What to do When You Need Motivation
Even as someone who is hands on and proactive about doing things to achieve my goals, there are days, sometimes even weeks, where I need motivation. In moments like these, I often ask myself what is it that I’m really experiencing. I always start with rest. After resting, I find ways to get myself back up and working again. Here are some ways I have found that are effective for me in my work.
Listen to a podcast
When I need motivation, sometimes I tune into inspirational podcast episodes. Listening to the way people talk about their life or experiences, lessons, and growth is something I find inspiring to me. It reminds me that I can’t give up and I must persevere. This usually then gets me up and going.
Work out or go for a walk
I find that going out even if just for a short moment always helps. Something about getting fresh air really helps to clear my mind and makes me feel refreshed. I think being in a different atmosphere also gives new energy. If you can’t go for a walk outside, try sitting out in your balcony or go into a different room of the house—putting yourself in a different environment often helps.
Watch a motivational video on YouTube or Social Media
Sometimes I intentionally search motivational video on Youtube just to listen to what these people have to say. Because we all need reminders even if we know a lot of the things these people are going to share already. I do this once in a blue moon when I’m at an absolute slum and I just need that mental hit across my head to snap out of it. Always work like a charm for me.
Sometimes if I need it, I play these videos in the background as I work to remind me of my why, my purpose, and my goals.
Have a motivational music playlist
This. This. This. I know music is music but I have found that having a motivation playlist really does change the way I work. Even when I don’t feel motivated to do something, I put on my playlist and it gets me moving. It’s weird but super effective for me.
You can curate a list on Spotify, YouTube, iTunes. There are plenty of places to curate your motivational playlist.
These are 4 things I’ve been doing recently that has helped me to get moving again.
I want to note that if not want to do things is a much deeper health problem, I highly suggest getting the help you need. There is no shame in getting mental health help. I always tell me people, if you have a physical pain somewhere you seek the help of a medical doctor. That’s the same for mental health—if you have a need somewhere, it’s okay to seek out a mental health specialist.
While I think it’s important to feel motivation, it’s important to also stay disciplined and consistent. For me, even when I don’t feel motivated, if I’m disciplined to do the thing and I just do it, I often will start to feel motivated again. One way I remain consistent or disciplined is to remember my why—to remind myself of why I’m doing what I’m doing. Another way is to just do it despite how I’m feeling, especially if the feeling is related to procrastination or unmotivation.
I hope these tips will help you find motivation. Remember, you don’t need motivation to start or to keep going.
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