How to Get Things Done When You’re Feeling Unmotivated

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Feeling unmotivated can be discouraging and frustrating. It’s that nagging sense of resistance that can make even the simplest tasks seem daunting. Whether it’s work assignments, personal projects, family duties, or finally sitting down to write your business plan, finding the drive to get things done can be a struggle.

Being unmotivated is a hurdle we all face at some point. It’s completely normal to feel unmotivated. It’s essential to recognize that motivation is not a constant state of being. It fluctuates, and there will be times when it’s in short supply. 

The good news is that there are strategies to help most people overcome this lack of motivation and still accomplish what needs to be done.

What exactly is motivation?

Motivation is a driving force that pushes you to take action, pursue your goals, and achieve desired outcomes. It is the internal or external stimulus that energizes and directs your behavior. 

Motivation can come from many places, such as:

• personal aspirations,
• external rewards,
• sense of purpose.

When you are motivated, you experience a sense of enthusiasm, determination, and focus. However, there are times when you may find yourself needing more motivation. 

Why am I feeling unmotivated? 

The internal reasons for a lack of motivation can vary from person to person. It could be due to:

• a lack of clarity or purpose,
• overwhelming tasks,
• fear of failure,
• feeling disconnected from your goals.

External factors can also contribute to you feeling unmotivated. Factors such as: 

• burnout, 
• stress, 
• external distractions 

Understanding why you’re unmotivated is the first step in finding a game plan to overcome it. It’s important to find tactics to help you get to the root cause of feeling unmotivated because it directly impacts your productivity, progress, and overall satisfaction with yourself and your work.

When you let unmotivated feelings linger, tasks pile up, deadlines get missed, and your goals may seem out of reach. Procrastination becomes a default mode, increasing your stress and dissatisfaction.

These strategies not only help you feel motivated, they help you achieve your goals but also contribute to a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and personal growth. 

So, let’s delve into some practical techniques that can help you get things done even when you’re feeling stuck and unmotivated.

Reasons behind being unmotivated

Identify and address fears

Feeling unmotivated can often be linked to underlying fears and concerns. It’s important to take a closer look at these fears and address them head-on. Ask yourself what is holding you back from taking action. Why don’t I feel motivated?

• Is it the fear of failure?
• The fear of not meeting expectations?
• The fear of the unknown?

By identifying your fears, you can challenge and reframe them, allowing yourself the ability to move forward with more confidence and motivation.

Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks

One common reason for feeling stuck or unmotivated is feeling overwhelmed by a specific task or goal. Breaking your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks can make them less daunting.

Instead of focusing on the entire project, concentrate on one small task at a time. This approach allows you to make progress and build momentum, which can increase motivation as you see tangible results along the way. 

There’s a book called “Eat That Frog” by Brian Tracy. The process taught in the book is to identify the most difficult task of the day and complete it first. The most important tasks can sometimes be the most difficult to accomplish and the easiest to avoid.

Lower activation energy

Lowering activation energy is a powerful strategy to overcome the initial resistance and boost motivation. By applying the 20-Second Rule, you can make tasks easier to start by reducing barriers or obstacles that hinder your progress. The less time you take to get something done, the more likely you are to do it. This can involve:

• setting up our work environment in advance, 
• ensuring the necessary tools and resources are readily available, 
• eliminating distractions that divert your attention. 

Setting your workout clothes and shoes out the night before makes it much easier to get to the gym or work out the next day. It’s one less step you have to take to be prepared to complete the task.

By minimizing the effort it takes you to start a task, you’ll reduce struggling and increase the likelihood of taking that crucial first step, setting yourself up for success. 

Small changes in your environment or routines can significantly lower the activation energy and help you move toward accomplishing your big-picture goals.

Strategies to boost motivation and productivity

Limit social media

Minimize distractions from your phone and social media by turning off notifications, setting specific times to check social media, and creating boundaries to allocate your time more effectively.

Social media can be a distraction that can significantly impact your motivation and productivity. By consciously managing your social media use, we can regain focus and increase your motivation to get things done.

1. Disconnect or Reduce Screen Time

Consider temporarily disconnecting from social media platforms or reducing your time scrolling through feeds. This can minimize distractions and save valuable time for more meaningful work. Turn off notifications or use apps that block access to social media during specific periods when you need to concentrate.

1. Set specific times for checking social media and creating boundaries 

Instead of constantly checking social media throughout the day, establish designated times when you allow yourself to engage with these platforms. By creating boundaries, you can avoid getting lost in a never-ending cycle of scrolling and regain control over your time and attention.

Time yourself

One common reason for feeling lazy and unmotivated is the perception that tasks will take excessive time to complete.

Estimate how long you think each task will take, and then actually time yourself when working on them. This exercise can help you realize that a single task often take less time than expected, boosting motivation.

By implementing a simple time-tracking technique, you can gain a more accurate understanding of how long a task will take you, which will, in turn, motivate you more to tackle them. 

Estimate task duration

Before starting a task, take a moment to estimate how long you believe it will take to complete. Be realistic but also challenge any tendency to overestimate the time required.

Time yourself in action

Once you start working on the task, use a timer or a stopwatch to track the actual time spent. Focus on the task without distractions, and then stay motivated and committed to completing it within the estimated timeframe.

Leverage Work Time and Create Rewards

Identify your optimal work time

1. Each person has their own natural rhythm when it comes to productivity. Pay attention to your energy levels and identify the times of day when you feel most focused and energized. 
2. Schedule your most important things or challenging tasks during these peak productivity periods. You can maximize your efficiency and motivation by aligning your work with when you’re naturally more productive.

Create rewards

Rewards can be a powerful motivator in boosting productivity. Establish a system of rewards for yourself based on task completion or reaching specific milestones. As you cross things off your to-do list, reward yourself with a small treat, a break to engage in enjoyable activities, or anything that brings you a sense of satisfaction and joy. 

Celebrating your achievements along the way creates positive associations with completing tasks and increases your motivation to continue progressing.

Organizing Workspace and Environment

Declutter and organize your work area to create a clean and inspiring environment. A tidy workspace can improve your focus and productivity. By creating an environment that supports your work, you can enhance your motivation and productivity.

Tips for decluttering and creating an inspiring work environment

1. Clear out unnecessary items – Remove any items from your workspace that are not essential. It always helps me to do a clear-out when I’m feeling unmotivated. Minimize distractions by keeping only the things you regularly use within reach.
2. Use storage systems – Invest in storage solutions such as shelves, drawers, or containers to keep your workspace organized. 
3. Keep it clean – Regularly clean and tidy your workspace to maintain a clutter-free environment. 
4. Personalize your space – Add elements that inspire and motivate you, such as plants, artwork, or meaningful quotes. Make your workspace reflect your personality and create a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
5. Optimize lighting and ergonomics: Ensure your workspace is well-lit (ideally natural light) and set up to support your comfort and productivity. Good lighting and comfortable seating can positively impact your motivation and focus.

Take breaks and practice self-care to maintain motivation

Acknowledge that breaks and relaxation are important for maintaining motivation and preventing burnout. You must allow yourself time to recharge to support your overall well-being.

Constantly pushing yourself without allowing for adequate rest can lead to burnout, decreased motivation, and diminished productivity over time. Rest and relaxation are crucial for recharging your energy and maintaining long-term motivation.

Allow yourself time to recharge when unmotivated  

1. Schedule regular breaks

Incorporate short, scheduled breaks throughout your workday. Use this time to step away from your tasks, stretch, take a walk, or engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Giving your mind and body a chance to rest can boost motivation and enhance overall well-being. Use the Pomodoro method if that’s helpful. 

1. Pursue hobbies and interests

Make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment in your personal life, outside of work. Engage in hobbies, exercise, read, spend time with loved ones, or pursue creative outlets. These activities help to rejuvenate your mind, reduce stress, and provide a sense of fulfillment, ultimately contributing to increased motivation when you return to your tasks.

1. Practice self-care rituals

Prioritize self-care practices and habits such as getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being supports optimal functioning, mental clarity, and sustained motivation.

Allow yourself time to rest when you’re unmotivated

Understand that there may be days when you have personal challenges, lack motivation, or feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to take a break, play hooky for a while, and come back refreshed and ready to tackle your work later.

1. Recognize that pushing through when feeling unmotivated may lead to mediocre results. If the quality of your work suffers, it could lead to dissatisfaction and frustration. Grant yourself permission to take a break and shift your mindset so you don’t lose sight of your long-term goals.

1. Sometimes, the best course of action is to step away from work and take a break. It could mean taking short breaks throughout the day, dedicating a day off for relaxation, or even planning a vacation. By allowing yourself this time to recharge and reset, you allow your mind and body to rest, rejuvenate, and regain motivation.

Rest is not a sign of weakness or laziness; it is essential to maintaining good mental health, productivity, and well-being. Rest can prevent burnout, improve the quality of your work, and help you to return with a renewed sense of motivation and energy to tackle your tasks and goals.

Conclusion 

When feeling unmotivated, there are strategies and techniques that can help you overcome it. 

By identifying and addressing fears, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, leveraging optimal work time, using rewards as positive reinforcement, organizing our workspace, taking breaks and practicing self-care, and granting yourself permission to rest, you can overcome feeling unmotivated and find renewed inspiration. 

It’s important to remember that motivation is a personal experience, and what works for you may not work for another. Experiment with different techniques and adapt them to work for you. With perseverance, self-awareness, and a willingness to explore what resonates, you can conquer the feeling of being unmotivated and achieve your goals.