Journaling Prompt — Staying Focused and Motivated Despite Discouragement

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What helps you stay focused and motivated when you feel discouraged. (Prompt courtesy of PsychCentral article “Ready, Set, Journal! 64 Journaling Prompts for Self-Discovery”)

Sometimes I get discouraged when I’m writing. I do have my moments feeling intimidated when I don’t know how to start a new literary work like a poem or a fiction chapter or becoming stuck midway between the creative process. This also happens when I’m exercising at the gym working with my personal trainer after he shows me a new and challenging routine like walking lunges or a new superset routine targeting two different body parts.

So, how do I stay focused and motivated despite discouragement? I try my best to address the situation before it gets problematic, especially when I’m writing. The following techniques have helped me to overcome any determents:

1. Positive Self-Talk

I have the potential to be my harshest critic, but I also can be my best advocate. Whenever negative thoughts appear inside my mind, I immediately start an internal monologue to provide encouragement before the frustration gets out of hand.

2. Positive Visualization

Using my imagination to conceive me accomplishing a goal has been beneficial to get…