Ideas to get motivated again?

[Former_Member]

I've been pretty inactive with my shop for several months, partially due to my depression and partially because my items aren't very summer-y and don't sell well around this time of the year.

I lost all interest in Etsy a while ago and now would like to get back on the horse, but I have no idea where to start! Any ideas or motivational material to get my Etsy-mood going again? Anything you've found encouraging and would like to share? All ideas welcome :)

[Former_Member]

Pinterest.

[Former_Member]

I read Frankie magazine when I'm feeling demotivated.. I don't know if thats for sale in america, but swap it for a craft mag or something fun.

Maybe try writing a list of your favourite things or what you like most about making?

It may also help to just make stuff.. I find if I'm struggling just forcing myself to make really gets me going.

Self - motivating is a really personal case by case thing, but I hope that helps!

[DawnedOnMeDesigns]

Hi Sini,

I gave up on my shop for a couple years until about 4 months ago. I guess I really got back into it by reading and posting in a lot of threads on this team. I think the people are very motivating. Also, I am always sketching and designing new items, even if I don't end up making them, but this keeps my mind busy and gives me a another creative outlet. One more suggestion-learn a new technique! It's always fun to try something new and it might give you new ideas to incorporate into your items.

Take care,
Dawne

[Former_Member]

Great tips above!

I second the craft magazine to get inspired. Or go supply shopping and buy the one you like best.

Play good music too, that always gets me going

[Former_Member]

Sometimes I go to a craft supply store and just browse. I often find that my mind starts buzzing with ideas when I can see and touch potential materials. Pinterest, and the internet in general, can be a great source of inspiration but I have to be careful with it. It's easy to get overwhelmed or feel bogged down. If that happens, I make sure to turn that computer off and get outside :)

Best of luck Sini!

[KriyaDesign]

I haven't workout at all this year. And it shows, a little bit extra here and there. It was quite a struggle for me to get back in the mood.

The trick that works for me is, a bit at a time. Twenty minutes of bike riding. It was an hour pre my workout slum. 20 minutes of weight training instead of an hour.

And I love the feeling of having to not listen to my... don't want to do... things.

That's how to I get to almost 500 listings, 2 to 3 a day. Just a little bit. Yes I can, I can do 2 today. Two is easy right. I don't have to scale the mountain, just one step at a time. I'll get there. We all get there.

I'd say, just do it. It may not be perfect or the most intuitive or optimum thing to do, but get your ------ moving lol. If you don't get moving you'll get stuck on forever planning. Planning, more planning, and bit more... then come the Christmas, and you'll still planning or the scale keep inching up steadily. And here I am still planning the best to-do list or workout plan

* Everyone talk about doing something (I talked about exercising for months), whenever you get to doing (anything), pat yourself in the back... :-)

Hugs and get moving gal...

[Former_Member]

KriyaDesign, that makes so much sense! I can imagine being more energetic with my craft too if I'd get into the habit of regular workouts. And patting myself in the back, I can so see myself doing that! It's funny, my doctor said the same thing, every time I get anything - and i mean ANYTHING - done, I should mentally high five myself, shout "yeah", "celebrate a goal" so to speak. I've forgotten to do that, must start doing it again. Even if not helpful, it's so funny (especially when done publicly) it works as a sort of a anti-depressant drug :D

[Former_Member]

What great ideas! When I make something for myself or my kids or a friend it can be pretty invigorating for me too.

[Former_Member]

This thread has some good ideas. I have been fighting a bad case of procrastination lately.