Motivation Strategies

[jgallag]

Hey guys, I need some help: what are your strategies for getting work done when you're just not feeling it? I'm not talking as an amateur here, meaning I can't just take a break. I'm in the middle of the first semester of my Master's degree and I'm just feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. What do you all do to combat that? Thanks.

[faulty_damper]

The issue is not motivation. It sounds like being overwhelmed.

Did you know that Masters students procrastinate more than undergrads?  Because suddenly, what you do is significantly more important than what you did as an undergrad.  That added pressure makes it worse than it actually is.

[j_menz]

I find looming deadlines, especially those with dire consequences if missed, somewhat motivating.

[brogers70]

Take whatever task it is that seems most frightening and overwhelming. Break it down into ridiculously small sub-tasks. So small that they are absolutely non-overwhelming (I used to get going on my taxes by telling myself that the first task was to take the shrink wrap off the software box). Then get started on the first sub-task; then do one or two more. Usually this counteracts the overwhelmed, inadequate feeling, and you'll start making real progress again. It's not a fluke that you got into this program; things will be OK. Just break the big tasks into easy, little ones, and start chipping away.

[danhuyle]

If you don't like what you're playing you won't be motivated.

If you like a piece so much, then you'll be motivated. Plus, it's university, they encourage laziness. Once I got my repertoire memorized, I let the teacher do the rest.

[jgallag]

Thanks. This helps. I have this huge avoidance habit from undergrad that is just making everything worse here. My rep isn't a problem. I'm playing the Bach-Busoni Chaconne, Schumann's Fantasiestucke Op. 12, Mozart's variations on "Unser dummer pobel meint", and a little piece called La Dangereuse by Ludovic Lamothe, but the last one is just for a master class in a week and a half. Certainly the music is great. I will work on breaking down and defining my tasks and see how far I can get with that.