by Jeanne Takenaka, @JeanneTakenaka

Last fall, I left a writer’s conference motivated to finesse the book I’d begun writing early last year. I was ready to tear the story apart, make it stronger, polish it, and send it to the people who had requested it.

Sometimes we have the best of intentions . . . and then life tromps right over them.

I had no idea I’d have to learn how to choose motivation.

As I edged back into normal life, Hubs left for a two-week business trip. Both boys had long-term issues surface that demanded all of me.

Real life had stolen my creative energy . . . which stripped my motivation to “git ‘er done.”

Sometimes we must choose motivation. We can’t wait until we “feel motivated” to work on our projects.

God gives us callings to fulfill. When we lack motivation, we need to ask Him to reveal the why.

*Are we hearing God’s leading clearly?

*Have we strayed off-base in how we’re trying to fulfill our calling?

*Are we keeping things in balance? Family, relationships, job, responsibilities, fulfilling our callings?

*Are we caring for our bodies in what we eat, do, and how much we sleep?

*Have we allowed this calling to occupy more space in our hearts and time and minds than God intended? If so, we tend to pressure ourselves in a way that saps motivation.

When we evaluate why we’re not motivated, we can talk with the Lord about them. When we come before Him with hearts open to His leading, He meets us and leads us where we need to go.

When God gives us a calling, He always equips us.

Five Thoughts that help me choose motivation:

1. God gives each of us dreams. Mine is to be traditionally published. To share stories woven with His truths and encouragement. I’m the only one who can write the stories God’s given me. He offers the inspiration, but I must do the work.
2. When I set an achievable goal, I’m motivated to attain it. Knowing the goal out there (and having a reward tied to it) motivates me to keep working.
3. When I’m weary because of life, sometimes I need rest. Life has a way of wearing me down. To renew motivation, I need to be refreshed in the ways that work best for me.
4. From time to time, I need a trusted friend to give me a good kick in the backside, to speak some truth and to re-ignite my motivation.
5. When I remember that writing is a calling God’s given me, I mustn’t make excuses to not live it out. Yes, life can be hard. And yes, there are seasons when God may say, “Set that aside for now.” But, when I’m not writing because “I’m not feeling it…” I’m squandering this desire, this gifting God’s given me.

When our motivation is high, let’s work with it! When it’s low, let’s pray about it. And then determine to follow wherever God leads.

Award-winning aspiring novelist, Jeanne Takenaka, writes contemporary inspirational fiction that tackles real-life issues with a heart to draw women closer to God and those around them. She lives near the mountains in Colorado with her amazing husband and two exuberant boy-men. She loves being God’s girl—always learning about His grace, hanging out with friends and enjoying a great cup of coffee. When she’s not writing you can find her with a camera in her hand, looking for #alittlebitofpretty in her days. You can connect with her on her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.