How to Keep Going When You Just Don’t Feel Like It

If you're a content creator, chances are you've hit that dreaded rut at some point. You don't feel inspired, your work doesn't excite you as it has before, and you feel unmotivated. Normally for me, it happens right when I just started feeling comfortable, and then things start feeling dull and I don’t feel like doing it anymore. Thankfully, there are a few ways to see things from different perspectives and feel motivated again!

Taking a Step Back

Per an article written by Tanner Christensen with **Creative Something. “**Stress hinders creativity by using available brain energy for non-creative tasks, like worrying or uncontrollably eating a pint of ice cream. Because it signals to the brain that there’s danger nearby, stress restricts our focus by releasing tense-inducing biochemicals and reverting processes from one area to another (think: fight or flight, not fight and flight).”

Research shows that stress truly kills creativity, and one of the best ways to reduce stress is by taking a step back. Now, I know from personal experience that “taking a break” is easier said than done. I struggle with stepping away when I know there is so much to do - but overall - you’ll get more work done if you give yourself (and your brain) a well-deserved break.

When it comes to taking a step back, one big suggestion is to put away the screens and do something different. Write on paper, take photos, paint something, go for a long walk, or go to a coffee shop. Take yourself out of the current environment to change things up.

What Is a Priority?

Let me guess - one of the reasons you’re feeling unmotivated and unexcited about moving forward is because your plate is just too full? This happens to me all the time, almost daily. It’s super easy to add something to your to-do list, but that doesn’t mean you actually have the time (or sanity) allotted to completing every task on your list. So, what you should do is figure out what is actually a priority. Here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself about the tasks on your list.

Does this help you reach your true overall goal?

It’s really important to understand what you’re really working toward. This will help you identify the tasks most important to that future outcome. It can be a good idea to break these larger goals into smaller, time-related goals. You can take your overall goal and break that down into monthly tasks, which can then be broken down into daily priorities.

Is it urgent?

Not all tasks are urgent or super timely. Each task needs to be labeled with a deadline or priority status (like high, medium, or low), so you can decide what really needs to be completed. If you have a list a mile long and feeling overwhelmed, of course, you’re going to get stuck feeling that hesitation to move forward. I suggest having a “would be nice” list that is off to the side of your normal to-do list, where you add those low priority items, and that way when you have some extra time, you might be able to tackle one or two of them.

Create a System

One of the bigger mistakes I made early on in my business is not having an ironed-out system. When you’re just starting out - it sometimes doesn’t feel necessary to have everything worked out or a system created, but let me tell you - creating a system from the beginning can help create such a smoother path for you and create less friction. Over the last couple of years, we have created so many systems in my business that have made things run so much smoother and make life much less overwhelming. If you can cut out some of the overwhelm, you will be less likely to feel that need to run away or quit.

Over the years, I have tried many different project management systems. I use Notion for both my own personal brand and our business, Creatorly Media, as well. With all of this, there are a lot of moving parts. I am using it to plan my YouTube, Podcast, Instagram, and TikTok Content. It’s also where I track and plan my brand collaborations, and store my branding, affiliate links, and other resources I need frequently. If it weren’t for having this system, there is no way I would be able to keep organized (and calm).

I created a Notion Content Creator Bundle that houses all of the databases you need for your content creation business, you can check it out by going to www.katiesteckly.com/bundle - This content creator Notion bundle includes my in-depth content calendar (with 9 custom views to keep your content organized on all social media platforms), a brand partnership tracker, affiliate marketing tracker, and a customizable brand guide.

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The skill you’re working on by going through these steps is organization and self-motivation, if you can master these skills - nothing can stop you, not even your pesky to-do list. If you have any questions about prioritizing, organization, Notion, or more - shoot us a DM on @creatorclub or @creatorlymedia.