How often do you get started on a project, full of enthusiasm, then slowly feel yourself losing motivation?
The work that you used to look forward to starts to feel like a chore.
You wonder why you’re even bothering.
You might give up on the project all together.
Perhaps you take a new job that’s full of challenges, but quickly lose interest and hand in your notice?
Maybe you start taking up a hobby you’ve always wanted to do, but quit after a couple of weeks?
If you’re struggling with motivation, you’re not alone.
Read on to find out why you’re not motivated, and what you can do to fix it.
Don’t rely on quick fixes to get motivated.
There is a way to get your motivation back – for good.
We’re talking about long-term fixes, not short-term remedies like taking a break, listening to motivational songs, or downing energy drinks. While these strategies might work for a while, they’re nowhere near as effective as finding long-lasting motivation.
Do you want to struggle through each project, gritting your teeth and forcing yourself to get the work done? Or would you rather tap into endless motivation that doesn’t feel like a huge effort?
If you truly want to learn how to stay motivated, you need to understand what drives you – and what you really don’t care about.
Read on to find out how.
Maybe you experience some common symptoms of lost motivation too.
Wondering if your motivation has taken a hit lately? See if any of these common symptoms sound familiar.
Being bored with your routine.
Tired of doing the same old thing, day in, day out? Sick of your job, or your big project, or your schoolwork? Looking for ways to avoid what you’re meant to be doing? Feeling sick and tired of whatever you’re doing is a sign that your motivation is dwindling.
Feeling like you can’t make a difference.
Maybe you started on a project full of hope and enthusiasm, looking forward to changing the world with your contributions. If that feeling has left you, and you feel like what you’re doing is pointless of meaningless, it’s time to act.
Not being satisfied with what you’ve done.
Are you a perfectionist? Trying to be perfect is a common cause of motivation loss, because it just isn’t possible. Many of us are afraid to try new things or complete projects, thinking, “Why bother? I know it won’t be good enough.” Instead, we should focus on trying our best.
Feeling stressed about what you’re doing.
Do you regularly feel stressed and overwhelmed by your workload? When your work is causing you worry, you’re more likely to avoid it, which creates a vicious cycle or stress and motivation loss.
Comparing yourself to others.
“We’re the same age, but he’s so much more successful than me.” This kind of comparison is a quick way to destroy your motivation for whatever you’re doing. Stop trying to be better than others, and focus on being the best version of yourself instead.
Little do we know that there’re three hidden motivation killers.
Lacking purpose
If you don’t care about what you’re doing, you won’t be motivated. Fact. Find meaning in what you’re doing, or change your focus to something you do care about.
Setting unrealistic targets
Setting impossibly high goals and failing to reach them will make you want to give up, fast. Instead, set achievable targets and enjoy the satisfaction of achieving many small goals – they’ll soon add up.
Trying to please everyone
It’s impossible to make everyone happy all the time. Focus on your purpose, and do what you think is right – don’t try to change yourself to appeal to others.
Here’s how to stay motivated 100% of the time.
Ready to learn the secret to staying motivated for the rest of your life?
Here’s what you need to do, in four simple steps.
- Identify a clear purpose. Make it something you really, truly care about.
- Set measurable, achievable goals. Set yourself up to succeed with clear goals that you know you can meet.
- Be ambitious. Don’t set goals too low – have faith in yourself and what you can achieve.
- Think beyond yourself. Motivation only lasts so long when we’re focused solely on ourselves. Think about how your mission will help others, and you’ll tap into a new well of motivation. This is how Elon Must maintain his endless motivation – he believes he has a responsibility to the human race.[1]
Got a job you hate, and feel like these steps don’t apply? It’s been shown that the desire to provide for others, like your family or partner, can boost motivation even when you don’t find meaning in your job. [2]
Find a purpose that you truly believe in, and you’ll never struggle with motivation again.
Featured photo credit: Stocksnap via stocksnap.io
Reference
| [1] | ^ | TrendinTech: How Elon Musk Maintains his Intense Motivation |
| [2] | ^ | QZ: How some people stay motivated and energized at work—even when they don’t love their jobs |
The post Why We Lose Motivation Once in a While and How to Fix It Forever appeared first on Lifehack.
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