How can I stay motivated to keep creating?

This short list captures four main themes explored during sessions at Creativity Mental Health Counseling. There are many ways to stay motivated, and here are just a few to point you in the right direction. 

• Think of it as self-care. When you are creating you might be leaving your mark onto this world, you might be relaxing, you might be enjoying yourself, you might be learning something new, you might be stimulating your brain, you might be using your talents, or doing something that will help you feel productive. Whatever the case, just like going to the gym or to the dentist, using your creativity can be is another way to take care of yourself and to maximize your well-being.
• Think of it as taking care of others. Maybe your EP has an audience of 10 or 10,000. Your story might make it to the screens of 50 or 500 readers. It only takes 1 person to be emotionally moved, to learn something new, or to be entertained or intrigued, for your creative work to have an impact. 
• Find out what it means to you. There must be a reason you began to do creative work in the first place. There must be an inherent drive, a curiosity, a craving, and a meaning behind a creative task. Is it to tell a story that has not been told? To tell an old story differently? To discover the depths of your own limits and potential? Whatever it is, identify the big picture significance and don't let go!
• Habits, habits, habits. There will inevitably be days that you have things to do that seem to take precedence over sitting down to write, draw, brainstorm, photograph, compose, etc. If you have well-rehearsed, automatic habits in place, you are more likely to be motivated to show up and make progress, if it's just a small amount.