Finding motivation is one of the hardest things about starting anything. Doubts are normal but can become your worst enemy if you start to listen to them.

I’ve found this to be true in almost all aspects of my life. For example, before I enrolled at University I was faced with doubts everyday – should I be doing an art degree? Is this course right for me? Will anything come of it in the long run?

In my heart I knew that this was the only course for me at the time and three years later, of course I’m glad I trusted my gut instinct. It’s opened doors for me that I didn’t even know were there and taught me so much about myself – a lesson learnt is never wasted.

This is the same with applying for a job, entering a competition, speaking to that person you’ve been wanting to for ages – hesitating because you think you aren’t good enough/ haven’t got the experience/ don’t meet all of the requirements/ comparing yourself to others is SUCH A WASTE. You could be exactly what they’re looking for. And even if you aren’t, doors could open because of that leap of faith and trust in yourself.

Things I’ve found really helpful in motivating me are making lists and setting small targets to achieve every day. Feeling productive and like you have accomplished something (no matter how small) will motivate you to do more and the satisfaction of getting to the end of a to-do list is enough to encourage anyone!

Of course I still have down days and on those days I question everything and doubt myself. But then I think about this: every single time you are brave, your life changes a little. If you want change – BE BRAVE.

Don’t ever sit around waiting for life to happen to you, you have to push yourself and get out of your comfort zone to grow as a person and recognise what it is you really want.

This being said, it is good to have a degree of patience. I am a true believer in that everything comes into each of our lives only at a time when we are ready for it. Whilst life unfolds because of the steps each of us choose to take, there is always something new to learn.

It’s simple, you know that thing you’ve been thinking about doing for ages? JUST DO IT.

E