It’s late October and many students are experiencing a lack of motivation, I like to call it the “mid-semester slump.” Even the most disciplined people have periods where they struggle with a lack of motivation. If you can relate to these feelings, you are not alone.
Recently, I had a student reach out to me recently and ask if I had any tips for overcoming a lack of motivation. Not being a person who typically struggles to find intrinsic motivation, this particular individual was looking for inspiration and boost of energy. I was happy to share a few of my favorite techniques for overcoming a lack of motivation.
Listen to an inspiring podcast.
First, podcasts are one of my favorite tools to put myself in productive mode! They are free, you can multitask while listening, and you can find podcasts on almost any topic. If you are experiencing a lack of motivation, I recommend listening to Rachel Hollis’ RISE podcast. Episode 107: Stop Procrastinating will definitely inspire you to get moving!
Change your routine.
A small change in routine can combat a lack of motivation. One of my favorite ways to spur some motivation and get shit done is to change up my work environment. Something as simple as working outside on a nice day or setting up a workstation in the local coffee shop helps me fight a lack of motivation and inspire me to get going on my to-do list. I’ve written blog posts on a park bench in Hyde Park, I’ve taken conference calls while on a walk in the woods, and I’ve developed content for my website sitting on a train on my way to vacation! A change of scenery and work environment turn my lack of motivation into high productivity moments.
Engage in 30-minutes of self-care or “me time.”
Next, you need to realize that you’ll never produce the results you really want if you are spread thin and exhausted. If you are experiencing a lack of motivation, identify the last time you invested time in yourself and your own well-being. For me, this could mean a massage, a good workout, yoga/meditation, a nap, or a long walk with a good podcast. You have to decide what works best for you, hard-schedule 30 minutes for yourself, and follow-through. Watch your motivation and productivity rise!
Celebrate milestones and reward yourself.
Do you have a long paper to write, a big project to complete, or a daunting exam to study for? Thinking about the time and effort required for such tasks can cause a lack of motivation to get started. Break that tasks into manageable pieces and celebrate each milestone by rewarding yourself! If you want to learn more about this approach, look at Emma Johnson’s article, “How to Reward Yourself.” It could be a happy hour beer with a friend after writing two pages of your paper. A few small rewards along the way can help you achieve the long-term results you want!
Find inspiration in others.
Finally, don’t rely on yourself and your own will power. Find inspiration in others! If you are an extrovert, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to interact with others. Is there someone who seems to have all of the motivation and productivity in the world? Ask them how they fight periods of lack of motivation. Introverted? No problem, read an article on the same subject or ask a close friend. Nothing resets my energy level like a short pep talk from a good friend!
Regardless if you are a student, young professional, or established career woman or man, everyone struggles with a lack of motivation. The first step to combatting a lack of motivation is recognizing it and then doing something about it! The five actions mentioned above are free or of little cost and can help you move past stagnation and increase your productivity!
How can I help?
As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to achieve them! The path to success is not straightforward. My mission is to help you experience true career fulfillment through proactive coaching and career planning.
