It's completely normal to experience a lack of motivation from time to time when it comes to practising, especially if you've been working hard for an extended period of time or not seeing the results you want.
However, it's very important to remember that consistency is a critical element when it comes to progress in shorthand and oftentimes, just pushing through those moments of resistance can be incredibly rewarding.
Firstly, try to identify the root cause of your lack of motivation. Are you feeling overwhelmed or a bit burnt out? Perhaps you are struggling with a particular aspect of your shorthand revision?
Once you have a better understanding of why you're feeling unmotivated, you can start to develop a plan to address it.
Here are a few tips to get you back on track:
- Remember why you started: In the beginning, you likely had a clear goal or motivation in mind. Take some time to reflect on why you started in the first place and, more importantly, acknowledge how far you've actually come since then. Visualize yourself achieving your goals and let that inspire you to keep going.
- Break it down: Whatever it is, sometimes the thought of even starting can be overwhelming. Instead, break your practice sessions down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Set a timer on your phone for 15 minutes and commit to just that amount of time. Once the timer goes off, take a break and, if you feel like it, come back for another round.
- Mix it up: If you're feeling uninspired, it's likely a clear sign you need to try mixing up your routine. Try a new (or old) exercise or work on a piece that's outside of your comfort zone. You could even try a piece below your comfort zone and focus just on writing your outlines as neatly as you can. You will often find a small change of pace can help reignite your passion for practising.
- Find accountability: Having someone to help hold you accountable can be a powerful motivator. Whether it's a friend or a teacher, having someone to check in with and share your progress can help keep you motivated and on track.
Remember, progress takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. The only way you fail is if you quit. Inch by inch it's a cinch. We all need a little help sometimes and pushing through those moments of mental resistance can lead to breakthroughs and new levels of skill and confidence.
So the next time you're feeling unmotivated, take a deep breath, remind yourself of your goals, and commit to taking just one small step forward.
