Audiobooks: From Chocolate Binges to Creative Surges - My Secret Weapon as an Interior Designer.

I once read that motivation is like showering: you must shower daily, and that's how often you need fresh motivation. Motivation is not a one-time jolt that lasts forever.

No one is ever motivated all the time. Trust me; I've found myself in a colossal rut more times than I'd like to admit. Let me share the pattern that has come to my rescue every time I've been stuck in that frustrating place: I give up, start devouring every chocolate bar hidden in my secret candy drawer, and before I know it, I'm in a perpetual state of feeling like... well, let's just say, not my best self. This phase lingers longer than I'd care for it to.

But then, like a plot twist in a movie, something happens—a social media reel or a random YouTube video reminds me of the existence of audiobooks. A friend's recommendation ignites a spark of curiosity. Curiosity, in turn, leads me to the world of audiobooks. And lo and behold, audiobooks not only make me act but also make me feel like a better person.

As a creative, these are my top recommendations for books that have consistently kicked my procrastination-prone behind and helped me escape the clutches of a rut:

• Steal Like An Artist - Trilogy by Austin Kleon - A refreshing take on creative theft and originality, documenting your creative process and more.
  

• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert - I can NOT recommend this one enough times. It speaks of creative genius in a way I have literally never heard of before + it's Elizabeth freaking Gilbert. Trust me when I tell you, that you will be embracing ideas the way you embrace your loved ones.

• Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson - Dive into the genius of a design icon, and learn the good and the bad in Steve's psyche. It's so interesting learning about the legend in such a transparent legendary manner.
  

• Anything You Want by Derek Sivers - Learn to embrace your unique path in business, holy smokes does it change the tone of creative success? I loved every word.
  

• Untamed by Glennon Doyle - Okay, as a Muslim girl, I don't agree with anything that is out of line with my beliefs (you will know what I mean when you listen to it), but, EVERY WOMAN needs to read this one. The style of writing, the fire that ignites in your heart, the sheer empowerment. Take what you believe in from the book and leave what doesn't go with your beliefs. But it's worth the listen.

• You are a Badass by Jen Sincero - AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH, it's famous for a reason, it's so so so so so so so so so so so GOOD. I have listened to You are a Badass more times than I have listened to my on-repeat playlist on Spotify. It's fresh, it's funny, it's motivational, cheesy, and it FREAKING works. Give it a listen, please.
  

• The One Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib - Marketing is not easy but this book? This book will change you forever. It's strategic but not the boring type. It's practical and actionable. The best book on marketing I have read/listened to.
  

• Atomic Habits by James Clear - Again, FAMOUS for a reason. It talks about how small steps impact your life in a big way. Trust me when I tell you it changed my life. (and SO many other lives)
  

• The Creators Code by Amy Wilkinson - Decode the secrets of creative success, to be honest, it's more complex in nature than other books in this list. I want to give it a mindful listen and study every word. But it's brilliant.
  

• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - When I tell you DO NOT start this book UNLESS you want your life to turn 180 degrees, I mean it. I saw a reel of a girl saying the same thing, she said she is not in the same city anymore because of this book, I swear, I believe it. It's IMPACTFUL. and ACTIONABLE. It teaches you how to reconnect with your inner creative. Again, I am in love. I love this book with passion. Give it a listen, thank me later. So, there you have it, my fellow creatives! In this whirlwind journey through the world of audiobooks and creativity, we've seen how the quest for motivation can often resemble a desperate search for the next chocolate bar in the secret drawer.

The truth is, we all find ourselves in those ruts from time to time. But the beauty of life is that there's always a twist waiting around the corner, a plot development that can pull you out of the darkness.

For me, it's been the rediscovery of audiobooks—a reminder that motivation isn't a one-time miracle but a daily ritual, much like that morning shower.

Audiobooks are like a magical elixir for our creative souls. They have the power to reignite curiosity, spark inspiration, and guide us back onto the path of productivity. So, when you find yourself knee-deep in the chocolate wrappers of creative despair, remember that audiobooks are your secret weapon, your reliable sidekick on this wild design journey.

With each chapter, each word, and each narration, audiobooks have the potential to transform not only your creative process but also your perspective on life. They've certainly done that for me.

So, go ahead, dive into these audiobook recommendations, and let them kick your procrastination to the curb. Let them be the compass that guides you through the maze of your next design project. And most importantly, let them remind you that creativity is a journey, and you're well-equipped for the adventure.

Thank you for joining me on this humorous ride through the audiobook Wonderland. Now, it's your turn—pick up that audiobook, hit play, and let your creativity soar to new heights!