Some days life can feel impossible. You feel drained of energy, don’t feel like doing anything or going anywhere. You find yourself facing an endless list of things you need to do, and not enough time to do them in. Stress starts to build and you begin to feel like you are not in control of your life. Every body feels like this sometimes, and it is hard to break out of this unmotivated mindset. But it can be done!
Yes, the thought of making positive change can seem like you are being faced with climbing Mount Everest with the world’s largest man clinging to your back. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. By taking a few small steps, you can redirect your life into a direction you want it to go in. Here are some things I have learned from my own experiences breaking out of my unmotivated mindset;
1. Set one goal
One thing that can create an enormous amount of stress and drain all of your energy, is having too much on your plate. By taking on too much you are unable to maintain your focus, and are most likely not going to achieve your best results. I know it is difficult, but choose one goal for now and focus on it completely. You will find that you will be able to accomplish this goal quicker, and more efficiently, allowing you to move on to the next project.
2. Search for inspiration
Surround yourself with things that inspire you and reflect what you want to achieve. Google your goal, read about other people’s success stories and visualize your own. It is important to be inspired and excited about achieving your goal, and life in general.
3. Positive thinking
This is one of the most important aspects of getting out of that unmotivated mindset. Spend a day or two focusing on your thoughts, and recognize those negative ones. When you begin to recognize the negative thoughts, start replacing them with positive ones. For example, “I can’t do this, it’s too hard!” replace it with ” I can do this, I believe in myself.” Yes, this sounds super cheesy, and may potentially make you feel like a crazy person talking to yourself in your head, but it does work. The key to every success is having a positive mindset.
4. Get active!
Not only is exercise a great way to work through any pent-up stress you may have, but it is also good for you! Physical activity can help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, it can also reduce the risks of developing diabetes type II, and help maintain psychological well being. Apart from these very good reasons, physical activity helps generate those rushes of adrenaline which really helps to kick start your motivation. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aging recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day.
5. Sleep
I’m sure you have heard this one so many times it begins to sound like a broken record. But without enough sleep you decrease your productivity and ability to concentrate. Lack of sleep can also lead to an increase in obesity due to an increase in appetite from sleep deprivation, it can also lead to an increased risk for mental health conditions such as depression. Long story short, you need to get an adequate amount of sleep! If you have trouble sleeping, you can help yourself by establishing sleep and wake schedules to help train your body clock into allowing yourself enough rest, avoid caffeinated products close to bedtime, and avoid keeping your mind active before bed by watching TV, working or other such activities. Make sleep a priority!
6. Believe in yourself
Yes, another phrase used too often. But tell me, have you ever tried to really believe in yourself, or have you just brushed the comment aside, like many things that we see and hear too often these days. Recognize the symptoms of becoming stuck in that unmotivated mindset. Take action immediately and do not allow yourself to fall back into your rut, or you will find yourself having to start from scratch again. Believe in yourself, build on the small successes. Get excited about them, about life. You will soon find yourself on the road to a better life, with you at the wheel and in control.