"Lazy" is not a real thing.

I don’t believe “lazy” is a real thing.

I think we can become unmotivated or uninspired when our needs aren’t being met in one or more areas, but I truly believe that when humans are supported, safe, and connected they naturally move towards building and creating.

That being said, we may not be able to live a life where all of our needs are met all the time.

That’s when we can intentionally work to build motivation and grit when things aren’t flowing as naturally as we’d like. *cough* PANDEMIC *cough*

Here some suggestions for working through that stuck and unmotivated feeling:

START WITH SELF-COMPASSION

Talking shit to ourselves is NOT motivating, it just further freezes us. Acknowledge that this is hard and it doesn’t feel good to be stuck. Write down some neutral or soothing statements like “I’m only human,” or “I know I am doing the best I can.” Grounding in self-compassion releases some of the heaviness that keeps us from moving forward with our goals.

PLANNING AND PRIORITIZING

Taking some time to sit down and break down larger goals into smaller steps, then organize them by priority. When we hold everything we want to do in our heads, we can have trouble sorting through it all, and feelings of overwhelm can stop us from putting one foot in front of the other. We don’t need to address the entire staircase at once, just figure out the next right step.

MAKE IT NEW AND INTERESTING

New or interesting tasks are much more accessible to us when we’re in that stuck space. Sometimes a small shift in the way we do something can make it feel a little more fun, like using new colorful pens to journal, making a special playlist to listen to while cleaning, or lighting candles and incense for a candle-lit shower. Whatever you can do to make an activity a little more enjoyable, new, or interesting can help with motivation.

PLAN REWARDS

Making a “deal” with yourself to work towards a reward can be a huge motivating factor when trying to move towards a new goal. For example, I’ve decided that I’ll buy myself a new yoga mat when I finish the 30 day yoga challenge I’m currently doing. I won’t get it done in 30 days, but that’s okay, I’m only human! I’ll be proud of myself for completing the challenge and will make a ceremony out of researching and purchasing my new mat. Rewards can be shorter term (like at the end of each yoga class) or longer term, depending on what feels most supportive for you.

CONNECT WITH ANOTHER HUMAN

Sometimes just knowing that someone we care about is aware that we have a goal can add some accountability to our follow through, as well as create a sense of urgency, which helps fight procrastination. Make sure you pick someone who is compassionate and not shaming! A trusted friend or family member who will support your goal without adding to your inner-critic’s voice if you don’t follow through, but will help you problem solve instead is preferable.

What’s most important when working through lack of motivation is self-compassion, breaking things down into small steps, and celebrating those small accomplishments.

The more we acknowledge the little wins, the more likely we’re going to continue to build upon them.