5 Ways to Motivate Yourself When You're Not Feeling It

“You will not always be motivated. You have to learn to be disciplined.”

— Unknown

I promise I had the topic of motivation on my blog like crazy schedule a month ago, it just so happens I wasn’t feeling very motivated to write today…or to do much of anything. But, sh*t got done! Lol. Initially, I’d planned to write about what motivates me: my ancestors, desired lifestyle and building a legacy; but it transformed into something broader because I tapped into these strategies today when I had to motivate myself.

From Ellen Moir’s article “The Stages of a Teacher’s First Year”

I worked for a school system for fourteen years until July of last year, and I’ve noticed that I still go through the same phases of a first-year teacher’s attitude toward teaching that I did when I was working in a school building. Those phases weren’t just for first-year teachers, many educators, including administrators experienced them and still do, as they make their way through the school year. So, traditionally around this time of year, we were all winding down (in disillusionment) and looking forward to the Thanksgiving break. I’m feeling those same feelings of just wanting to relax, recharge and not think about anything but Thanksgiving dinner; however, I have things to do, so I’ve had to tap into these strategies to motivate myself when I’m just not feeling like doing anything.

1) Shift Your Thinking

This morning, I made sure I prayed (and said an extra prayer for energy and positive vibes). I also worked to shift my thinking by making a list of the positive things I could look forward to and do. That put me in a good mood mentally as well as thinking about the progress I’ve made, and will make today if I stay focused on my goals.

2) Remember Your Why

When you are not motivated, remember your why. What are your goals? Who are you doing this for? Why? I remember when I first heard Simon Sinek’s 2010 TED Talk “Great Leaders Inspire Action”

It was referred to me about five years ago because I needed to get back in touch with my “why.” Although he talks about leaders of companies inspiring action through their “why,” the principle applies to anyone and helps inspire motivation.

“Regardless of WHAT we do in our lives, our WHY—our driving purpose, cause or belief—never changes.” -Simon Sinek

“All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year. Those who forget WHY they were founded show up to the race every day to outdo someone else instead of to outdo themselves. The pursuit, for those who lose sight of WHY they are running the race, is for the medal or to beat someone else.” -Simon Sinek

3) Envision Your Goal

Think about and visualize achieving a short-term or long-term goal. Imagine how you will feel when you meet it, and use that energy to motivate you.

4) Ask Yourself if You’re Scared

I think it’s important to question our feelings to get to the root cause of them so we can deal with that and move past it. I’ve had to ask myself if I’m not motivated because I’m scared and then drill down to why, so I can get to the business of meeting my goals.

5) Reward Yourself

Celebrating your wins, big and small, can create motivation. So, make sure you reward yourself along the way. Anticipation of a reward can create motivation to meet your goals.

I saw a quote on social media a few months ago that states “You will not always be motivated. You have to learn to be disciplined.” I couldn’t find the author of this quote, but I am glad they wrote it because it is so true. One of the best ways to motivate yourself when you’re not feeling it, is to move beyond your feelings and into discipline, which gives you the mental fortitude needed to get things done.