How to get things done when you have no motivation
Intro
When you're feeling tired or sluggish when you’re about to begin a task or project, it can be challenging to find the motivation to get started.
We've all been there – staring at a to-do list or project that seems daunting and overwhelming, wondering how we'll ever find the energy or desire to tackle it.
But the good news is that there are a few strategies you can use to help get things done, even when you're feeling low on motivation. Here are a few tips to try:
Keep in mind that this is just one of many articles that cover decision-making and mindset.
So if you are trying to take the quality of your work and your life to the next level, check out all our other mindset posts here!
Set small, achievable goals.
One of the biggest obstacles to getting started is feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the task at hand.
To combat this, try breaking your task down into smaller, more manageable goals.
For example, instead of trying to write an entire blog post in one sitting, aim to complete just one section. This way, you can build momentum and give yourself a sense of accomplishment as you complete each goal.
This boils down to our innate need for completion. Nobody likes to have outstanding thoughts or projects. So when you trick your brain into thinking that the small milestone are actually a fully completed task, you won’t feel as overwhelmed.
Rewire your brain by getting rid of old conditioning.
Break tasks into smaller steps.
Similarly to breaking down your goals, another way to make a task feel more manageable is to break it down into smaller steps.
This can help you see the task as a series of smaller, more manageable chunks rather than an insurmountable mountain of work.
For example, if you're trying to organize a closet, don't try to do it all at once. Instead, focus on just one shelf or section at a time. This can make the task seem less intimidating and make it easier to get started.
The difference between this trick and the previous one is that, with this, you will still have to complete the whole project by the end, but as you work, you get to admire each completed section in all its glory!
Remember! Whether you consider yourself an organized person or not, human brains crave order and predictability, so the more you break down your work into organized chunks, the easier you’ll find it to keep on working.
Find a reason to do the task.
When we're feeling uninspired, it can be helpful to remind ourselves why we're doing a task in the first place.
Think about how completing the task will benefit you or others. Maybe you're working on a project at work to help your team hit a deadline, or maybe you're organizing your closet to make it easier to find things.
Whatever the reason, reminding yourself of the purpose behind the task can help you find some motivation to get started. If you don’t have an exciting reason to do the work (i.e., you don’t like your job,) you may want to consider building an overarching reason for why you are doing the task at hand.
For example, you could dislike your serving job at a local restaurant, but if you remind yourself that this job is only a stepping stone toward your dream position, you will finally find the motivation to keep going.
Change your environment.
Sometimes, a change of scenery can make a big difference when it comes to motivation. If you're feeling stuck, try working in a different location or setting.
Maybe you'll find that you're more productive at the library or a local coffee shop, or maybe you'll get a burst of energy by working outside on a nice day.
Experiment with different environments to see what works best for you. When you find a place or a setting that inspires you, try to replicate it in the future. The trick is to make your brain associate this new environment to higher motivation and productivity.
Reward yourself.
It's important to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Consider treating yourself to something you enjoy after completing a task or meeting a goal.
This can be something as simple as taking a few minutes to relax with a cup of tea or as elaborate as planning a day out with friends. Whatever it is, make sure to reward yourself for a job well done.
This can help you stay motivated to get things done in the future. The key here is, to be honest with yourself.
The last thing you want to do is to automatically reward yourself at the end of the day, regardless of your performance. If you do that, you’ll find yourself counting down the minutes until the end of the day…
Read this: 5 Steps to Make Good Decisions
Seek support.
Sometimes, all we need is a little encouragement to get started. If you're feeling stuck, try talking to a friend or family member about your lack of motivation.
They may be able to provide some words of wisdom or help you come up with a plan to stay on track. If you prefer to work with a professional, consider meeting with a coach or therapist who can help you identify the underlying causes of your lack of motivation and come up with strategies to overcome them.
As a coach myself, I not only provide guidance for my clients, but I also hold them accountable with weekly emails and calls.
Take breaks.
It's important to give yourself time to rest and recharge. Taking regular breaks can help you stay focused and motivated when you return to your tasks.
Make sure to step away from your work every now and then to take a walk, stretch, or do something enjoyable. To help you visualize this better, think about a workout at the gym.
You can crush one set of pushups, but if you don’t take a proper break, your second set will be much worse. And if you keep on going, your third set will be 10% of the first one.
However, if you take a proper break, you can easily keep on exerting the right amount of power to max out your daily potential.
Conclusion
If you are looking to build a business, write a book, or do anything else exciting, you must learn how to motivate yourself daily. Because if you passively wait for motivation, you will only perform 20 to 30% of the time.
