Hey family,

Let’s be real—staying motivated as a creative entrepreneur isn’t easy.

Some days, you’re on fire, ideas flowing, projects moving. Other days, it feels like you’re stuck, drained, or questioning if it’s even worth it.

I’ve been there. The truth is, no one is motivated all the time. But the creatives who succeed? They build systems that keep them moving forward, even when motivation dips.

Here’s how I’ve learned to stay inspired, focused, and hungry—even when the grind gets tough.

Motivation is unreliable. Some days, you’ll wake up ready to attack your goals. Other days, you’ll want to do nothing. That’s normal.

The key? Discipline over motivation.

Instead of waiting to feel inspired, set habits that keep you moving regardless of how you feel.

Action: Identify one habit you can commit to, even when you’re not motivated. Maybe it’s writing 200 words a day, posting content three times a week, or dedicating two hours every morning to your craft. Start small, but stay consistent.

When the grind gets tough, your "why" is what will keep you going.

For me, GUAP wasn’t just about making money. It was about telling stories that weren’t being told, creating opportunities where none existed, and proving that young Black creatives could build something from nothing.

That “why” kept me going when things got hard—when we got rejected, when we weren’t making money, when we felt like quitting.

Action: Write down your “why” somewhere visible. On your wall, your phone wallpaper, or even a post-it on your laptop. Make it impossible to forget.

Energy is contagious. If you’re surrounded by people who are uninspired, unmotivated, or constantly doubting themselves, guess what? That energy will rub off on you.

The solution? Build a circle of people who are doing, not just dreaming.

There have been times when I felt burnt out, but simply being in the right rooms reminded me why I started.

Action: Look at your circle. Who in your life inspires, challenges, or pushes you? If you don’t have that, go find them. Whether online or in real life, start engaging with the right people.

Burnout is real. The fastest way to kill your motivation is to work nonstop without ever celebrating progress.

It’s easy to think:

But the reality? Sustainable success requires balance.

Action: This week, schedule at least one intentional break and one moment to celebrate progress. Trust me, your work will be better for it.

A lot of people think motivation comes first, then action. It’s actually the other way around.

When you take action—even small steps—you build momentum. And momentum fuels motivation.

If you’re feeling unmotivated, the worst thing you can do is stop. Instead, do something small:

The simple act of starting will reignite your drive.

Action: If you’re feeling stuck today, do one tiny action right now. No excuses.

Motivation will come and go, but your mission stays the same.

Don’t rely on feelings—rely on systems, habits, and discipline. That’s how you stay in the game long enough to win.

So if today you feel uninspired? Good. That’s the test. Push through it anyway.

remember you’re forevafree, no limits.

Ibrahim

I will be doing a talk with EE on Thursday 20th February and wanted to see if there were any young creatives who would like to shadow me on the day. Send me a message if you’re up for it! Got to give a name to day so if you’re down let me know (might need some help with take a pic or two for me but will be from my camera - no actual experience needed.