This inevitably happens to everybody at some point in their life–quite frequently actually. You’re feeling drained and exhausted from the burdens of life. Need to spark your motivation? Read on to find out how.
Here’s the secret: You have to push through when you aren’t motivated–well sometimes, at least. How many times do you wake up and NOT want to go to work? You do it anyway though, right? At least, if you want to keep your job. What about brushing your teeth? Or showering? You have to do that too, or you may be in some trouble.
So, why the heck don’t we apply this method to the rest of our life? Like, with things like our health and fitness?
Maybe it’s because we won’t see the consequences right away. Maybe it’s because we don’t see it as a priority.
Regardless of the reasoning, I am here to show you a couple of ways you can navigate through this lack of motivation, or a “slump” if you will. It won’t be perfect. You may need to try more than one of these methods, and you won’t always be successful. However, all that matters is that you are trying and you are one step closer to seeing what works for you.
Method 1: Push Through
Sometimes a girl just has to push through the bullshit, yanno? I know it’s not the answer you may want to hear, but if you feel good with everything EXCEPT you simply just don’t want to do the task–maybe just do it?
A lot of the time you will feel better after you start completing the task you so terribly did NOT want to do. Sometimes, we need to put our heads down and do the dirty work. If you have tried this and it isn’t quite going so well? Let’s go to Method 2.
Tina’s Quick Tip: Set a timer for 7 minutes. Allow yourself to work on the undesired task for 7 minutes. If you still aren’t feeling it when the timer is up, stop doing the task. However, more times than not, we will get in our groove and keep working past those 7 minutes.
Method 2: Do Something Else That Inspires + Recharges You
So, maybe you tried pushing through your task but it’s going awful. Or, maybe you can’t even imagine attempting that, and you are drawn to something else… This something else is STILL productive, but not exactly your main task.
Think: Instead of doing your programmed leg day, you just want to work on some lightweight and bodyweight movements to get your muscles fired up. Or maybe you don’t want to work out AT ALL and stretch a bit or read a book.
Think: Instead of cooking your healthy meal, you go for some tuna packets and microwavable veggies instead. Still healthy, just less work!
Do you get what I am saying? Try doing the thing that your brain and your heart are telling you to go do. You may spark motivation!
If all else fails…we can go to Method 3. Not a bad method by ANY means, btw.
Method 3: Rest From the Task + Relax
For someone who is an all-or-nothing kind of gal, I find myself going to this method as a last resort. Try not to make it a last resort. Resting and relaxing is NOT a bad thing. I know society makes you feel guilty about it. It’s not the “American Way”.
Well, sometimes you are simply burned out or need a rest. Take a day off, even just a few hours, and do you. Whether that is sleeping, binge-watching Netflix, or talking a walk in the sunshine. Do what your soul needs. Clear your mind from whatever task needs to get done for a bit.
This allows you to come back with a fresh mindset.
And with that, this concludes how to spark your motivation when you’re feeling drained. As I said before, these three methods may not work for you. They may not work in any particular order. You will try and you will fail. Some methods will work instantly. Some won’t. And that’s okay.
We all get into ruts and lack motivation at one point or another, and it’s perfectly natural. Whether you decide to push through or rest and recharge is up to you. But here’s to being a better you!
