In any practice that requires small, repetitive actions over time, the key to staying on track and achieving your goals is to find a way to keep yourself engaged and motivated. But how do you do that when the payoff isn’t immediate?

Since I'm a gender-affirming voice teacher, my focus is on helping trans people achieve their voice goals, but I also engage in other practices that require long-term commitment—like running, meditating, journaling, and learning languages. These are all activities that require dedication over months or even years, with little immediate reward.

So, how do I stay motivated? For me, one of the most powerful tools in my habit toolbox is romanticization.

What is Romanticization?

Romanticization is about creating an aesthetic or story around your practices. This could involve anything from the clothes you wear, to the lighting, music, or smells that accompany your routine, to the way you talk to yourself while you’re doing it. The idea is to make your practice feel special, almost cinematic, so that it becomes something you look forward to.

How I Romanticize My Practices

Take journaling, for example. I always write super early in the morning when it’s still dark outside. I turn on a single lamp over my table so it’s hard to see beyond the circle of light. In those moments, it’s just me and my journal, and I feel like a Victorian child or a monk, lost in thought and reflection. It’s a small shift in perception, but it makes the practice feel meaningful and almost sacred.

And it’s not just the practices I keep for myself—I also romanticize regular life maintenance. I always listen to Cuban music while I’m cooking because it makes me feel cool and sexy, like Nigella Lawson. Sometimes, I put on a dark academia ambiance video while I’m reading in the evening. The mood helps me focus, and I feel extremely intellectual, not to mention cool and sexy lol

Why It Works

I know it might sound a bit cheesy, but romanticizing your practices can transform "the work" into those small, meaningful moments that make life worth living. The right soundtrack and the right lighting can turn a mundane task into something that feels special, even magical.

So, if you’re struggling to stay motivated with your long-term goals, try romanticizing your practice. You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable and sustainable your routine becomes.