I know we’ve all had them days where you just feel like crap. You can’t quite pinpoint what’s wrong but you just feel out of sorts. Your spirit is unsettled, focusing is a challenge, you aren’t motivated to do anything above the bare minimum and your notifications are on do not disturb. What do you do to pull yourself out of this rut? Although it’s not an easy task, I’ve found some things that work for me. Some of these may work for you too. So, keep reading to find out how I stay motivated when I feel like crap.
This year is still young and I’ve already faced some really tough challenges. Having lost 3 close family members in a 3 month span totally made me feel like crap. Trying to juggle work, my businesses, family and grieve all at the same time has been challenging. Honestly, there has been days where I struggle to stay motivated.
Realizing that this is the cycle of life and that the show must go on, I had to look deep. Life doesn’t allow you to quit, not even for one second. Finding ways to stay motivated when I feel like crap was fairly easy, the challenge is figuring out how to stay there.
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HOW I STAY MOTIVATED WHEN I FEEL LIKE CRAP
I stare out the window
I love natural light. The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is open the blinds. I always hope to be greeted with sunshine. Some days I am disappointed to find those gloomy days. Nonetheless, I am glad to see the light. I have always been a dreamer. Staring out the window, imagining a place unseen or a life more fulfilled comes easy. As a result, when I am struggling to stay motivated when I feel like crap, I stop and stare out the window. The sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, the birds chirping, the squirrels running, the trees swaying all instantly puts me in a better mood.
I pray and talk to God
I know where my joy comes from, my faith. It’s a no brainer that when I am struggling to stay motivated I turn to my faith. I instantly feel better! Sometimes we just need to talk out loud, get our feelings out and pray. It often feels like a huge weight has been lifted. Try it!
I step outside for some fresh air
It’s nothing like a jolt of fresh air to wake you up. Whether it’s a sunny day or a dreary one, stepping outside for a breathe of fresh air puts you in a different mindset. When I’m pressed for time, I normally close my eyes, breathe in a few deep breaths and be on my way. On days I have more time to play with, I bask in the sunshine, go for short walks or find some outdoor activity to be in the midst of.
I reward myself
You read that right! I reward myself. You may be thinking why do you reward yourself for being unmotivated? That’s just it, I get the reward when I change the outcome. For example, If I write a complete blog, I’ll reward myself with a piece of chocolate. If I automate a month of socials, a reward may be a Starbuck’s drink or a pedicure, etc…Don’t knock it until you try it. It can be a reward as big or as small as you like.
I write/journal
Normally my lack of motivation stems from mental overload. I find that writing or journaling is an effective way to get the fluff out of my head. This frees up the overload I think I feel and in turn I’m ready to pick up right where I left off. The writing doesn’t have to be anything specific or spectacular. Quite frankly, it doesn’t even have to make sense. I can’t tell you the number of times I write a bunch of single words, short phrases or anything that comes to mind. Just put your thoughts on paper. It’s so freeing.
I recite positive affirmations
I’m a heavy believer of there being power in the tongue. I believe we speak our realities into existence. As a result, I try to recite positive affirmations daily. This is me showing up and being intentional. Reciting positive affirmations really pump me up. It makes me feel like I am THAT GIRL! Once I’m done I find I’m more motivated to work towards the outcome I recited and vibrating for.
I take a social media break
Honestly, I spend more time on social media than I should. But, who doesn’t? It’s the quickest way to lose focus. Before you know it an hour has passed, you’re unmotivated and still haven’t completed your outstanding tasks. For me, taking social media breaks bring me back to a motivated frame of mind. Not consuming all the negativity is so freeing. So, when I am feeling unmotivated I definitely disappear for a bit.
I get inspired on Pinterest
I love Pinterest. It’s honestly one of my favorite pass times and it’s inspiration at every turn. Scrolling Pinterest sparks so many fresh ideas. It’s the quickest way to get motivated about something, even if it’s not the area you should be focused on. For example, you need to hammer out a meeting agenda but instead you find inspiration on new home projects that totally motivate you instead. Motivation is motivation. A win is a win!
I read a good book
I love to read and I always have since I was a little girl. It’s nothing for me to insert myself into the books plot for a quick escape from reality. I’ll grab a book, read a few chapters which allows my brain to focus briefly on something else. I find that once I’m done I feel more motivated then not.
I research and plan
My favorite thing to do is research and plan. I’m like a serial Researcher and Planner. I am very intentional with my time and where I place my energy. It’s such a joy to see what’s going on around town, stumble upon a travel deal or discover a new activity concept. This motivates me, maybe it’s just me and i am okay with that! Hehe…
I drink a glass of water
A cocktail, motivates most. But, a good ole glass of water to refresh my palate motivates me more. It’s something about that last drop and lip smack that get’s my wheels turning. Try drinking it from a fancy glass and it’s even more motivating!
How do you stay motivated?
What are you waiting for!? Go Own Your Fancy!!!
