If you’re feeling completely unmotivated to do anything, you’re not alone.
We all feel like this from time to time.
Whether it’s a big presentation we have to create for work or tending to a mountain of dishes in the sink, at some point you’re just not going to feel like doing it.
As frustrating and defeating as this can feel, you can still find ways to push yourself into productive mode, if only for a little bit.
And a little bit is better than nothing!
Keep reading to find out how you can get things done when you don’t feel like it.
1. Use the 10-minute rule
You’ve heard it before, starting is the hardest part.
But if you can manage to just put that pen to paper, open that laptop or put on those running shoes, you’d be surprised at how momentum can take it from there.
For any task you have to do, set a timer for 10 minutes and work on that task until the timer is up.
This is a great strategy for forming new habits. You always want to start small.
Even if you’re not in the mood, doing something for 10 min is not a big commitment.
Since it’s easier to put on your climbing shoes than to climb the whole mountain, you’ll be more likely to do it.
Once the 10-minute timer’s up you don’t have to feel obligated to keep going.
That’s the beauty of it.
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2. Remind yourself of your why
Your why is the driving force behind your actions.
Losing sight of your why, when things get hard, is like getting a flat tire halfway to your destination.
It’s going to be hard to keep going.
For example, if you want to cook healthier meals but some nights you’d rather just order take out, remind yourself of why you want to cook healthier meals in the first place.
Is it to feel more energized, lower your risk of health-related illnesses, or to lose weight?
Whatever your why is, it should give rise to a strong, emotional desire.
If you can provoke a strong feeling within you, you’ll be more inclined to get off your couch and take action.
3. Journal about how you’re feeling
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, journaling can, “reduce stress, lower anxiety, and help people cope with depression.”
I’ve noticed that when I’m frustrated about a problem or just don’t feel motivated to do anything, I will write out how I’m feeling in my journal.
I don’t hold back.
No judgment.
I just write.
By the end of it, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest! I may calm down afterward and begin to think more rationally, too.
This is because journaling can help you get things off your chest and put you in a better headspace.
Journaling allows you to
- Become aware of your feelings
- Notice negative thought patterns
- Think through your emotional state more clearly
So, whenever you’re feeling unmotivated, write about these symptoms.
You may uncover a deeper why behind them or you may even feel better by the end of your writing sesh.
You won’t know ‘till you try!
4. Talk to someone
Just like with journaling, talking to someone about how you feel may be just what you need to feel better.
Not allowing yourself to talk (or write) about the bad mood you’re in could lead to an explosion of emotion later on.
That’s never a pleasant experience, for yourself or others.
One thing to keep in mind is that everyone feels the same emotions.
Discussing these feelings with someone you trust can make you feel heard, understood, and more connected.
This alone has the power to lift your mood and get you taking action again.
Wrapping things up
Trying to get things done when you’re just not feeling it can be both frustrating and discouraging.
However, we all have those moments and there are ways to get yourself taking action, if only for a little while.
To make this happen you’ll want to:
- Implement the 10-minute rule
- Remind yourself of your why
- Journal about your emotional state
- Talk to someone about how you’re feeling
Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself.
Time will pass and moods will change. You’ll feel better and get back to being the boss that you are in no time.
Stay positive and don’t give up.
If you want some more tips on being your best, focused self, you have to check out my other post 4 Serious Ways Multitasking Kills Your Productivity.
