8 Practical Ways To Get Motivated Right Now

Ironically, after sharing my Learning What It's Like To Be An Adult During The Summer post, I took a mini-vacay up to Crockerville, my best friend's family cottage.

The place is an adult playground, we did it all.. boating, Ski-Doo'ing, hot tubbing, board games, lawn games, and a slip-n-slide (with bruises and scratches to accompany). Crockerville never fails to make me relax and feel like a kid again.. maybe a bit too much.

As I was leaving Monday afternoon, I couldn't help but drag my feet to my car thinking of everything I was coming back to. While I'm grateful for everything in my life, floating on a lake in 30 degree weather for 2 days straight can really leave one searching for their motivation to get back into routine.

I decided I would take the 1.5 hour drive home to collect my thoughts and find the motivation I so desperately needed. I put on The Daily Boost Podcast, and tried to get my head back in the game. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

But to be real, sometimes it doesn't even take a vacation to leave me feeling unmotivated. One day, I feel like I have all the answers, can't wait to crush my to-do list, and I start setting new goals. I end the day on a high note and get a good night's sleep. Then, I wake up the next morning like 'Screw this, I'm going back to bed'. How can there be such a big change in outlook from one day to the next?  

Motivation is a tricky beast, but there are a few things you can do to help you when you feel yourself lacking it. 

Channel your inspirations

Whether it be a podcast, a song, someone you follow on instagram, or a book. Find something that gets you excited and feeling motivated when you look or listen to it, and channel it when you need to.  

Use positive and motivational affirmations

Create and repeat out loud a motivational affirmation that lifts you up and drives you forward when you are struggling. If you're having trouble creating one on your own, you can choose one from Happy Black Woman's 70 Affirmations To Help You Stay Positive, Focussed, and Motivated. My favourite from this list right now is: "I embrace my full potential, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I refuse to play small. I’m meant to do BIG things."

Find your cheerleader

Find someone in your life who will kick your butt into gear and cheer you on when you're feeling un-inspired and un-motivated. Connect with them when you're unmotivated. Send them a text, give them a call, or meet them for coffee and allow them to tell you what you need to hear. Also, be that for someone else. It is so important to have at least one person in your life that places the same value on goals and growth as you do.

Physically remove distractions     

If your phone prevents you from doing something, put it in a drawer. If you can't seem to work well at home anymore, go to a cafe or the library. You have full control over your environments, and if something is getting in the way, remove it. 

Get your surroundings in order

I mentioned the importance of this in My 10 Healthiest Habits post. Keeping your surroundings clean and organized prevents you from getting overwhelmed, distracted, and frustrated. For example, when I got home from the cottage I knew I needed to do a couple things for my blog and send a couple emails. But, I was so distracted by my full suitcase in the foyer, the bag of wet towels and swimsuits, and my lake water infused hair. My priority was to work, but I felt like I couldn't with all of the annoying stuff on my mind. So what did I do first? I unpacked my bags completely, did a quick workout, showered, and ate. Afterwards, I felt like everything was in order so I wanted to start my work and felt like I could do so with a clear mind. 

Reward Yourself

Give yourself something to look forward to, and don't let yourself have it until you've completed your tasks. 

Remind yourself of your goal(s)

Zoom out and look at the big picture. Think about why you need to do to these seemingly trivial tasks by linking them to your goals. The worst feeling is looking back and thinking "if I had just started then..". 

Don't let your To-Do list paralyze you

I am sooooo guilty of this. I think of all the things I need to do, and the thought is so paralyzing that I procrastinate and am unable to get started at all. I can't figure out what comes first, when everything feels like the first priority. Take it one step at a time. Doing something is better than doing nothing due to it all seeming overwhelming. 

The best thing to do when you are feeling un-motivated is to remember that sometimes you just have an off day, everyone does. Acknowledge that it will pass. Try to power through it as best you can, but also remember that sometimes you just need a little mental break, and that's okay too.

Lynn