As summer is approaching and we are zooming towards the second half of the year, there isn't much motivation in the air. When New Year's comes everyone gets an adrenaline rush of motivation to be better versions of themselves or work on things they think need improvement.
If you haven't already given up on those goals, this is about the time that most people start to forget the promises they made to themselves as they counted down from ten and exclaimed "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
When 2018 finally came around, I took it upon myself to message some of my favorite artists on Instagram to give me advice on making the most of the upcoming year. Being artists, they responded with very deep and practical advice that could apply to anyone even if they don't make art. Here is what they had to say:
1. @amandlabaraka
"Biggest piece of advice is to set boundaries up front and communicate. Because people will dissapoint you but empathy and goodwill will guide you 🌹"
2. @heyparkerday
"My advice is focus on that which excites you, which you feel love for, and trust in your intuition. If something doesn't feel right, move away from that and toward what does follow. Everything else follows"
3. @cowgirlsosa
"ADVICE FROM ME!!
1) Don't procrastinate with passions. See the potential in free time!! It's easy to get lazy.
2) Set limits or duties (whether it's forcing yourself to, make your bed every day or only drinking water for one week a month, balancing your physical health is essential to making art/being happy!!
3) Don't be afraid to look silly or make mistakes!!!!! the silly ones always shine"
4. @emirshiro
"My only advice would be to not stop dreaming and see things big without putting a barrier. Nothing is impossible if everything is done with love. 🌻 "
5. @sirius.film
"My advice is to stay consistent with posting work and to come up with a project/idea for yourself that you can work on throughout the year to release at the end of 2018"
6. @perryshall
"Haha just keep creating!! Don't stop"
While this advice was given about making art, it can be applied to anything that you are interested in. Overall, all you need is to be committed and consistent with pursuing what you are passionate about, and that is all you need to push yourself through the rest of the year. You can do it!!!