Issue No. 9: Motivation For The Unmotivated

Written by: Laura Brooks

By definition, the word motivation simply means the desire or willingness of someone to do something. That easy, right? Well, easier said than done, especially when you’re in a season of not feeling motivated by anything. The reason motivation is so important is because it is our drive to accomplish goals and to become our own role models. If we don’t maintain that drive, we can lose our focus. But how do we maintain something we are currently lacking? How do we conquer this?

First, do not get too upset with yourself if motivation isn’t coming to you as easily as it once was! Sometimes a break and a few lazy days can do wonders to reset your focus and shift your mindset. As long as it is not affecting what you need to get done, don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to be “on” all of the time. While you should rest your mind and body every once in a while, you should also make sure you are staying active. The release of endorphins that is accomplished by being active reduces stress in everyday life. With less stress comes more time to pursue your future and enjoyment in doing so. Taking care of your body correlates to how your brain thinks. But inspiration is also a key part to stay motivated and keep you looking to the bright future that is ahead of you.

This is obvious but doing what you love and are passionate about sparks creativity and energy. The thing most people struggle with is figuring out what they're passionate about. Motivation to reveal your true passions to yourself is essential to have happiness in your future, and even in your current state of life. Trying new things is the best way to decipher this. However, putting yourself out there when you have little, to no motivation is difficult. An easy way to find inspiration is to look at things that make you happy, at peace, and excited. Pinterest is truly a great way to begin to look at inspiration, especially if you are feeling too lethargic to go out. Spending time with the ones who truly love you is another way to inspire and motivate you. Talk to someone who you look up to and who is wise. They are bound to fill you up with knowledge that in no way you could have known. Listening to someone who has been through some trials but have still made a life for themselves is motivating in itself. Reading books, watching TED talks, and listening to podcasts is a simple way to achieve this.

You may be tired of hearing this, but keeping an organized space helps you think clearer with less distractions and gives you a sense of achievement. This ultimately motivates you to achieve other things so that you feel that same sense of success. Clean space, clear mind, more room to think about your future and dreams. Brainstorm some ideas you would like to either try, or a job you would like to have in your future, or what you want your life to look like. It is healthy to keep an eye on what you want out of life, just try and make sure you are also living in the moment.

Everyone goes through a period of time where nothing motivates or inspires them… it’s not strange to go through that. We all get in a funk every once in a while, but it’s how you move away from it and discover something you never thought you would that discloses who you are. Making time for yourself to rest mentally and physically, but also taking care of your body is a great first step to obtain motivation when you feel you are lacking it. Being with people who love and inspire you enables you to seek advice and learn about life from someone else’s perspective. They may have gone through something similar to you and want to share their tricks of the trade. Don’t be discouraged when life doesn’t seem too stimulating, it happens. But try these few things to help you move toward the direction of becoming your own inspiration and living the life you want for yourself. Don’t let yourself get in your own way.