I’ve never been successful waiting for creativity and motivation to strike. However, I have been successful finding creative solutions and getting a lot of work done when I work – even if I don’t feel like it. The discipline of engaging with the clay and following a work schedule hase resulted in more successful pots for me.
Creativity and success are not the result of lightening strike work habits. However, I am a lazy person who will squander time piddling around the house without much to show for it. So I avert my naturally tendencies toward slothfulness by cultivating habits that induce focus. By this, I mean, that I plan what I want to do, write it on a list, post the list, give myself a deadline, schedule time to work with Julie (accountability), and schedule time in my own studio (continued work time). I also try to 
remove obstacles that distract me from working. By this, I mean that I try to keep current with my day job, meal planning, housework, and paperwork so they won’t interfere with time I have scheduled to work on pottery. I also try to incorporate incentives for me to get to work. For example, I listen to an audiobook only in the studio (a good book will help me log a lot of studio time). Sometimes, I give myself a challenge (like make 75 mugs in 30 days). Although I don’t think I am very competitive, accomplishing a personal challenge really motivates me to work.
Lack of productivity is not usually the result of lack of inspiration; lack of inspiration is often the result of lack of work. In order to do creative work, working is the first step. There are many days when I don’t feel like working in the studio, but when I keep my commitment to my schedule and press through my ennui, I often find that the motivation follows.
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