’m depressed.
I think- where’s my motivation? Well, depression is eating it like candy! I want to be motivated, so I create it using the stuff I talk about in my books:
Set up a time to work with a friend- tomorrow I will meet my friend Karen to work together from 1-4PM. I will work on my book that’s due and she is going to work on her novel. Just having her there means I will stay and actually work.
This is just one idea I use to create motivation. I always feel better after I do something- even if it took me hours to get out the door!
Julie
Hey Julie!
I have found a great motivator for me in an odd place. It is a book called “Frugal Luxuries” and I discovered that by changing my outlook on things like housekeeping and perceiving the results as luxuries that cost me next to nothing I am inspired to keep a cleaner house. Another frugal luxury I have come to enjoy again is canning and this time I am doing it with the intent of giving them as Christmas gifts. It softens the Christmas budget crunch and teaches my kids a thing or two about giving as well as practical skills. I did this last year and was so proud and satisfied with the results come Christmas. I have found that if I can keep my mood moderated I have what I consider a “peaceful motivation” – not pushed by mania and not as dragged down as with depression. I still have many ups and downs but I strive for that feeling of peaceful motivation which I find at a more neutral mood.
– Melissa –
Hey Julie!
I have found a great motivator for me in an odd place. It is a book called “Frugal Luxuries” and I discovered that by changing my outlook on things like housekeeping and perceiving the results as luxuries that cost me next to nothing I am inspired to keep a cleaner house. I have found that if I can keep my mood moderated I have what I consider a “peaceful motivation” – not pushed by mania and not as dragged down as with depression. I still have many ups and downs but I strive for that feeling of peaceful motivation which I find at a more neutral mood.
– Melissa –