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Writer's pictureSarah Tian

6 Ways to Motivate Yourself When You Feel Unmotivated

Updated: Jul 15, 2022

We all have days when we just don't feel like doing what we are supposed to do: going to the gym, applying for jobs or just getting daily work done.


So how can you motivate yourself to get started and accomplish your goals?


Here are some tips to help you out!


💡Check your physical well-being


Before trying anything else, you need to make sure you are physically well.


Check that you ate well, you are well hydrated and slept well. For example, if you feel tired, then it is best to take a nap rather than forcing yourself to work. You will be much more efficient after being well-rested!



💡Add some social rewards


As humans, we naturally feel good being with others. So let's give ourselves a dose of social reward to motivate us!


For example, you can join a LIVE study session on YouTube to study with people in real time or even schedule time to study with your friends.


Personally, I love studying with Athena's Study Room.


Athena uses the "Promodoro" technique to help you break down the big task into small goals that can be accomplished in set periods of time (50 minutes) and ensures we also take breaks (10 minutes) in between study sessions.


She also uses the Forest app to help us stay focused. It works like this: All of us who studies in the same session can enter her "study room" and grow "trees" together. If one person uses their phone, then everyone's tree dies. This motivates us to be focused and not let our phones be a distraction during the study sessions.


Another example: One way I push myself to workout regularly is to sign up for group fitness classes with friends. This not only makes me accountable for my workout, but getting to see my friends is in itself rewarding, which motivates me to maintain my workout habit!



💡Re-frame your attitude


One of the major reasons you may not want to do something is because it does not feel good. Instead of having this negative attitude towards the task, try to see it in a more positive light.


For example, if you think that the task is too big and too daunting, try breaking it down into smaller tasks and you will realize that it is much easier than you thought!


You can also imagine the positive moments of joy once you are done and give yourself some rewards for accomplishing the task.



💡Keep your spirits up!


It is important to keep your spirits high and feel good when you work to stay motivated. For example, you can put some study music. If your work requires absolute silence, then you can at least make yourself your favorite cup of drink/coffee/tea that can keep you motivated and hydrated!



💡"Just Sit Down and Turn On Your Laptop"


Sometimes all you need is to do is to just get started and it will automatically kick-off the momentum. For example, if you have to write a paper, try not to think about writing the paper, but simply sit down by your desk and open the document!


Similarly, the most difficult part of going to the gym is getting yourself over there, so just focus on getting yourself there. Once you arrive, working out becomes automatic!


💡Be grateful for the opportunity


Finally, if you still feel unmotivated to do the work you are supposed to do, think about how fortunate you are having the opportunity to do so in the first place!


Remember, many others may not have the same education, work or life opportunity that you have to even have the chance to do what you are supposed to do!

I hope these tips can help to motivate you next time you need to do something that you don't want to do! :)

 

Take Action!


1. Try out one of the tips mentioned next time you don't feel like doing something that you should!


2. Leave your comment and share your tips for how you find motivation to do something when you don't feel like it!

 

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