How to Motivate When You Are Not Motivated

Sometimes, the idea of getting a task done may seem so impossible and far away. It could be because you feel like you cannot do it it. It could be that you find the work boring and unfulfilling. It could also be that you seriously lack the energy and focus to do it. Whatever the reason, you are stuck in a rut. Learn how to motivate yourself in order to keep plowing forward and stay productive.

Instructions

• 1

  Focus on your goals and aspirations. Even if you do not necessarily enjoy the work you are doing at the time, chances are it is linked to your future dreams and wishes. For instance, if you work a part-time job as a receptionist in order to pay for your medical school tuition, visualize one day becoming a successful doctor. As you perform your administrative duties, remember that the money you are working to make now is going to contribute to your future career. Concentrating on your dreams can help you do your very best at the tasks presently in front of you, even if you are not necessarily very passionate about them.

• 2

  Hang around ambitious people. If you want to adopt a high-achieving personality, then make a point to be around people who are accomplished and hard working. That type of energy can rub off on you. Being around people who are unfocused and uncertain about what they want to do can also rub off on you, so stay around people who can help keep you on your path.

• 3

  Start working immediately. The more you think about a task, the less appealing it can become. Instead of sitting around dreading something you need to do, simply buckle down and get to working. Stop wasting your energy and instead get a head start.

• 4

  Work with somebody. If you lack motivation, one way to help is by recruiting someone to keep you on your toes. Seek out a partner that has a similar goal as you. Whether you look for someone to exercise with you or for a coworker with the same type of position, mutual reinforcement can go a long way. Ask your partner to routinely remind and question you regarding your daily tasks and goals. If you have no one to answer to, you may find yourself getting lazy.

• 5

  Begin small. One mistake people often make is diving in with goals that are too lofty, which can be overwhelming and stressful. If you are trying to motivate yourself, instead of forcing yourself to work at your desk for eight hours straight, say to yourself that you will begin with just half an hour's work. Before you know it, you may notice that the initial 30 minutes flew by and that you are ready to conquer a full day.

• 6

  Give yourself rewards. No matter how small your achievement may seem, you still accomplished it. To keep yourself motivated, give yourself incentives to get through your work. Tell yourself that if you get through three hours of work, you will reward yourself with a quick outdoor walk.