When You’re Not Motivated: How to Get Things Done

Have you ever found yourself staring at the computer screen or a blank sheet of paper for hours on end, unable to summon even a smidge of motivation to get things done? Perhaps you’re not feeling well, or you’re just burnt out from all the work you’ve been doing. Whatever the reason, the feeling of not being motivated to do anything productive can be frustrating and demoralizing.

But don’t worry, there are ways to break through this phase and boost your motivation levels. Chris Widener, a motivational speaker and writer, offers some suggestions on his website Made for Success. Here are some of the tactics he recommends:

1. Honestly evaluate whether or not you need a break.

When you’re feeling unmotivated, it’s important to ask yourself if you genuinely need to take a break. This could be a short-term break or a long-term one, depending on your particular situation. Perhaps you’ve been pushing yourself too hard and need to recharge your batteries, or maybe you’ve been doing the same tasks for too long and need to switch things up.

2. Start small.

Sometimes, the thought of tackling a massive to-do list can be overwhelming and lead to even less motivation. Instead, try breaking down your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. This way, you can feel a sense of accomplishment when you complete each task, which can then fuel your motivation to keep going.

3. Change your routine.

As humans, we thrive on variety and change. Doing the same things over and over can become tedious and uninspiring, so try switching up your routine. This can mean changing the order in which you do things, trying out a new activity, or even just taking a different route to work.

4. Reward yourself.

It’s important to give yourself small rewards along the way to keep yourself motivated. This could include a favorite snack, a quick break to play a game, or even just a pat on the back. When you know there’s a reward waiting for you at the end of a task, it can help to keep you motivated and focused.

5. Reconnect the action with pleasure rather than pain.

If you’re struggling to get motivated because the task at hand feels like a chore, try reframing your mindset. Instead of focusing on what you don’t want to do, think about the benefits that will come from completing the task. For example, if cleaning the house seems like a tedious chore, think about how good it will feel to have a clean and organized space.

These are just a few of the strategies you can use to boost your motivation levels when you’re feeling unproductive. However, it’s important to remember that motivation can ebb and flow – some days will be easier than others. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not feeling particularly motivated at the moment. Instead, try one of these strategies and see if it helps to shift your mindset and get you back on track.

In addition to these tactics, there are a few other things you can try to help boost your motivation levels:

– Take care of yourself. If you’re feeling rundown or sick, it’s going to be difficult to summon up the energy and motivation to do anything productive. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking care of your physical and mental health.

– Focus on your why. Why do you want to achieve your goals? What will happen if you don’t complete your tasks? Reminding yourself of the reasons why you’re doing what you’re doing can help to reinvigorate your motivation levels.

– Surround yourself with motivation. Whether it’s motivational quotes, podcasts, or videos, seek out sources of inspiration that will help boost your motivation levels. Sometimes, all it takes is hearing the right words to get you fired up and ready to tackle your tasks.

Ultimately, the key to getting things done when you’re feeling unmotivated is to find what works for you. Experiment with different techniques and strategies, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. Some days, taking a break might be the best thing for you, while other days, pushing through the resistance might be the way to go. The important thing is to keep trying and to never give up on your goals.