‘Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.’
– Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Governor of California.
OVER the past few weeks, I have found myself feeling unmotivated and uninspired to do anything.
I think this is something everyone goes through every now and then, where we experience moments when motivation seems to slip away, leaving us feeling adrift.
Whether it stems from setbacks, stagnation or simply the weight of responsibilities, these periods can cloud our vision and drain our enthusiasm.
This is something that I have been experiencing the past few weeks with things that used to make feel excited and give satisfaction no longer doing so.
I have spoken to a few friends and colleagues about whether they have felt the same way.
While it is troubling to know that they are in the same boat, it is somewhat comforting to know that I am not alone.
Demotivation can manifest in various ways, each unique to our own personal experiences.
It may appear as a lack of interest, a feeling of being overwhelmed, or even a sense of being stuck in a rut.
Identifying the root cause of demotivation is the first step towards finding a solution.
I have been questioning myself a lot lately, ‘am I grappling with unattainable goals, recovering from a setback, or feeling disconnected from my passion?’
Apparently, recognising and acknowledging these feelings is crucial to charting a path towards a brighter and more motivated future.
Demotivation often arises from setting unrealistic or vague goals, when our objectives appear unattainable or lack clear definition, it becomes easy to become discouraged.
One of the best ways to manage this is to break your larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones.
By focusing on these manageable steps, you will experience a sense of progress and accomplishment, reigniting your motivation along the way.
Of course, sometimes this is easier said than done, especially when there are many things on your plate that you must get sorted.
I personally admit that I do bite more than I can chew when it comes to assignments or tasks for work.
Perhaps it stems from my personal trait of being an overachiever, this is something I definitely need to improve on and save myself from being burned out.
In moments of demotivation, seeking inspiration from external sources can be immensely beneficial.
One of the things I find comforting is surrounding myself with positive and supportive individuals who understand, share my goals and aspirations.
These people can provide encouragement, valuable advice, and hold you accountable during challenging times, becoming a reliable source of motivation and support.
It is often said that demotivation can be a result of burnout or neglecting one’s overall well-being, thus prioritising self-care is essential.
For this, it is encouraged that we engage in activities that bring joy and help us to recharge.
Whether it’s exercising, meditating, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies, these moments of rejuvenation can spark new enthusiasm and motivation.
Ideally, I would love to take a month from work and go travelling to reset myself.
Additionally, practising mindfulness can help you regain focus and clarity.
Take small breaks throughout the day to breathe deeply, reflect and reset your mindset.
By nurturing your mental and emotional well-being, you can rekindle your inner fire and find the motivation you seek.
Visualisation is a powerful tool in combatting demotivation. Take a moment to vividly imagine yourself achieving your desired outcomes.
Visualize the joy and fulfillment that accompany success, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the experience.
By reinforcing your belief in your abilities and the possibilities that lie ahead, you awaken your determination and reignite your motivation.
Combine visualisation with positive affirmations, repeating uplifting statements to yourself daily.
Over time, this practice will shift your mindset, bolstering your motivation and resilience.
Failure is an inevitable part of any journey, and it can significantly impact our motivation.
However, it is crucial to reframe our perception of failure – rather than viewing it as a dead end, see it as a stepping stone towards growth and learning.
Feeling demotivated or inspired regardless of its source is a natural thing that everyone experiences every now and then.
It is something that we hope is a temporary setback.
