da_illest101

Because I just seem to never have any. Except for being in front of a computer, playing video games and other needs, I can't do anything without being forced ( like school, exercise). When I do get motivation ( like 1 time every 3 months ) It only last a maximum of 2 weeks ( usually ) before I stop and go back to being bored on the computer.

A good example of how hopeless I am: I'm studying in graphic design and I really love it, but except for school work, I will never start a personal project no matter how much free time I have.

Also I'm not depressed, I have been depressed ( made quite a few thread in the past) before so I know the difference.

No matter how many time I break the cycle I always end up going back to be bored in front of my computer. It's like if no one tells me what to do I'm just gonna do the same things that I like or bore of it

Does anyone has better tricks then find a new hobby or become more sociable? Because those two simply don't work for me.

Niteowl

When I do a personal project, it's because I had an idea. Inspiration and motivation go hand-in-hand, if you ask me. There are two great sources of inspiration for getting motivated - one is the outside world, or pictures of it on the internet (but there's no real substitute for seeing and feeling it first hand). I don't know whether you live in an urban, a rural or a desert area, but wherever the place, there's loads of inspiration waiting to be found. (History can be very inspiring too.) The other source is people, and success stories. Spend some time looking at the work of successful graphic designers - how their work sold products, things like that. You just have to believe that you could do the same.

I'll tell you something I used to do - I would give myself a goal, and then I'd share it on another forum. I would then continue to update my progress. Not only do you get the support of others, which is invaluable for motivation, but you might also find you become more committed - you don't want to give up after telling everyone about the goal, right? That's the idea! As I said, as well, the support is so helpful. If you've got a goal, I believe I saw a thread for them - we'll support you all the way!

I hope this advice is of some use to you. I'm sure other people here have their own methods of getting motivated.

da_illest101

very good advice, thanks a lot, I just hope i'll be able to keep it up

tenuous~hold

i totally understand what you're going thru there...
now if there were only a way to get motivated to find some inspiration......

"Before we allow ourselves to be consumed by our regrets, we should remember the mistakes we make in life are not so important as the lessons we draw from them." - The Outer Limits

Agent_Violet

My motivation in a can..Starbucks double shot

“I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.”
― Pablo Neruda

April Snow

good advice!

FountainandFairfax

I was gonna say Mountain Dew.

Kiwong

I'd prefer a spray or roll on.

Happiness to me, is like a beautiful bird of paradise, elusive and rarely seen, but enjoyed ever more so for each brilliant and unexpected sighting.

But what we call our despair is often only the painful eagerness of unfed hope. George Elliot
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EscapeArtist

Try L-tyrosine. An amino acid that helps up your dopamine levels, that can be used in supplement form. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for feeling motivated, energetic, and focused. Sometimes low dopamine can cause feelings of not being able to be motivated no matter what
You can become low in neurotransmitters from too much alcohol, sugar, drugs (prescription included) or caffeine.

I just started taking L-glutamine yesterday (another amino acid that helps with GABA (calming neurotramistter) and a whole host of other things) and I felt better immediately after taking it. Might try L-tyrosine as well! Believer in amino acids

Feathers

Cocoa helps me (less 'strong' than coffee, and actually has some good minerals too, and less caffeine) or just more protein in my food... (I used to be a vegetarian and now eat meat 2x a week maybe..)

If you take any food supplements, do get informed about it all and ideally consult a nutricionist/doctor/pharmacist... We are different and may have different nutritional needs... (eg a vegetarian/vegan may be more in need of proteins/amino acids or such than someone who eats meat/eggs/fish regularly..)

I sometimes wish I could buy motivation in a bottle too!! lol!!

5+ hours internet/computer time a day can cause depression or memory/concentration problems too, so that could 'kill' motivation too... Maybe try more RL activities, walks etc? (I know, easier said than done, sometimes!!)

I found that quarrels or just craziness by my parents can destroy my motivation too, I then started to be a 'morning' person, maybe I need to do that again... (I've been naturally a 'night owl' though... it's not so easy for me, lol!!)

Can you find people who would 'need' your graphic design services? Even if it's just for free, just to get your portfolio started? You never know when some of that could lead to some paid work too?
And maybe you could also apply for 'paid' jobs, a friend has been a graphic designer without actually studying for it... There are sites online where you could apply (maybe under a nickname if you're not so confident in your skills yet), for 'newbies' it's not such great pay, you do get experience though...

Maybe read books about successful graphic designers/artists or design movements? Or see inspiring sites/books/designs/shops/places/architecture?