Demotivated? Use Music!
In a recent post, ClickNewz’s Lynn Terry — who’s typically very chipper and “can do” — lamented about the inevitability of losing one’s motivation and momentum and how she tries to cope with it.
As writers, this isn’t exactly surprising information. What I did find surprising, however, is that Lynn didn’t mention what I think is probably the easiest way to deal with this sort of thing: Music.
I share Lynn’s sentiment that in these situations, we need to “step away, take a break, and then come back… fresh.” But there’s also that thing called time that, you betcha, pretty much dictates what kind of “away” you can partake in.
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Well, my take: What “away” really means is that we simply need to disengage our brains completely. And I do mean totally, even if just briefly. Thing is, at least in my case, a lot of the quick activities you would think would help with the disengagement — reading a book, watching TV, moping around — well, doesn’t.
But music sure does.
I don’t mean to just turn on the radio and listen to whatever comes on. You’ve got to prep and use music that specifically works for you. The sing-along, maybe even dance-along, kind that immediately takes you away is best, I figure (ABBA’s one of those that does it for me, but I’ll never admit that in public… DOH!). Use whatever works for you, but it really truly needs to pull you into its world totally and completely, even if for just a few minutes.
Then get back to work.
ALTERNATIVE: I also play the piano. Sometimes instead of merely listening. I play music. Same effect.
Undoubtedly for many of you this is far from a revelation. So, if you already use this technique, do please share your music suggestions in a comment below. Thanks! — EES
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I so agree with Lynn, that music will help motivate. I have found that I can get the same motivation by just having my favorite music softly playing in the background.
My type of musice is piano… soft melodies, etc., especially music by Yiruma.
By going to IMEEM I have found the “perfect” playlist for myself. If you want to take a look at what I’m listening to as I write this, just go to:
http://www.imeem.com/emilytieng/playlist/WQxpUac4/yiruma_music_playlist/
then, look around on the site and find what your “type” of music is… use someone else’s playlist as I have, or just create your own playlist.
Enjoy.
Lynn said nothing about music… I did, which was the point of the post.
I generally discourage writers from background anything — too distracting and one’s best work usually comes from absolute focus — but whatever works for you. Doesn’t disengage you totally, though, does it…
Thanks for the IMEEM info! Will check it out…
ees