Feeling unmotivated lately? It happens to us all! We may go through days, weeks or even months as we procrastinate and find ways around engaging in tasks or tackling goals that we thought we really wanted. Sound familiar? If you’re feeling a drop in motivation lately, try these seven tips for getting back on track.
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Connect with the Deepest Purpose
Bring into your focus the greatest purpose for why you have set out to do what you’d like to do in the first place. When we remember the biggest reason for engaging in an activity, much of the gunk around the surface can fall away. For example, if you’d like a clean house but aren’t feeling the drive to clean it, remember why you want your living space to be free of clutter in the first place; is it so you can come home to a calming, and soothing environment? Next, identify whether the greatest purpose is more important than the alternative (more important than not doing it). Continue to remind yourself of why, and if it doesn’t feel so urgent, perhaps save the project for a later date.
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Identify a Role Model or Mentor
Choose someone whom you admire or look up to who relates to the task at hand in some way. When you’re feeling sluggish, bring this person into your mind and ask yourself, how would he/she handle this? Allow this to serve as a guide for you when you’re feeling stuck, a representation of how you would like to be.
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Create a Mantra
Come up with a mantra or an affirmation around your project or goal that resonates with you. Coming back to our clean house example, it can be as simple as “Clean House for a Clear Mind.” Find something that speaks to you, and write this on a sticky note to place by your bed or on your bathroom mirror – somewhere that you will see it and be reminded of what you desire. You might even set an alarm on your phone for a certain time of the day with your mantra, so that it pops up into view and keeps you moving.
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Become Aware of Resistance
When we are feeling unmotivated, it can be important to spot any points of resistance that could be keeping us from our goals. Sometimes, as we embark on a new task, fears can rise; what if I fail? What if it’s not good enough? The fears can ignite resistance within us that we may not be immediately aware of. Explore your situation to see if this might be the case. Simply bringing awareness to your fears will help to dissolve them and will help you to move past them.
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Trust in Timing
Sometimes, we have difficulty completing a task because the timing is simply not right. If this is the case for you, know that that’s perfectly okay! Life continues to unfold, minute by minute, and there are times when we need to be patient. Perhaps there are pieces of the puzzle that have yet to click into place. If your goal or project is something that doesn’t need to be rushed, take your time with it. Remain connected with your desire for its completion, but know that it may take a little longer to come to fruition than you had initially imagined.
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Practice Self-Care
Become aware of whether your lack of motivation might be due to a lack in energy. Do you come home after a long day, feeling exhausted? It’s difficult to stay motivated if our body is depleted! Find ways to fill yourself back up – take a hot bath, read a book or watch a movie. Give yourself a break, a little time off, so that you can truly tackle your task, full speed ahead, once your energy levels are back up. Ensure that you’re eating nourishing foods and getting a good rest each night as well.
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Release Expectations and Enjoy the Process
As you move through your project, or as you approach your goals, remain connected with the deepest purpose, and then release attachment to the outcome. It make take a different shape than you had imagined! Enjoy the process, even if it’s as mundane as cleaning. Turn on some fun music, and dance while you do it!
About the author: Ashley Dunlop is a Holistic Coach and Kula Yoga Instructor who ignites fires in those who are ready and willing to make changes in their lives. She spreads a message of love, conscious living and helps others to meet their full potential. Catch up with Ashley on her website, Instagram and facebook.
