3 Secrets To Finding Motivation During The Pandemic

Many of you have expressed that you’re concerned you’ve lost motivation to continue pursuing a career in the theatre industry.

And frankly… I don’t blame you.

Broadway remains dark, jobs are few and far between, and so much of what we do is now all virtual.

#Zoomfatigue, anyone?

As an actor living in the midst of this pandemic, it’s easy to feel lost.

But I guarantee you it gets better. It always does.

In the meantime, let’s work together to make the best of a not-so-great situation.

Here are 3 of my best strategies to finding motivation during the pandemic.

1. Give yourself a schedule.

Mind you… this takes some planning… and lots of patience with yourself.

Most of what I do right now consists of work through Actor Aesthetic. But when I lie in bed til noon, take a shower at 2 and finally get some food in my body by 3… I know I’ve already lost my day.

Daylight is important for me because it’s when I get most of my work done. So I know that I need to wake up at a decent hour to be my most productive self. I also know I need to factor in time to work, time to rest, and time to re-charge.

When I give myself a schedule to follow - even if it’s flexible, I set myself up for a much more successful day.

2. Pick up a hobby.

Remember how much you loved that one hobby when you were a kid? Remember how happy it made you feel doing what you loved?

Fuel your creativity with something that falls outside of your career.

Not sure quite what to do? Here’s a list!

Reading, writing, sketching, coloring, painting, blogging, hiking, running, walking, camping, fishing, antiquing, thrifting, cooking, baking, home brewing, mixology, sewing, photography, scrapbooking, calligraphy, quilting, knitting, embroidery, designing, pottery, jewelry making, wood carving, home improvement, trivia, video games, board games, chess, card games, puzzles, juggling, genealogy, journaling, language learning, writing music, playing instruments, podcasting, makeup, dancing, cosplaying, sculpting, sports, volunteering, graphic design, computer programing, Zumba, yoga, cycling

3. Move your body.

Lots of the hobbies I listed above involved moving your body.

And I have my reasons!

Personally, walking (and coffee, of course) saved me in 2020. It cleared my mind every time I got my steps in.

The type of activity you decide to do doesn’t matter: dance in your bedroom with the lights off for all I care! But when you start to feel down, get your body moving and grooving.

You’ll realize quickly just how much it’ll affect your overall mood.

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Maggie Bera is a NYC-based actress, entrepreneur, and founder of Actor Aesthetic.