5 Steps to Take When You’re Feeling Unmotivated
I’d been feeling unmotivated for a few weeks when my life suddenly came to a screeching halt. I was uninspired to write, weary from parenting, and I felt stuck.
Most of us know all about feeling stuck.
We get stuck in long, winter seasons that drag on without even the slightest hints of springtime.
We get stuck in bad habits, complacency, escapist behaviors, and deep, muddy ruts along the paths of our lives.
What do you do when you’re feeling unmotivated and struggling to find the courage to do something about it?
I wrestled with this question as the milky light of winter dawn eased through the windowpane. A thought came to mind. It went something like this: “Have you forgotten your why?”
I spend most of my days pouring into three little people. I also write words to share with the world. My why is the same for both these areas of my life. My vision is to use my life to point to Jesus.
I want to point my kids to Jesus every single day.
And I want the words I share with the world to point to Jesus.
But sometimes, I forget my why.
How Remembering Your Why Can Help You When You’re Feeling Unmotivated
I forget my why when I forget this parenting journey is about more than just surviving. It’s about teaching my kids to know and love the Lord. My calling is to help them grow and become the kind of people who touch the world for Christ.
A few years ago, I started passionately pursuing a writing career because I wanted to point people to Jesus. But part of the process includes spreading the word about my words. It involves creating graphics and marketing. And it’s really easy to forget my why in the mix of all the things I have to do.
Let’s pause right here.
Friend, what is your why?
Why did you become a teacher, a banker, a business owner, a mom, a nurse, a writer, or whatever you decided to become?
Was it about putting food on the table and paying the bills?
That’s okay. There’s a time for stepping up to care for our physical needs.
Was it about making an impact on the world around you?
Being a difference-maker?
Carrying Christ to a broken world?
Today is a good day to remind yourself of your why. Especially if you’re feeling unmotivated, pause to remember why you pursued this life you are living.
5 Steps to Take When You’re Feeling Unmotivated Click To TweetGo back to the beginning.
Remember the fiery passion you had at the beginning.
And if you’ve strayed from your primary purpose, take some time to get centered today.
Practical Steps to Take When You’re Feeling Unmotivated
Here are a few ways I’m getting centered to remember my why these days. I pray they will help you as well:
1. Ask God to show you what you need to know about the state of your soul.
God knows why you’re feeling unmotivated. Create space to let him speak into the state of your soul.
Go somewhere quiet and ask him what you need to know.
Have you been pursuing performance?
Have you forgotten your “why”?
Ask God to remind you of his purpose for you and breathe fresh wind into your sails. He is waiting to show you what he wants you to know. (For a post on how to quiet your mind in silence and solitude, join me here.)
2. Resist life-sucking activities.
When you lack motivation, don’t surrender to the temptation to scroll mindlessly through some social media feed. Resist a four-day Netflix binge or a day spent online shopping. These are life-sucking activities.
Instead, ask God what would make you feel alive inside.
Stop to give thanks for the small miracles surrounding you. Watch the sun sink low. Pick wildflowers. Sip tea slowly. Listen to good music. Build a fire and watch it blaze. Read a poem.
Try one of these life-giving steps to help you recharge and refresh your soul: 15 Ways to Find Refreshment.
3. Do whatever needs to be done next.
We often get stuck because we resist the work set in front of us.
Motivation often returns when we simply do whatever needs to be done next.
Get off the couch and wash the dishes. Fold the laundry. Get a shower and go to work. Take the dog for a walk. Sweep the floor. Prepare a healthy meal. You might not feel like doing it. Do it anyway. You will move toward motivation in the process.
4. When you’re feeling unmotivated, find someone to love and serve.
Sit with your kids and ask them about their days, their dreams, or their favorite video games. Sit with your husband and look at him while he tells you about his day. Turn off the TV and be fully present.
Call a friend or call your mom and ask how she’s really doing. Be all there. Listen to God while you listen to her, and ask him how you can encourage her. Refresh someone else, and you will be refreshed in the process.
5. Cultivate gratitude.
Spend a few minutes listing everything you’re thankful for. Watch clouds pass out the window, and thank God for his creation. Drink a tall glass of water, and thank God for the way it replenishes your body. Stop to look into the eyes of your loved ones. Enjoy them. Thank God for them. Gratitude will fuel you.
An Invitation to Inspire Your Motivation:
Are you ready for a fresh breath of hope to motivate you? Rays of Light for the Dark Days is my free 20-day online devotional for hope and healing. This devotional offers powerful inspiration to help you through life’s trials. It is yours right here.
