6 Practical Ways to Overcome Procrastination and Boost Motivation on Your Creative Projects

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 6 min read

Do you find yourself struggling to get started on your creative projects or constantly putting them off? You're not alone! Procrastination can be a significant obstacle for many creatives, and staying motivated is important. In this blog, we'll explore six practical ways to overcome procrastination and stay motivated on your creative projects, helping you transform your ideas into reality.

1. Break Down Projects into Manageable Tasks

One of the most effective ways to overcome procrastination and stay motivated on your creative projects is to break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This makes the project less daunting and helps you maintain a sense of progress as you complete each task.

Identify Milestones

Begin by identifying the major milestones in your project. These are the significant steps or achievements that will help you track your progress. For example, if you're writing a novel, milestones could include completing the outline, finishing the first draft, and revising the manuscript. By focusing on these milestones, you can develop a clear roadmap for your project and stay motivated as you work towards each goal.

Create Task Lists

Once you've identified your milestones, create task lists for each one. Break down the milestone into smaller, actionable steps that you can complete in a reasonable amount of time. For instance, if your milestone is to complete the first draft of your novel, your task list might include:

Outline the plot for each chapter
Develop character profiles
Write dialogue and descriptions
Edit and revise each chapter

By creating task lists, you'll have a clear understanding of what needs to be done to reach your milestones, making it easier to stay focused and motivated throughout your creative project.

2. Establish a Routine

Another effective way to overcome procrastination and stay motivated on your creative projects is to establish a routine. Routines provide structure and consistency, helping you make steady progress on your tasks while ensuring that you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Morning Routines

Starting your day with a morning routine can set the tone for a productive day. Consider incorporating activities that help you feel energized and focused, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling. By dedicating time each morning to these activities, you'll create a positive momentum that can carry over into your creative work.

Evening Routines

An evening routine can also help you stay motivated on your creative projects. Use this time to review your progress, plan for the next day, and unwind from the day's activities. This might include reading, listening to music, or engaging in a relaxing hobby. By establishing a consistent evening routine, you'll ensure that you're ready to tackle your creative tasks with a fresh perspective the following day.

Remember, the key to establishing a successful routine is consistency. Make an effort to stick to your routine as closely as possible, even on days when you may not feel as motivated. Over time, you'll find that your routine becomes a natural part of your daily life, making it easier to overcome procrastination and stay motivated on your creative projects.

3. Set Deadlines and Accountability Measures

Setting deadlines and holding yourself accountable can be powerful ways to overcome procrastination and stay motivated on your creative projects. Deadlines create a sense of urgency, while accountability measures ensure that you follow through on your commitments.

Self-Imposed Deadlines

Self-imposed deadlines can be an effective way to keep yourself on track. When setting deadlines for your creative projects, make sure they are realistic and manageable. Break down your project into smaller tasks, and assign a deadline for each task. This will help you maintain a sense of progress and momentum as you work toward completing your project.

Accountability Partners

Another great way to stay motivated is to enlist the help of an accountability partner. This can be a friend, family member, or colleague who is also working on their own creative projects. Share your goals and deadlines with your accountability partner, and check in with each other regularly to discuss your progress and any challenges you may be facing. By holding each other accountable, you'll be more likely to stay on track and motivated to complete your creative projects.

Remember, the key to success with deadlines and accountability measures is to be consistent and honest with yourself. If you find that you're consistently missing deadlines or struggling to stay motivated, take some time to reflect on your goals and make any necessary adjustments. With the right combination of deadlines and accountability, you'll be well on your way to overcoming procrastination and staying motivated on your creative projects.

4. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions can be a major obstacle in staying focused and motivated on your creative projects. To overcome procrastination, it's essential to identify the distractions in your environment and take steps to minimize or eliminate them altogether. This will help you maintain your focus and ensure that you make the most of your time and energy.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Having a dedicated workspace can make a significant difference in your ability to stay focused and motivated. Choose a comfortable and quiet space where you can work on your creative projects without interruptions. Make sure that your workspace is organized and free from clutter, as a messy environment can be distracting and hinder your productivity.

Digital Minimalism

In today's world of technology, digital distractions can be particularly challenging to overcome. To stay motivated on your creative projects, consider adopting a digital minimalism approach. This means being intentional about the use of your devices and limiting unnecessary screen time. Some practical steps you can take include:

Turning off notifications for non-essential apps
Using website blockers to prevent access to distracting websites
Setting dedicated times for checking email and social media
Creating a focused playlist to help you concentrate during your work sessions

By eliminating distractions and creating an environment conducive to focus and creativity, you'll be better equipped to overcome procrastination and stay motivated on your creative projects.

5. Stay Organized with Tools and Techniques

Staying organized is a key factor in overcoming procrastination and maintaining motivation on your creative projects. By using the right tools and techniques, you can effectively manage your tasks, deadlines, and progress, making it easier for you to stay on track and reach your goals.

Trello for Project Management

One useful tool for staying organized is Trello, a project management platform that allows you to create boards, lists, and cards to manage your projects visually. With Trello, you can:

Break down your projects into smaller tasks and assign due dates
Organize your tasks into categories or stages of completion
Collaborate with team members by assigning tasks and sharing project updates
Attach files, links, and notes directly to your task cards

By using Trello to manage your creative projects, you'll have a clear overview of your progress, helping you stay focused and motivated on completing your tasks.

Pomodoro Technique

Another effective technique to overcome procrastination and boost motivation is the Pomodoro Technique. This time management method involves breaking your work sessions into 25-minute intervals, called "Pomodoros," followed by a short break. After completing four Pomodoros, you take a longer break. The Pomodoro Technique can help you:

Improve focus and concentration by working in short, focused bursts
Prevent burnout by incorporating regular breaks into your work sessions
Track your progress and time spent on tasks
Make it easier to get started on tasks by committing to a short time frame

By implementing the Pomodoro Technique, you can effectively manage your time and energy, making it easier to stay motivated and overcome procrastination on your creative projects.

6. Reward Yourself

A great way to stay motivated and overcome procrastination on your creative projects is to reward yourself for your accomplishments. By celebrating your progress and milestones, you create positive associations with your work, making it more enjoyable and easier to stay on track.

Small Rewards for Milestones

It's important to recognize and reward your smaller achievements along the way. You can set up a system of small rewards for reaching specific milestones, such as completing tasks or making progress on a project. Examples of small rewards include:

Treating yourself to a favorite snack or beverage
Taking a short break to watch an episode of a TV show you enjoy
Spending time on a hobby or personal interest
Sharing your progress with friends or family to receive positive feedback

By giving yourself small rewards for your achievements, you'll create a sense of accomplishment that helps to keep you motivated and focused on your creative projects.

Celebrate Completion

Finally, when you complete a major project or reach an important goal, it's important to celebrate your success. Taking the time to acknowledge and enjoy your accomplishments can help reinforce the positive feelings associated with your creative projects and motivate you to take on new challenges. Ways to celebrate your completion might include:

Going out for a special meal or event with friends or family
Taking a day off to relax and enjoy your success
Sharing your completed project on social media or with your professional network
Reflecting on the lessons learned and skills gained throughout the project

Celebrating your achievements is an important aspect of staying motivated and overcoming procrastination on your creative projects. By rewarding yourself for your hard work and successes, you'll be more inclined to continue pursuing your passions and reaching new goals.

If you're looking to overcome the obstacles holding you back from achieving your goals, you won't want to miss the workshop 'How To Beat Procrastination' by Natalie. This insightful workshop will provide you with practical strategies and techniques to help you break free from the procrastination trap and start making real progress in your personal and professional life.