How To Get Motivated (When You Don’t Feel Like It!)

Motivation drives our actions and excites us about the future, yet people can lose it for many reasons. When we feel sad, overwhelmed, fatigued, etc., it’s easy to want to give up. But understanding how to get motivated again is possible, even when it feels impossible.

This guide contains a step-by-step action plan to help you regain your motivation and become your best self again.

However, if you lack motivation and don’t clearly understand what motivates you, any attempts at self-improvement may fall flat. Intrinsic motivation (coming from your true wants and needs) is vital to bolstering self-motivation, overcoming procrastination, and maintaining progress in your personal development.

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Intrinsic Motivation? 

Intrinsic motivation comes from within you. It’s the sheer joy or challenge you feel when undertaking a task rather than doing it for an external reward. You’ll find it in the inherent satisfaction of an activity that propels you forward yet stems from within you.

But what about tasks on our list that we don’t want to do but are required of us? Like taking out the trash? Or leading a goals meeting of uncooperative employees?

The answer is that we find a way to create inherent satisfaction from successfully completing the task. Such as enjoying the smell of a clean home or experiencing the thrill of newfound excitement in other people’s demeanors as you discover ways to successfully motivate them.  

Studies show that intrinsic motivation often leads to deeper commitment and enhanced creativity.  

Where External Motivation Ends, Intrinsic Motivation Begins (And Why You Care)

Contrarily, extrinsic motivation relies on outside incentives like money, grades, or acclaim. While these rewards can be bit motivators, they may undermine intrinsic rewards, leading to decreased interest and performance when the reward is removed.

Therefore, you develop intrinsic motivation when your work aligns with your values and interests. This alignment creates resilience and persistence in the face of challenges. Educational psychologist Carol Dweck’s research highlights the role of intrinsic motivation in a growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work.

This mindset breeds success in those who strike out on their own to start new business ventures. The change from external motivating factors (a paycheck with financial stability and benefits) to spending time doing something they love is a powerful motivator for success.

Coincidentally, intrinsic motivation also increases a sense of well-being. A study published in the Journal of Personality tells us that individuals driven by intrinsic goals experience higher satisfaction levels and joy than those motivated by extrinsic rewards. Therefore, nurturing your competence and autonomy fulfills your critical psychological needs for long-term happiness and efficacy.

How to Get Motivated: Fuel the Flame Within

You can boost intrinsic motivation by reshaping your actions, mindset, and lifestyle. Start by setting tasks that closely align with your interests and passions.(organization, family, self-improvement, personal growth, hobbies, etc.) Projects that resonate with your core values create a deeper sense of purpose and drive.

Additionally, split significant goals into manageable chunks, as small wins build the confidence you need to sustain your efforts.

Shifting your perspective plays a vital role in nurturing intrinsic motivation. Adopt a learning attitude rather than fixating on immediate results. Learn to see challenges as opportunities to grow, and don’t let setbacks derail your progress. Instead, view them as learning experiences that can strengthen your approach.

Finally, develop a lifestyle that supports your intrinsic motivation. This could involve building a supportive social circle that encourages your ambitions or creating daily routines that prime you for success. Include activities you love, even those not related to your goals.

These actions help you maintain overall happiness and prevent burnout. Remember, intrinsic motivation thrives in a healthy balance between work and personal time.

How to Identify Your Values and Goals

Start by pinpointing your core personal values to learn how to get motivated. Think about experiences that bring you joy, moments you find deeply fulfilling, or the times you felt the most proud of yourself. Jot these instances down because they offer clues to what you value.

Next, from your reflections, generate a clear list of your fundamental values, such as creativity, a sense of community, or mastery of a skill.

Now, use this list of values to create your new goals. Use theSMART goal process that relates directly to your values. SMART goals hold you accountable by being specific, measurable, action oriented, relevant, and time-bound, a process that fuels your internal drive.

For example, if ‘community’ is a value, set a SMART goal to volunteer a certain number of hours each week at a charity you care about.

Syncing goals with personal values builds a roadmap rooted in your true self. You’ll find it easier to channel your intrinsic motivation when you pursue what genuinely matters to you. This synchronized plan drives consistency in your actions and powers you forward to overcome obstacles.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. It thrives on challenges, seeing failure not as evidence of one’s intelligence but as a springboard for growth and stretching existing abilities. Adopting a growth mindset fuels intrinsic motivation by shifting your focus from fear of failure to a desire for learning and personal development.

You can create a growth mindset by first recognizing your thought patterns. Acknowledge when you think in a fixed mindset, such as, “I can’t do this.” Then, reframe these thoughts to align with a growth mindset, like, “I can’t do this yet.”

While learning how to get motivated, it’s necessary to understand how the value of such small language changes dramatically increases one’s adaptability to challenges. This self-positivity encourages renewed perseverance and resilience. Small shifts in wording can create large changes in mindset.

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning” – Mark Twain

As they occur, analyze obstacles as opportunities. Ask yourself what can be learned and how to improve from these experiences. This reflective practice nurtures intrinsic motivation by underscoring the importance of continuous learning and personal growth.

Additionally, seek out constructive criticism and view it as beneficial feedback, not an attack on your abilities. Ask for input, listen actively, and use the information to improve your thought processes, goals, and actions. This positive view of feedback enhances your intrinsic motivation and propels you forward toward your goals.

Creating a Rewarding Environment

Your environment impacts your internal drive. Create a positive environment by eliminating factors that sap your energy and using elements reinforcing your commitment, such as changing jobs or taking oil painting lessons.

Start by decluttering your space to enjoy a tidy area free from distractions. Regularly update your environment with inspirational visuals, such as quotes that resonate with you or images of your goals.

Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage and share your efforts and enthusiasm. These personal and professional relationships offer the encouragement you need should your motivation falter.

Furthermore, if possible, match your environment to align with your goals. For example, if fitness is a priority, keep exercise equipment visible and readily accessible. When pursuing educational achievements, organize your study area for maximum productivity with the necessary resources.

Invest in tools and technologies that streamline your efforts and save time, such as a great planner. Staying organized keeps frustrations at bay and allows for smoother progress toward your goals.

Additionally, maintain a positive internal self-environment by repeating positive affirmations and self-talk. These elements act as internal reinforcements, bolstering your mental environment and cementing your resolve. Creating the right environment is crucial for building a foundation that nurtures your intrinsic motivation and propels you toward your goals with every step.

Kick-Start Your Motivation

Finding the will to learn how to get motivated can be challenging. These nine simple strategies can boost your motivation, propelling you forward, even on low-energy days.

How to Get Motivated: 9 Proven Strategies

1. Set Mini Goals: Break down large tasks into tiny, manageable goals. Your goal will seem less intimidating and provide you with quicker wins.
2. Organize Your Space: A cluttered environment can sap your energy. Tidying up and creating a dedicated workspace allows you to establish a clear, distraction-free zone.
3. Visualize Success: Take a few moments to envision completing your task. Imagine the benefits and the sense of accomplishment. This technique often generates the enthusiasm you need to begin.
4. Seek Inspiration: Read an article, listen to a podcast, or watch a video related to your task. The insight gained from others often sparks your drive and engagement.
5. Time It Right: Set a timer for a short amount of work, usually 25 minutes. Knowing there’s an end in sight makes starting less daunting. You might find yourself continuing beyond the timer.
6. Reward Yourself: Plan a small reward after you’ve worked on a task. It doesn’t have to be significant—just something to look forward to as an incentive for your actions.
7. Change Your Environment: Shift your surroundings to refresh your mindset. It can be as simple as tidying your workspace, moving to a different room, or walking outside. A new environment can stimulate your senses and renew your energy.
8. Enlist Accountability: Share your goal with a friend or colleague who will check on your progress. Knowing someone is rooting for you and expecting updates can be an encouraging motivator to stay on track.
9. Commit to Learning: Approach your tasks with a learning and growth mindset. Identify what skills or knowledge you’ll gain along the way. Also, view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than failures or obstacles to success.

Concluding How to Get Motivated

You have the power to transform your life through the self-motivation nestled within you. But remember, the journey to maintaining motivation is filled with challenges and triumphs. Thus, engaging with the strategies above will help keep you motivated and moving forward during difficult times.

Motivationgoes beyond quickly achieving specific objectives. It shapes how you approach each task and hurdle. Commitment to this process will continue to reap satisfying and self-fulfilling rewards.

Persevere, stay the course, and understand that you’re growing and continually learning how to get motivated for ongoing personal growth. It’s not just about reaching the peak but enjoying the climb. Your journey for motivation doesn’t end; it shapes the contours of your life’s story.

Savor the pursuit, for it’s where your transformation happens. With consistent effort and reflection, you’ll find that what once seemed insurmountable becomes manageable, and every small victory fuels the next. Your path awaits—embark upon it with courage, determination, and an open mind.

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