Getting motivated for the new year can be tough, especially this time of year. I know better than anyone that these cold New England winters are not easy, and as a result my mental health can sometimes suffer. It can be hard to find motivation to keep going when earnings are lower on your spicy page, or when you feel the pressure to be in the "holiday spirit" this time of year. Not to mention, it seems that almost every influencer and creator out there is living a "picture-perfect" life, and it's hard not to draw comparisons. However, find solace in knowing that you are not the only one going through this, and that there are steps you can take to re-motivate and re-excite yourself for the new year!
Create a vision board
One of my favorite things to do at the start of a year is to create a vision board. I will either create one that is digital, or I will create one that is on paper. Take images, quotes, and other inspirational items and paste them to your vision board for 2024. Sometimes we are visual creatures who need to view something with our eyes in order to be able to work towards it more effectively!
2. Join Like-Minded Communities and Groups
Do you know the saying that there is strength in numbers? Well this is exactly why you should join groups. There are many creator groups you can join, whether it be on Facebook, Telegram, or other forums online such as Reddit. Creator groups are great because they help hold you accountable, keep you motivated, and also connect you to others in your network that may be able to help you expand your reach (and knowledge)! Groups are a great source for strength when things are not going well, and will also help bring you more ideas, advice, and tips!
3. Get OFF of Time-Killer Apps
I can personally say that apps like Tik Tok and Instagram reels have caused me to lose hours of my day. While these apps can give you so much inspiration, joy, and provide you with some useful knowledge - I think there is a limit in how much we should use them. If we overuse these apps, we may do the opposite of the positive things that I mentioned. I notice whenever I am on Tik Tok too much, I begin to get a bit depressed and start comparing myself and my work to others. It's easy to do, especially when influencers online paint such a perfect picture of their lives. Everything online can look so aesthetic and ideal, when in reality, this is just not the case for the vast majority of us. Remember to use social media as a tool, as a way to make money, and a way to make meaningful connections, and that's it! Don't spend too much time browsing and wasting your time because this is a REAL motivation killer!
4. Take Up a Spiritual Practice, Hobby, etc.
Sometimes, being a spicy content creator, or any type of content creator for that matter, can be tough on you mentally. You have to deal with customers and fans all day giving your their input, spilling all of their dirty thoughts and secrets, and let's be honest - this is just exhausting sometimes. This is why it's important, in order to stay motivated, to also have things outside of this line of work that make you happy and feel enriched. This 2024, one of my resolutions is to start trying and learning more new things. On NYE, I went snowboarding and then for dinner made fondue for the first time. I thought it would be a great way to ring in the new year - by trying something completely new and different and showing myself that I am capable of whatever I set my mind to!
5. Find Your WHY?
What is your why? Your "why" is the reason you get up in the morning and do what you do. Your "why" is why you are in this industry in the first place. Your "why" may change over time. For example, last year the reason I worked hard was so I'd be able to travel. Traveling was the most important thing to me, as I had spent so many years inside due to Covid, and being very sick with a rare blood disorder. Eventually, I achieved that goal, and my "why" changed. Now the reason I work hard is to set myself up for my future, and to be able to live a comfortable and happy life. Living stress-free, and free from worries about money and bills is important to me. So, that is why I get up every morning and work as hard as I can. If you need a reminder each morning for what your "why" is, try to put pictures for yourself around your home that keep you motivated and inspired to work towards your "why". I also recommend setting your phone or laptop screen as a photo of what it is that you work towards or work for every day!
You can't grow a tree unless you plant the seeds and water them. Yes, for some people, a tree will just grow out of nowhere; it will happen effortlessly and they won't have to put in the hours of work and care that are involved in growing a tree. However, for most of us, we need to put in the energy and time. If you want to create a dream life for yourself, earn more money on your spicy page, and have the freedom to earn money from anywhere, it's going to require hard work, creativity, and going through many ups and downs. Most of the time, success doesn't come immediately, and this will be the main motivation killer! However, this year, we are going to do our best to put in place these 5 things I've mentioned and do our best to stay motivated, work hard, and get closer to our goals! Good luck!
xoxo
Stephanie aka Stepanka
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