How do we know the lawyers and surgeons don't suffer from lack of motivation? Maybe not during a trial or surgery, but when they're supposed to be doing research or filling out reports, I'll bet they sometimes put it off and check email or blogs or take an extra long lunch. I'll bet they work those late hours all the time because they too could stay focused a little better.
Even the burger flipper. I've worked in restaurants and I can assure you the workers skip steps because they 'don't feel like it.'
What's key for me here, is that there are times when they HAVE to work - like at trial or in surgery or when they're serving a customer. How do we bring that necessity into writing? Perhaps with writing groups or challenges such as Nano?
I find if I'm struggling with a story I lose some motivation. But I need to push through and get it done no matter what. It can be painful, but it needs to be done.
But you're right about looking at what else is going on in your life. Writing could be the least of your issues and it all takes its toll.
What?? We had an option?? Why was I not informed of this? Oh the hours I could have lounged around in bed, warm and cozy and...and...and probably wishing I was downstairs writing. Hmm.
My lack of motivation usually stems from two things -- laziness and fear.
For me it's not so much lack of motivation, just fitting it in in smaller chunks of time during the day, between errands, exercise and time spent with hubby. Things will be better once we're in our house.
I've also learned I just have to OPEN the software or my notebook and actually LOOK at my work and within five minutes, I'm usually lost.
Great post, though - very much what many writers (including me, from time to time) need to hear. Especially your opening analogies!!
I used to be a pro artist before I turned to writing full time. Art is ten times harder to keep motivated for (at least for me) but money does help the muse.
As for mothers: Box of cookies for breakfast, indeed.
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