A brand new year! Are you ready to get started??

Oh my word I LOVE the fresh start that a New Year allows …

Here are some easy ways to stay motivated throughout the new year!

CLEAN

Clear your head of distractions when you clear your workspace of distractions. Even if you’re just putting that stack of papers in a drawer for a little while, get them out of your sight.

Out of sight out of mind.

And if cleaning your workspace doesn’t work … Try cleaning your house. I find that I can scrub the tub or mop without doing to much thinking about it, and I tend to come up with new ideas or solutions while my mind is wandering.

I think I might actually do this myself tomorrow …. I don’t often WANT to clean, but for some reason I’m feeling it ….

Treat yourself to a new supply, book or tool

If you’re working on a new crafting project, a new craft supply can really jump start your creativity! If you are working on a long-term project a little shot of creativity can really help you stay motivated.

Getting a new book about your subject or project can help you learn new little tips that will really encourage you to move forward and stay motivated.

Recognize your progress

I have been making note of the L&R blog/reader stats every couple months for the last year. Every time it feels like I’m just treading water or even moving backwards, I take a glance at the progress I’ve made! It’s such a good little boost…

Choose a couple ways that you can track progress on a goal…. Make a note of your current status so you can notice the progress in a few months when you need a little motivational kick.

Pick ONE goal

Just like cleaning your workspace to help focus, cleaning off your to do list and only focusing on ONE project can help keep you motivated. I tend to over commit my to do list and have several things in mind at once ….

But on a weekend I make myself focus on just one project to complete. Better be DONE with one thing than a little bit of progress on several things.

Give yourself a reward

This is not something I really use, because to me saving money is a reward, but I know that a lot of creatives really swear by it!

Give yourself permission to buy a fun toy or treat once you’ve finished your project or achieved your goal.

Give it a shot! Just picture that new Instax Mini as you struggle through the last little steps of you next product launch….

And finally …. if you haven’t yet, make sure you get my free ebook SHIFT