Ep 22. What to do When You Don’t Feel Motivated with Kristen Crowe (they/she)
If you were lazy you would be having more fun! Being unmotivated sucks, no ifs, ands, or buts. Being unmotivated can feel like worthlessness, depression, and anger.
But unmotivated isn’t “just being lazy”. There are a million reasons we feel unmotivated.
Too much change happening at once
No time to focus on what fills your cup
Symptoms from mental or physical illnesses
Your body is forcing you to take a break
All of these things and so much more can leave us feeling unmotivated and trigger our inner critic to run havoc on our self-esteem. Join Open Space Therapy Collective Founder Renae Johnson LPCC, ATR-BC, CCTP and Clinical Supervisor Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT as they dive into what is hiding behind your lack of motivation.
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Experiencing a lack of motivation is a common struggle for many, and it's essential to address this issue from a mental health perspective. When motivation dwindles, it can impact various aspects of life, from work and relationships to personal goals and overall well-being. However, there are several strategies that can help navigate through these challenging times.
It's crucial to understand that fluctuations in motivation are a natural part of the human experience,
especially during stressful or overwhelming periods. Acknowledging and accepting these ebbs and flows without self-judgment can alleviate some of the pressure that often accompanies feeling unmotivated.
Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can make them less daunting and more achievable. Setting realistic and specific goals, even if they are small, allows for a sense of accomplishment when completed. Celebrating these small victories can reignite a sense of motivation and momentum.
Sometimes, a lack of motivation might stem from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks. Prioritizing and organizing tasks by importance can help in focusing on what needs immediate attention versus what can be addressed later. By creating a structured plan, it becomes easier to tackle tasks one step at a time.
Exploring the reasons behind the lack of motivation can provide valuable insights. Is it due to burnout, stress, perfectionism, or a lack of interest? Identifying the root cause can help in finding tailored solutions. For instance, addressing burnout might require setting boundaries and practicing self-care, while overcoming perfectionism might involve challenging unrealistic standards.
Connecting with a support system can also be incredibly beneficial. Sharing feelings and experiences with trusted friends, family, or a therapist can provide encouragement, validation, and different perspectives. Sometimes, merely talking through concerns can alleviate the weight of feeling unmotivated.
Engaging in activities that bring joy or relaxation can help in rekindling motivation.
Taking breaks, pursuing hobbies, spending time in nature, or engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga can recharge and replenish mental energy.
Establishing a routine, even a simple one, can provide structure and stability. A consistent schedule that incorporates regular sleep patterns, healthy eating habits, exercise, and dedicated work or study hours can contribute significantly to improving motivation levels.
Additionally, consider reassessing goals and expectations. Are they realistic and attainable? Adjusting goals to align with current capabilities and circumstances can relieve unnecessary pressure and foster a more positive outlook.
It's important to remember that seeking professional help is always an option. A mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can provide guidance, support, and personalized strategies to address underlying issues contributing to a lack of motivation. Therapy offers a safe space to explore feelings, learn coping mechanisms, and develop a personalized plan to navigate through motivational challenges.
Therapy can be an invaluable resource for individuals experiencing a lack of motivation.
A therapist provides a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore the underlying factors contributing to the lack of drive. Through therapy, individuals can uncover patterns, identify barriers, and gain insights into the root causes of their diminished motivation. Therapists offer personalized strategies, tools, and coping mechanisms to help individuals break through mental blocks, address self-limiting beliefs, and develop practical techniques to enhance motivation. By working collaboratively with a therapist, individuals can create a tailored plan to increase motivation, set achievable goals, and cultivate a mindset that fosters resilience and self-empowerment. Therapy serves as a guiding force in navigating through motivational challenges, providing the necessary support and tools for individuals to regain their drive and move forward toward a more fulfilling life.
Lastly, practicing self-compassion is crucial. It's okay to have moments of feeling unmotivated or unproductive. Being kind to oneself, accepting imperfections, and acknowledging efforts, no matter how small, can create a more nurturing environment for personal growth and development.
In conclusion, experiencing a lack of motivation is a common struggle, but there are various strategies to address it from a mental health perspective. By breaking tasks into smaller steps, prioritizing, exploring underlying reasons, seeking support, engaging in enjoyable activities, establishing routines, reassessing goals, and considering professional help, individuals can navigate through periods of low motivation with resilience and self-compassion.
Therapist Bio: Kristen Crowe (she/they) is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.
To find more from Kristen visit:
https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-kristen
To find more from us visit:
https://www.instagram.com/mytherapistisout/
https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
Content warning: general mental health symptoms