There are times in everyone’s life that you won’t feel motivated. Understanding where your lack of motivation is stemming from can help with overcoming your shortage in being motivated.

Motivation is the driving force that allows you to complete your goals. Without motivation your productivity suffers as well as your creativity.

Many factors affect your level of motivation, these include but are limited to the following: stress, hormonal changes, grief, prolonged sickness, troubled marriage, difficult family relations, lack of sleep, depression, guilt, chronic people-pleasing, and, being overwhelmed.

We will all experience “off days” where our energy and emotions get the best of us, but there are some things that you can do to deal with those “off days.”

→Below I have listed 14 ways how you can motivate yourself when you don’t feel motivated, when you are having one of those “off days” or perhaps one of those “off weeks.”

1. First thing in the morning connect to God, and lay all your cares and concerns at His feet. Oftentimes you can lack motivation because you are carrying around worry and burdens that will definitely curb your motivation.
2. Take time off, take a vacation, or take a stay-cation and get your mind off the issues that drain your motivation.
3. If a project or task seems to large and you feel overwhelmed by it, start small. Make small, tangible goals for yourself daily.
4. Reduce daily distractions as much as possible. If you are constantly checking your phone, emails, or social media you will have trouble staying focused.
5. Do something that you enjoy, not what others enjoy, but what you enjoy. Tapping into your creative side can definitely boost motivation-painting, gardening, or rearranging furniture.
6. Get out in nature and if possible, get 10 minutes of sunshine to ward off depression.
7. Buy yourself a new outfit that makes you feel and look good. Acting and dressing as if you already feel great can actually boost your mind.
8. Focus on what you have to be grateful for and even keep a daily list of what you are thankful for.
9. Listen to music that you enjoy and puts a smile on your face.
10. Exercising helps your body release endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Exercising for just 30 minutes 5x a week can improve symptoms of mild to moderate depression as well as decrease stress levels.
11. Don’t overschedule yourself, having too much on your plate can cause you to feel overwhelmed.
12. Avoid negativity as much as possible whether it’s people, the news, or movies.
13. Reject self-criticism and picking yourself apart for everything you do wrong or perceive that you do wrong. Focus on your strenghts and what you do right.
14. Be aware of negative self-talk and replace those negative thoughts with positive affirmations and scriptures.

Reflect: What can you do to increase your motivation when you are having an “off day” or an “off week?” Share in the comments below so that we can learn from each other.

Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC
Stephanie Reck, Coaching & Consultation Services
www.stephaniereck.com
[email protected]
Stephanie Reck Coaching & Consultation Services, @2024
Author of, "Disciplining Your Mind 30 Days to a Better You!"