Rediscovering motivation plays a crucial role in various aspects of our lives, from determining our next career move to uncovering what truly inspires us. Yet, we all experience periods where our motivation wanes, making even simple tasks feel daunting. Here’s how you can rediscover motivation and reignite your drive.

Understanding Motivation

Motivation comes from within. It’s our driving force, shaped by our values and beliefs, whether we’re starting a business, launching a blog, or adopting a healthier lifestyle. When these internal motivators are clear and strong, they provide a solid foundation for our goals.

If you’re struggling with motivation, these seven strategies can help you reassess and rediscover motivation.

1. Reflect on Your ‘Why’

Pause and ask yourself why your motivation might be faltering. Have your priorities shifted? Are your goals still aligned with what you truly want? Taking the time to reflect on these questions can provide valuable insights into what’s causing your motivational slump.

Mind Mapping: Creating a mind map can help you visually organise your thoughts and see connections between different aspects of your goals and motivations. This can make your objectives clearer and more attainable, ultimately boosting your productivity.

Reevaluate Your Goals: Sometimes, our lack of motivation stems from pursuing goals that no longer resonate with us. Reassess your objectives to ensure they align with your current values and desires.

2. Break It Down with Lists

Feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture can sap your energy. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make your goals seem more achievable and less daunting.

Creating Detailed Lists: Start by listing your main goal and then break it down into smaller tasks. This can provide a clear roadmap to follow and make each step feel more manageable.

Track Your Progress: Keeping track of your progress can be incredibly motivating. Each small step you complete brings you closer to your larger goal and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Boosting Energy Levels: Completing small tasks can boost your energy and morale, making it easier to tackle larger tasks with renewed enthusiasm.

3. Leverage Technology

If paper lists aren’t your style, numerous apps and websites can help you stay organised and focused. Embracing technology can streamline task management and keep your goals and progress visible and manageable.

Trello: Trello is a versatile tool for tracking project tasks, collaborating with teams, and staying updated on progress. It allows you to create boards, lists, and cards to organise tasks and deadlines effectively.

Evernote: Evernote is perfect for personal to-do lists. It allows you to capture ideas, create checklists, and sync them across all your devices, ensuring you have access to your plans wherever you go.

Slack: For team collaboration, Slack provides a platform to stay connected with colleagues. It’s useful for sharing updates, discussing ideas, and keeping everyone aligned on goals, whether you’re working remotely or in the same office.

4. Seek Inspiration

While motivation comes from within, inspiration can strike at any time and from any source. Opening yourself up to inspiration or actively seeking it can help reignite your motivation.

Podcasts and Blogs: Listening to motivational speakers, inspiring stories, and expert advice through podcasts, blogs, or TedTalks can provide fresh perspectives and ideas. Consider adding these to your daily routine.

The Daily Boost: This podcast offers daily tips on personal and professional growth, reducing stress, setting goals, and achieving work-life balance. It’s a great resource for staying motivated and inspired.

Courage & Spice: If self-doubt is impacting your motivation, Courage & Spice offers inspiring stories from individuals who have overcome mental health challenges to achieve their goals.

5. Pause and Reflect

Rediscovering motivation doesn’t mean pushing yourself relentlessly. Taking time to reflect on your achievements can provide a much-needed boost and remind you of your progress.

Review Past Achievements: Look back on the last three months, six months, and the past year. Reflect on how your goals and achievements have evolved over this time. This practice can highlight your growth and encourage you to keep moving forward.

Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge both big and small victories. Celebrating these milestones can be humbling and inspiring, helping you rediscover new ways to grow in the future.

6. Find Accountability

Sharing your goals with someone who can help hold you accountable can provide the push you need to stay on track. Accountability can turn your aspirations into tangible objectives.

Accountability Partners: Ask a friend, colleague, or partner to check in on your progress. Regular check-ins, whether over coffee or a quick chat, can keep you motivated and focused on your goals.

Creating Accountability Systems: Develop a system that works for you, such as setting deadlines, sharing updates, or meeting regularly to discuss your progress and challenges.

7. Consider Coaching

Sometimes, an external perspective can make all the difference. A coach can help you identify what’s draining your motivation and provide tools and encouragement to keep you moving forward.

Types of Coaching: Whether it’s a creative, business, or personal development coach, the right guidance can uncover obstacles and help you explore what truly motivates you.

Regular Sessions: Regular coaching sessions can offer a sense of accountability, provide personalized guidance, and help you set and achieve personal targets and goals. A coach can also increase your self-awareness and help you tap into your inner motivations.

Conclusion

Rediscovering motivation is a journey that involves reflection, organisation, inspiration, and sometimes external support. By implementing these strategies, you can overcome periods of low motivation and continue striving towards your goals with renewed energy and clarity. Remember, the key to rediscovering motivation lies in understanding your ‘why,’ breaking down tasks, leveraging technology, seeking inspiration, reflecting on achievements, finding accountability, and considering professional coaching. Each step you take brings you closer to reigniting your inner drive and achieving your aspirations.