Feeling uninspired and lacking in motivation periodically is not uncommon for most of us. It is when this becomes a daily part of our lives and threatens our productivity, our livelihood, and our self-worth that it becomes a very negative force, leading to failures and despondency. Professional counseling may be the answer at that level. You are asking “what can I do when I feel uninspired and lacking in motivation?” That’s a great question that we all ask from time to time. Let’s talk about some helpful tips.
For most people, feeling uninspired and lacking in motivation only makes us feel lousy and despondent for a short time, but does not become a constant companion.
Obviously, the uninspired and unmotivated person does not experience the highs of feeling ecstatic with each success, the satisfaction of completing a part of something bigger than us, or the joy of being an essential contributor to a project beneficial to the community. That is a loss that we probably take too lightly.
Personally, when I have a period of being uninspired and lacking in motivation, it quickly makes me think I am a failure, that I will never have a new thought, never be needed, never this or never that. We jump all in. All that negative input even though I know that it is fleeting. Why? Because I have been there before. And I know what is needed to step out.
These feelings that may leave a college student paralyzed prior to exams and were the product of a semester of unplanned study, no schedule for completion of projects, etc., may cause an older adult to perhaps lose only a few hours. Why? Because we have learned how to handle these negative thoughts and influences that threaten our joys, our success, our number of great days.
8 Ways to Overcome Feeling Uninspired and Lacking Motivation
- By analyzing periods of unproductivity, we have learned how to approach an ensuing time of feeling down. Begin to analyze.
- If exhausted, take time to get some sleep. Lack of sleep dulls the brightest of minds.
- Feed that weary body and mind. Not sweets and chips. Get some protein and raw veggies to munch. Drink plenty of water – periodically. Those frequent bathroom trips may even help energize us.
- Take breaks and try to step outside for a brisk walk more than once a day. At that time, let your mind rest from your assigned project. Take note of the trees, the wind, the birds. Breathe deeply – step up the pace. The awakened mind is now ready to be creative, the body not only energized but rid of negativity.
- Quickly tidy up your workspace. A neat, organized area increases productivity.
- Determine the purpose of the project. Formulate in your mind the positive results and allow yourself to feel the high that will be yours by presenting your stellar input on the project. Or fly high with finishing writing your book by looking forward to the release and the book signing.
- If a large project, quickly take a couple of the small pieces that are necessary, but not stimulating – get them done in record time and experience the aura of success.
- Let go nagging doubts. If there are a myriad of other demands interrupting your creative space, make a list as they appear. By actually writing them down you are able to release them from your mind until a time when you can take action. This removal of clutter of small chores from your mind produces amazing clarity.
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” Amelia Earhart
Inspiration and Input
Any project, plan, or assignment is best approached by relying on input and inspiration from our Heavenly Father. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 119:14.
Our total self, our effectiveness, our productivity, and our purpose – all these depend on our being at our best in our mental, physical, and spiritual bodies. When we perceive our life, our opportunities, and our expectations from this three-fold view, we are on our way toward receiving inspiration and growing motivation.
“This is the Day that the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Lord, help us to dump the negative thinking, the self-doubt, the laziness – fill us with purpose and insight and energy for the day, for the challenge, for your glory.
May we overflow with joy and love and encouragement in order to help another struggler along the way.
Wake up, Pray up – may your day be one of incredible living.
We invite you to find joy and purpose in Jesus Christ. He loves you and has a plan for your life. Please watch the short video below to find out more.