How To Get Motivated If You Just Aren’t: 7 Tips

Motivation has become the topic of so many self-improvement discussions that it becomes difficult to ignore how important it is. And it matters for good reason! Motivation is such a big driver of success. It seems like so many accomplished people were able to achieve after they found the right motivation. By acting on their drive, they were able to move themselves forward –whether that be out of a difficult situation or towards something amazing.

So it’s advantageous to have the proper motivation but what if you lack it? That can be very frustrating for some people. They feel they want to have that passion to get moving and do something but they just can’t find it. It might feel like what you want is different from what you are actually doing and you could be feeling like it is almost impossible to find the motivation to move forward. Here is what you do if you cannot get motivated:

1. Be patient

Even if you aren’t motivated now, tomorrow might be better. If it isn’t, try the day after. Maybe you need a week or a month. You shouldn’t be waiting many months or years to get motivated. At that point we know there is likely some action that needs to be taken in order to get that energy back. But having a lazy day or even a lazy week is perfectly normal. Take it easy on yourself.

2. Use the time you aren’t motivated to build up your drive

Okay, so let’s say you have to wait a few days or a few weeks. Don’t just sit around twiddling your thumbs. And don’t waste that time seeking quick and instant gratification. Use your unmotivated time to build your motivation. Follow the tips in this article. Maybe you need to engage in some self-talk or take some alone time to really get your thoughts together. Maybe read a book or some self-help articles online. Whatever helps you get motivated, do it. Think of unmotivated time as a chance to charge your motivation battery.

3. Talk yourself out of it

Yes, you can wait for motivation to find you, but you can also work your way back into a motivated state by having a conversation. Maybe you talk to someone else for motivation or maybe it comes from within. Some people may prefer talking to themselves and others may prefer to talk to others. Whatever you do, have a conversation.

Ask yourself why it matters to you. Do you feel anything has taken away your motivation? Try to resolve this or reconcile with it. Remember to focus on the future because seeing your ideal future can very well be a source of motivation in itself.

4. Sleep it out

It is surprising how lazy and unmotivated sleep can make us. Get that shut eye whenever you can and you may find yourself getting on the right track. You should never be sacrificing sleep in exchange for work (he said hypocritically as he writes an article at 1:40 AM). You should all be sleeping early though.

5. Walk it out/get moving

Preferably, do this in nature. But if that’s not convenient for you, even just pacing in your own house, room, apartment, etc. is good enough. You may want to consider opening a window to let some air in. The point of this step is twofold. One, it is to get your mind off of any responsibilities you may have in your daily life. Two, you can get your blood flowing and you’ll probably feel more rejuvenated at the end of it. This energy boost can confer motivation to you in itself.

6. Don’t get mad

It sounds silly but yes, this is a tip. When we aren’t motivated, we may get into the habit of turning on ourselves (or others). This would most likely happen because we are frustrated with the fact that we want to accomplish something but are unable to do so. That is understandable. I mean when you have a desire but no motivation the difference can become emotionally burdensome. But it is important that we don’t turn one problem (a lack of motivation) into another problem (emotional breakdown).

Keep your cool and try to use relaxation techniques as best you can to avoid going into emotional distress over something that is very likely temporary. If your lack of motivation isn’t temporary there is always treatment for when that persists. But let’s try not to get to that point.

7. Fake it until you make it

Good idea, right? Well, maybe not the best one, but it sure isn’t bad. When finding motivation is difficult but getting something done is necessary, this may be your best option. Try to get something done regardless. Try to act how you would if you did have the motivation, even if you didn’t.

For example, let’s pretend you had to get a report done for something. Let’s say you don’t have the motivation to get it started. You can begin and get through it as best as you can. Might you do a bad job? Yes, possibly. But you may also do a good job. Maybe you do a bad job but learn and then get a second try in. In that case, consider the first try a practice run. The point is just act as you would if you had motivation. It might end up being just as beneficial as real motivation would be.

Conclusion

Many people feel ebbs and flows in their level of motivation. If you are going through this as well or if you feel you just always lack motivation then you are not alone. Most of the time there is no need to fear because your drive will likely come right back. It is only when lack of motivation is long-term that you should begin looking into professional treatment for it. Otherwise, don’t concern yourself with something others go through on a daily basis. Try your best to follow the advice outlined here and try to determine your own next steps. If that doesn’t work for you, you may need professional help. And if that’s needed, that’s okay too! You are unique and what works for you may not work for others.