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You are here: Home / Working on Yourself / How to Reset When You Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything
Working on Yourself

How to Reset When You Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything

January 30, 2019      29 Comments

Motivation is something that is not tangible, but is something that can get us going. We can be motivated by internal or external factors, such as an overwhelming desire to do something, or maybe just a deadline. Motivation is the excitement and the bit of pressure we place on ourselves to get things done.

So what happens when it runs dry? And believe me, it does run dry. The problem with motivation is that it’s not an infinite source of drive. Motivation runs dry, it tanks, and leaves us stranded on an island with no way out. We see the bigger picture, we see what we need to do to get there, but we can’t be bothered to get our butts up and off the island.

First Things First

The truth behind motivation is that it seems like we need to have it to get tasks done. When we don’t feel it, we don’t want to do the things we need to do. However, we cannot rely on motivation to get us where we want to be.

I’m not saying motivation is a myth. What I’m saying is that regardless of whether we feel motivated or not, we still need to do the damn thing. If you wait around for motivation to come and peck you on the head, I can promise you that you may end up waiting a long time.

The truth is, motivation will not see you through the whole journey. Motivation may be the key to what gets you started, but it most likely won’t carry you to the finish line. You cannot rely on motivation alone to see you through your goals.

So Now What?

So now that you know you can’t rely on motivation to get you to the finish line, I’ll tell you what you can do. Instead of waiting for motivation to come and light the fire, you can simply continue to do your tasks as scheduled without relying on motivation.

What do I mean? What I mean is that instead of waking up and not feeling it that day, and subsequently cancelling all tasks related to your goal, I’m asking you to push through. You don’t need to go through at full speed ahead, but you still do need to make an effort to get something done.

Why? Why are you doing things when you don’t want to do them? Hear me out. Sometimes our mind plays tricks on us and we overthink a certain emotion. We woke up and we’re dead tired, so now everything we have to do today we start to dread. We dwell on the fact that we’re so tired, and everything else becomes a blur. We’re so focused on that emotion, we don’t feel like doing anything at all, and then we cancel it all.

Now not everyday that this happens guarantees the next day will also be a write off, but it does have the potential to cascade. When we start to get behind in our tasks, we lose focus and the feeling that we can do it. The bigger picture temporarily becomes a blur as we scramble to catch up. We’re even more stressed, tired and miserable because we’ve fallen behind.

how to reset when you don't feel like doing anything. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and need help to get out. Get out of your rut today with these tips to get back on track.

What do I do then?

On days that you don’t feel like doing anything, the best thing to do is something. Start with the easiest thing on the to-do list and see if you can get that done. If you can survive that, try the next easiest thing. The more things you do, the more momentum you gain, and you may be able to cross of more on your list.

What if I’m Really Stuck in a Rut?

This totally happens too. Sometimes we do get stuck in a rut, and even attempting to do something off of our list leaves us in a foul mood. Sometimes we just need to take some time to ourself and reset. Below is a list of things you can do to reset and recharge:

Take Five

You may be in the middle of writing a blog post. You may be close to finishing something for a deadline. But you’re not feeling it. You’re miserable. You want it to be over. You don’t feel like it’s your best work. Take five minutes and step back. Completely remove yourself from the task. Stand up, walk around, go outside for a minute. Grab a glass of water or a snack.

Then come back to it. If you feel like five minutes was enough to clear your brain, and you can truly sit back down and work, go for it. If you still feel the same, or just don’t feel like you can continue at this time, then walk away for longer. Give yourself a break to be able to come back to it with full focus and passion.

Approach The Task From a Different Angle

Perhaps you’ve been working on similar tasks to get you towards a goal for quite some time. You’re starting to think you can’t possibly do one more task like the one you’re currently working on without screaming. Stop. Is there something you can do to reach your goal that is completely unrelated to what your working on?

Can you switch it up to work on something else? What else needs your attention to be able to accomplish the goal? Choose another task that is completely different from what you’re currently working on. This way, you’ll be able to still work towards your goal while maintaining sanity.

Re-Evaluate

Are you in a rut because something isn’t working? No matter how many times you work at it, it just stays the same? Change it up. When we set our goals in the beginning, we often don’t account for change that occurs along the way.

It’s important for us at each stage of our goals to re-evaluate what is working and what isn’t, and how we can make improvements from there! Review your strategies and make plans to switch them up!

Change Your Scenery

It can be as simple as getting up and moving around, or moving your work space to a different location! Sometimes we get stuck when we stare at the same environment for too long. A change in scenery can be the little push you need to change your atmosphere and attitude!

Remember Why You Started

Sometimes we get caught up in the tasks and forget why we originally started. Something set your soul on fire to make you want to start this journey. Remember that something! Talk with a friend, revisit your earlier notes.

We can easily get swept up into how we’re currently feeling. It’s important to feel those feelings out and appreciate them. It’s also important to bring ourselves back into focus why we’re doing what we’re doing, and appreciate how far we’ve come. If you feel like giving up, read this.

Do Something For Yourself

Sometimes a small break is the exact change in routine we need to get ourselves back on track. Other times, we need to give ourselves a little more TLC. If you feel like you’re going in circles and still not getting anywhere, walk away and take the day off. Whatever task you have to complete, you can finish it later. It’s more important to check in with your mental and emotional well being so that you can continue to do your best work.

Spend the day doing things you love and enjoy, that have nothing to do with the task at hand. Return the next day with a refreshed mind and a sense of ability to complete the task!

Takeaways

Motivation is a great way to get started, but it won’t see you through till the end. You need to rely on yourself and your ability to work towards your goal every day, regardless of how small or large the task. When you’re really stuck in a rut, it can be hard to see a way out. This is when you need to take extra time and adjust your plan! It’s okay to take breaks, you need to look after yourself first!

Did this help? Did something else work for you? Let me know in the comments!

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Savannah
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Savannah

This is a great post! Too often my husband and I say something along the lines of, “Ugh, I don’t have any motivation to do x.” Relying on non-existent motivation might be a hard habit to break, but would be worth it in the end. Thank you so much for sharing!

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17 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

It’s so true! Once you realize it’s not motivation that will get you through, then you can work on building habits to get you where you need to be! Thank you for reading!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Francesca
Guest
Francesca

I think it’s really important to take a break sometimes. If I lack motivation I try to have some time for myself. Especially on days when I am tired or its been a long day at work because I find my blogging is affected.

When it happens I tend to get away from the computer for a bit. I try to read or watch something on Netflix. Sometimes I get motivated and/or inspired when I am not sat at my computer trying to make content. 🙂

Thank you for sharing your tips! 🙂

Fran x

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17 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

Taking a break is so important! I’m glad this helped you!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Michelle Davey
Guest
Michelle Davey

A great post am really struggling with my motivation to get things done at the moment and this has some wonderful tips and guidance. Thank you and well done x

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17 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

I’m so glad this helped you! Thank you so much for reading!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Andreea
Guest
Andreea

For me, it always helps to take some time off, listen to some music or clean the house! Great post! xoxo

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17 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

Those are all great tips! Distractions are key to moving forward!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Owen Staton
Guest
Owen Staton

Lovely post . Some great tips . Will definitely return
Many thanks
Owen

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16 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

Thank you for reading, glad it helped!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Charlotte
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Charlotte

I really can relate to this post. I’m currently studying for medical school exams and I find changing my scenery and ordering the odd takeaway 🥡 really helps!

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16 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

I’m glad you’ve found what works for you! Good luck on your medical school exams!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Stelh
Guest
Stelh

Great Post doll. Some really helpful tips here. Nothing worse than being stuck in a rut and feeling extremely unmotivated. Thanks for sharing x

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15 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

Thank you for reading! I’m glad this helped! I completely agree, there is no worse feeling!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Abby Heird
Guest
Abby Heird

I love this post!! I relate mostly when I get home from work and know I need to go to the gym but the motivation isn’t there. So I’ll tell myself to just go for thirty minutes. That’s all I have to do. But once I’m there, I’m motivated AF. You gotta trick yourself sometimes! Lol. I also love the advice!! Very well-thought out!!

Abby
❤️ Mylifelines.co

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15 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

This is awesome! I’m glad you’ve been able to push past the lack of motivation and still do the thing anyways! So glad to hear this helped too!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Gabby
Guest
Gabby

Such a great post! It’s awful not feeling motivated, but sometimes things have to be done whether the motivation is there or not. But like you said, our mental and emotional well being is more important than any task. I guess the key here is BALANCE.
Thanks for sharing.

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15 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

So true! Some things simply have to be done! But it is important to see when that affects our well-being and be able to make that decision regarding what is more important! I’m glad this helped!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Donna
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Donna

Great post wifh lots of good ideas!

Donna | http://www.lifeasmrsjones.com

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15 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

Thank you! Im glad this helped! Thanks for reading!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Kelly Diane
Guest
Kelly Diane

Such a great post packed full of amazing tips.

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15 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

Thank you! Glad it helped!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Sarah Clarke
Guest
Sarah Clarke

Very helpful post, I found myself in many ruts in January. Sometimes just taking a very small action is enough. Be gentle on yourself

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15 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

I agree, sometimes that can be all you need to regain momentum! Keep on going!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Rachael
Guest
Rachael

Thanks for the post, there are some really useful tips here x

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13 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks for reading!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Maya
Guest
Maya

I write for a living as I’m a journalist, but I sometimes find it hard to “switch off” and motivate myself to write other stuff like blog posts and creative writing. Intriguing post!

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12 days ago
cynspo
Author
cynspo

Sometimes it can be so hard! Especially when you write all the time! I’ll have to check out some of your content, it sounds like you do a lot of great writing!

xo
Cyn

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12 days ago
Kelly
Guest
Kelly

Some really good tips in here! I put thing off way too often when I’m just not feeling it.

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11 days ago

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