9 OF THE MOST POWERFUL WAYS TO RECLAIM YOUR MOTIVATION
The idea behind today’s post comes because of a little bit of Twitter research.
You see lately, I’ve seen quite a few of you struggling with the time of the year. It’s getting towards the end of summer, the weather is changing and lots of people seem to have lost their motivation.
There’s nothing wrong with this. We all get stuck in a rut sometimes, whether it’s work, our personal life or something else.
A couple of weeks ago, my motivation disappeared completely, but since then, it’s come back fighting. So from someone who’s been there, this is how to slowly but surely reclaim your motivation.
And the best bit? Each time your motivation decides to disappear, you can come back to this post. Win!
#1 | READ A MOTIVATIONAL BOOK
The right book can change your life. And I don’t mean the fiction book that’s top of the charts right now. You need to pick a book with purpose that’s going to make a difference.
The book that changed everything for me was Make It Happen by Lara Casey. When I started reading this, I was at a place in my life where I felt so confused about which path was right for me. I didn’t know what to do or which direction to go in.
This book gave me the courage to make that decision. It gave me clarity. It taught me that we all have a purpose and instead of waiting, it’s up to us to make things happen.
Read it. Or read something similar. I promise, it’ll work wonders.
#2 | START A SIDE PROJECT THAT FILLS YOU WITH JOY
You love spending an hour knitting when you get home from work. Amazing! Make things and start a blog to document your knitting hobby. Give people tips on how to get started, where to get material and so on.
Start taking knitting classes. Start a little knitting group through your work colleagues or friends. Just do something.
It could be the smallest thing in the world, but it doesn’t matter as long as you start. Take it one step at a time. Having a personal project that is just for you to enjoy is super important.
#3 | TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DAY
Sure, you might work in an office from 9-5, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shift your focus. Each day doesn’t just have to mean going to work, coming home and that’s it. Make each day special. Give yourself something to look forward to.
Listen to inspiring podcasts or read your motivational book on your commute. Plan how you’re going to spend your lunch break. Don’t eat at your desk every day if you can help it. Don’t go to the same cafe every day. Switch it up. Don’t think “oh I’ve only got X amount of time.” Instead think, “this amount of time is purely just for me.”
#4 | BE PRESENT AND THINK TO THE FUTURE
When you think about the past and the type of person that you used to be, your motivation will instantly disappear. Instead, focus on where you are in your life right now and where you’ll be going next.
This is the perfect time of year to have this mindset. The leaves on the trees are turning a different colour, the weather is changing - maybe this will be a time when some changes will appear in your own life.
Don’t be scared of this thought. Change allows for growth. Accept what once was and move on. You can’t change the past but you are in control of where you are right now. You’re evolving as a person every single day without realising it. Think of everything you’ve got to look forward to.
#5 | DO MORE OF WHAT INTERESTS YOU
Have you ever thought about switching up your routine? Sure you love scrolling through Twitter and Instagram at lunch. But what else do you love?
Magazines have always been a huge part of my life but over the years, I’ve read them less. Now, on my lunch break, I always spend it reading a magazine. It’s made such a difference to my overall happiness, motivation and productivity.
#6 | INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON THE GOAL, CONCENTRATE ON HOW YOU'RE GOING TO GET THERE
Too often, we can lose our motivation because we think we’re never going to reach a goal. The truth is, we’re so focused on reaching it that we don’t think about what it’s going to take to get there.
A key way to reclaim your motivation is to focus on the steps you’re going to take to reach your goal. Focusing on how you’re actually going to make that improvement in your life will leave you much more motivated. Each step forward you take, you’ll see that you’re getting ever close towards your end goal.
#7 | CHANGE YOUR JOB IF IT'S MAKING YOU UNHAPPY
The reason you feel like this is NOT your fault. You’re intelligent, you’re capable. But have you ever thought that you’re just in the wrong job? The wrong place at the wrong time? Whether it’s the job role or the culture, one thing’s for sure - leave.
I know this is easier said than done, but trust me - I’ve been there. More than once. And I know it’s hard. But it’s important for you to see this as a stepping stone. A bump in the road. That way, you can start taking steps towards your ideal life. This starts with trying to find a job that’s right for you.
It’s a scary and uncertain time. But if you truly believe it’s right for you, it will work out.
#8 | ACCEPT THAT YOU CAN'T BE MOTIVATED ALL OF THE TIME
Some days you’ll wake up ready to conquer the world. Other days you won’t. It’s normal and happens to all of us. And on those bad days, do something for you. Get out of the house and clear your mind. Take your dog for a walk. Do some cleaning. Talk to a friend. Open up and accept it.
#9 | DON'T BE HARD ON YOURSELF
Take your time. Be kind to yourself. Think about what you’re coming home to at the end of your work day. Even if you’re having a really bad time, there’s always something to be grateful for.
Have you ever had a time when your motivation has disappeared? What do you do on days like this? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments.