Staying Motivated

Staying motivated can vary from every aspect of our lives. Whether it's work, relationships, finances, hopes and dreams, or just day to day tasks. Motivation is like a flame. Once ignited it's bright and vibrate, dancing in the wind. When it out, the smoke clears to reveal what once was. As I mention in my article, Keeping Positive, the mind has more power than we think. We have to look inside most of the time for our flames. However, with motivation, external sources are very important to influence your spirit.

I am a drummer and I love everything about it, yet there will be weeks at a time where I don't feel motivated to pick up the sticks. It doesn't mean I'm not a real drummer or that I don't enjoy it. My drum flame has just gone out and needs to be woken up again. What motivates me to drum is listening to songs that I am unable to play. Songs that are complex and performed by the Gods of music. This usually gets me amped up to practice as much as I can, but alas the time comes where my inability to play a song creates frustration. All I want is to throw my drum sticks across the room and kick in my bass drum head (just kidding. Drum sets are pricey little numbers). The days that follow I find myself staring at the kit as it taunts me, you're not practicing, you're not practicing. Then finally I say to myself, "it's okay".  I remind myself that I am not Sheila E.(Prince) or Carter Beauford(Dave Matthews Band). I don't have thousands of people waiting to watch me play flawlessly. This thought gives me peace of mind. The next thing I know I am playing the drums and laughing at the same time. Oh yeah! That's why I play, because I find joy and happiness in the groove, the rhythm, the feeling and my mistakes. Bam! I am motivated again, only this time I'm playing for me.

The flame ceases to go out when you do something that makes you truly happy. I realize that when I play the drums thinking I am going to perform for people or audition for some big gig, I clam up and try to play things I can't manage. I'm attempting to convince others that I am better than I really am, in hopes that they will think differently of me. The truth of the matter is, if we do things for other people and not for ourselves too then we loose that motivation. We forget the reasons why we do the things in the first place. We find ourselves lost and confused. My secrete to staying motivated is do make you happy. If you live a life where all that you do you find joy and purpose in, then you will find yourself in an endlessly motivated world.

So find what ignites that flame in you and remind yourself that you are doing this for you and there's nothing wrong with that. I drum for me. I write this blog mainly for me, and if it helps others then what an amazing bonus. I am happy writing this piece you are reading right now. I find nothing, but pure bliss with every letter I type sharing my thoughts and advise to motivation. It took me until the age of nineteen to figure out that I have a burning passion for writing. The feeling I get when I complete a short story, screenplay, or article is nothing short of ecstatic. It motivates me to get up in the morning, walk my dog, go grocery shopping for heaven sake. Well, I actually very much enjoy grocery shopping, but that's beside the point.  

If you have difficulty staying motivated even in the things you love, I suggest getting out in nature. Read my article, In Need of a Reset?