No matter how much you love your career and your life, in general, everyone goes through motivational slumps. You might find yourself staring at a computer screen at the office, not getting your work done. Or, you can’t seem to find the will to do a load of laundry at home, or even spend a night out with friends because the couch is calling.
People lose motivation for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’re bored with your everyday routine. Maybe you feel like the things you do don’t matter or make a difference.
Sometimes, a lack of motivation and productivity can stem from stress or trying to compare yourself to others and feeling like you’re falling short.
Whatever the case, you can’t let a loss in motivation and productivity control your life for long. If you know you’re just not “feeling it” lately and want to get back on the horse, we’ve got some tips that can help.
Look the Part
Self-care has become a bit of a buzzword, but there are aspects of it that can make a big difference in your life. When you take care of yourself, you’re going to feel better. When you feel better, you’ll be more motivated to keep taking care of yourself. It’s a positive cycle that can trigger pretty great changes if you let it.
Certain aspects of self-care can actually help to boost your self-esteem and change the way you see yourself. Some of the best ways to do that include:
- Exercising
- Eating healthy
- Journaling
- Meditating
- Learning new things
Taking active care of your physical and mental health can quickly boost your confidence, which can increase your motivation. When you feel confident enough to take on the world, you’re more likely to do it.
If you want to start small, consider making some changes to your wardrobe. You’ve heard the saying “dress to impress,” but that starts by feeling good in the things you’re wearing. Dressing well can improve your self-esteem, increase your social comfort, and promote body positivity. Keep in mind that dressing well looks different for everyone. You don’t have to wear a suit if that isn’t going to bring out the best in you. Find pieces that inspire you and make you feel like your truest self.
Again, when you feel good about yourself – even if it’s just your outfit – you’re more likely to get things done so you can keep that good mood going.
Make a Change
Sometimes, changing your style isn’t enough.
If you’re feeling unmotivated, it’s important to take a step back and consider why. It’s not uncommon for people to struggle with motivation and productivity at work. You can regain your productivity by trying things like:
- Breaking the habit of procrastination
- Keeping your workspace clean and organized
- Finding new inspiration
- Creating a routine and daily rituals
Sometimes, even taking frequent breaks throughout the day can make you feel more motivated – at least enough to keep working when you’re not feeling it.
But, if you discover that the real reason for your lack of motivation is the job itself, it could be time to consider a change. Whether you’re dealing with a toxic work environment, a boss who micromanages, or it’s just not the right fit for you, making a career transition could be the thing that inspires you again and boosts your productivity once more.
Focus on your strengths, push your boundaries, and think about what you really want in a career. If your current job isn’t fulfilling you in those areas, you’re not going to stay motivated there for long. Not only do you deserve better for your own well-being, but your place of employment needs someone working there who enjoys what they do.
Dig Deeper
It’s not always easy to pinpoint what’s causing your lack of motivation, especially if it’s affecting your personal life as well as your career. Maybe you’re content at work and nothing wrong is happening at home. So, why can’t you seem to find the will to do anything?
You don’t have to discover that on your own.
Getting help with your loss of motivation can make a big difference. If you’re struggling with your mental well-being, speaking with a therapist or counselor can help you get to the root cause. If you just want to get back on track and take charge of your choices again, consider working with a life coach.
A life coach will help you to determine your personal goals and create a very specific, personal plan for you to achieve them. Not only can they inspire you, but they will show you how to live a more relaxed, peaceful lifestyle that will offer you the fulfillment you’re looking for.
Feeling unmotivated once in a while is perfectly normal. But, if your loss of motivation is starting to negatively impact your life, it’s time to take charge, make changes, and regain your drive.
