How Do You Stay Motivated While Writing or Creating Courses?

Hello instructors,
As an author, I’ve learned that inspiration comes and goes. I’m curious how other instructors stay motivated while writing their books or creating new courses.
Do you follow a routine, set deadlines, or wait for creativity to strike?
Let’s share tips that keep us moving forward.

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Prof_Paul

Use ChatGPT or Oter AI . Read a bit in an area you are excited about creating. Do an Internet Search on your Next Topic and Watch a YouTube Video on It. I have Created a YouTube Channel to Keep Me excited … And it's Doing Great! (*Check it out Here: https://www.youtube.com/@lifetransformationacademy ) It will give me a second Income Stream Too! $$$ Good Luck!!!! :)

RonErez

I usually choose a topic that interests me or a topic that students requested. If a course already exists and is profitable that could motivate me to expand and update the course, otherwise I do tend to make updates depending on the topic.

As far as routine goes if I create a new course section then I try to complete it from start to finish before moving onto something else. Another thing that helps is whenever I go out I'll record two videos before leaving. For example if I want to go to the supermarket to buy chocolate then I'll record two videos on my current section before leaving. It's not too organized but it works well for me.

I rarely use AI, I actually hate it. However lately when I create a course lecture or section title I'll ask ChatGPT to suggest a better title.

Honestly I do not really have profitability in mind when I create a course. I mainly create things I enjoy since most courses aren't profitable anyways so I might as well enjoy the process.

FrankKane

I'm motivated by the fact that there are 85,000 other instructors I'm competing with here, and if I don't hustle and produce something awesome quickly, someone else will beat me to it!

To put a more positive spin on it, there is a rewarding sense of accomplishment to being the first mover on a new topic. That's worth striving for.

Mohamed scientist

For me, staying motivated while writing or creating courses is a mix of structure, curiosity, and momentum.

1. Small Daily Wins
I’ve learned that waiting for inspiration is risky — so I set very small daily goals. Even writing a single paragraph, outlining one subtopic, or recording one short clip keeps the momentum alive. Once I start, it’s much easier to keep going.

2. Clear Purpose for Each Course
Before I build any course, I write a short “mission statement” for it:

Who exactly is this helping?
What problem does it solve?
What transformation will students experience?
When I lose motivation, I read that statement and it gets me back on track.

3. A Balance Between Passion & Demand
Like many here, I also choose topics I genuinely enjoy. But I look at student messages, FAQs, and market gaps to stay motivated — there’s something very energizing about knowing people are waiting for your content.

4. Tools & Systems
I use AI (including ChatGPT) not to write for me, but to speed up brainstorming, improve titles, or generate alternative explanations. This reduces the “blank page stress” and keeps creativity flowing.

5. The Reward of Completion
Nothing feels better than hitting “Publish” — especially when students start sending messages saying how much the course helped them. Remembering that end result can be a big motivator.

Everyone’s workflow is different, but consistency (even tiny steps) makes a huge difference.