So, you’re feeling stuck. You keep making excuses for why you’re still doing the same thing, even when you know you’re not happy. But, changing things can be challenging, and finding the motivation to take the first step can feel elusive.
But, without motivation to create the momentum you need to move, it’s easy to stay stuck in a rut. And, motivation is one of the keys that determine your success or failure.
However, just knowing this doesn’t make it any easier to get motivated. So, if you need a little push in the right direction, here’s the formula:
Stop the excuses + explore your options + take action = Getting Unstuck!
And, do it now—not tomorrow—not next week—not after you reach the breaking point.
Finding what motivates you is personal. So, take some time to discover what gets your creative juices flowing, then tap into that to put you on the right track to get back your mojo. Here are some tips to get you started:
Tips on How to Get Motivated
Is it boredom that’s got you stuck?
First, stop going through the motions. One reason you may find it difficult to perform everyday tasks is that you get bored. So, of course, you’re going to try to avoid something that you find tedious! However, you can combat this attitude by shifting your thinking while engaging in tasks you dislike.
For instance, brainstorm ways that you can complete the task more efficiently. Then, you can compete with yourself to see how quickly you can complete the job in the future. Obviously, the quicker you get it done, the sooner you can move on to bigger and better things!
On the other hand, you might have a touch of perfectionism going on along with a bit of boredom. That can be a debilitating combination.
Might tapping into your spiritual side motivate you?
Don’t be afraid to into your faith, intuition, and inner wisdom. Many people find it highly motivating! When you discover some answers to life’s tough questions, it brings clarity, and you may be more likely to get motivated to achieve what you want.
Do you lack purpose?
Set a goal. You might lack motivation because you don’t know what you want. And without focusing on a result that means something, you’ll have it difficult to get motivated.
It might even be that you do have a big dream, but you’re stuck figuring out how to make it happen. The trick is to break it up into a series of small, achievable tasks and set each one as a separate goal. By following this approach, you maintain motivation because you’re constantly achieving small goals. Then, as you check off each item on your list, you get to celebrate the results of your hard work!
Maybe you find it hard to hold yourself accountable.
To ensure that you don’t stray from your chosen path, evaluate your progress every week or even every day. Then, determine what’s next and how you can do better the following week.
If you find it challenging to keep yourself accountable, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Think about someone who would benefit from you being their accountability partner, and suggest a mutual collaboration. It’s a win-win. And, you might enjoy having someone else to check up on you and make sure you stay on track.
Are you listening to negative chatter in your head?
Unfortunately, negative thinking and lack of motivation go hand in hand. Just think about it: when you’re thinking, “I can’t,” there is no way that your actions will say, “yes, I can!”
But, you can increase your motivation by reducing and then eliminating all the downbeat, depressing, and pessimistic chatter. The trick is to replace negative feelings with optimism and positive thoughts and images.
When you catch yourself feeling down, make an extra effort to seek the silver lining. It’s always there. If you take the time to look hard enough, you’ll find it.
Maybe it’s a more significant issue that’s got you stuck.
If you think you’ve tried everything and still can’t get motivated, it could be more is going on than meets the eye. Perhaps another area of your life or a broader view of your circumstance might be the culprit. There is always a reason why you’re feeling this way. Get curious.
For instance, if you don’t feel motivated to work toward your major life goals, consider alternatives that may be more in line with what you really want.
Or, if you’re having trouble finding motivation for everyday chores, what if you delegated them or hired someone to help you?
Always keep in mind that “the time is now.” Figuring out how to get motivated to accomplish what you want is the first step. Then, putting procrastination aside comes next. Finally, setting small goals and checking them off your list will keep the ball rolling.
Before you know it, momentum will build, and your motivation will step you right out of that rut. At the end of the day, you’ll feel happy and accomplished instead of stressed or regretful.
When you’re motivated, life is more fulfilling. So test some of these strategies to wake up your motivation and enjoy the difference!
Take the First Step
If you struggle with how to get motivated, it might be that you’re stuck in a time of significant change. And making choices can be challenging. But, bouncing back when life throws a curveball is an important skill, and building your resilience will help. Access my free training module, Discover Your Resilience, to help you the next time you need to flex that muscle.