Staying motivated, especially when you work for yourself or from home, is a bit tricky. I wish I can give you a simple one and done answer, but in reality it’s a mixture of steps that need to be taken to stay motivated.
Whether you’re in the creative space (which is extra challenging) or not, waking up every day with an urge to work is not always the case. I don’t know about you, but this time of the year is when I feel the least driven. Winter is still lingering on, the days are still short and nights are long and the lack of vitamin D really is affecting my mood. To combat this energy dullness these are the steps that I take.
Set an alarm clock. At this time of the year, I can’t rely on natural light to wake me up as it’s gloomy most days. Therefore, setting up an alarm clock will allow me to wake up bright and early full of energy, instead of sleeping in and feeling sluggish all day long.
Skip the morning social media loop. Instead of staying in bed for God knows how long scrolling through Instagram, when the alarm goes off, I get up, immediately start my morning skin care routine (which will help wake me up). Make myself a cup of coffee and sip it while reading CNN 5 Things. It’s a daily newsletter with the top 5 stories in the world for that day. That way I’m staying on top of the world news, distracting my self away from social media and clearing my head while sipping on some coffee. You can switch the news with daily meditation if that’s more of your cup of tea. The moral of the story here is: STAY AWAY FROM SOCIAL MEDIA!
Listen to music while you work. Because I’m on my laptop all day long, I get bored pretty quickly from editing, answering emails or comments. Having some music in the background keeps me entertained and going longer. My favorite laid back playlists currently while working are Your Favorite CoffeeHouse and Love, Sex & Water (which is a great playlist for an intimate time).
Take a break. Especially if you’re in a creative space, it’s easy to get in a rut and feel unmotivated. Taking a break from a project to work on another or just a break from work in general is a great way to refuel and reenergize. Even if just for an hour or two, take a break, listen to some music, take a walk, talk to a friend, just do anything that isn’t related to work. It will help clear your mind.
Check out the competition. When I want to feel motivated to work I check what “my competition” is/are doing. It’s a great way to fuel the drive within you and push you to push yourself harder. I don’t advise people to compare themselves to others but sometimes that can make us feel motivated, especially if you’re a competitive person.
Check in with your goals. Nothing will push you harder than seeing what you’re working for right in front of you, written on a paper. So keep a paper, a sticky note or whatever with your goals written on it in front of you on your desk. Every time you feel unmotivated, glance at it and you’ll remember what you’re working towards. Your goals can be as small or as big as you want and once you achieve one, write down the next. They are the ultimate motivation tool!
I really hope this post will help you when you feel like you lost drive. Feeling unmotivated is very natural even if you have the best job in the world. Even machines need a reboot from time to time.
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XoXo,
Tamara
This goes to show that I’m doing everything wrong…ha ha!! Although I do my skin care right away, but then I’m on the computer until my hubby gets up and we eat breakfast.
And alarm?? Eeek…I love the fact I don’t set one anymore. It’s so luxurious to get up when I wake up.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Author
It’s not wrong, it ‘s definitely different for everyone. But these are some of the steps that I feel keep most motivated.
XoXo,
Tamara
These are such good tips! I have been feeling unmotivated lately. I’m blaming winter. What I need is a beach vacation!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Author
Yeah, we all need a vacation from this long and sad winter!
XoXo,
Tamara
great tips! I like to listen to music to while I work!
kelseybang.com
4allthingsdisney.com
Author
It’s such a good trick to stay entertained!
XoXo,
Tamara
Hahah my melody right now is to take a lot of breaks. Just embrace that I’m tired and not too inspired etc! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Author
Taking breaks is needed to refresh. Take as many as you need!
XoXo,
Tamara
I agree with staying away from social media in the morning. I work on my blog and catch up on email. Social media is the last thing I get to. Great tips!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Author
Thank you, Kathrine! Glad you agree with me.
XoXo,
Tamara
I’m so guilty of the morning social media loop. Thanks for the great tips!
Mai // maidoesthings.com
Author
You’re welcome. We’re all guilty from time to time but changing that small habit can have a great effect on the rest of our ay an on our mental health, give it a try.
XoXo,
Tamara
Taking a break is so important, I agree. It’s essential in staying motivated and energized. This is besides the point, but I love your headband!!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
Author
I’m happy you do. Thank you, I’ve been really loving headbands recently and this one is an affordable option from H&M. I linked it above.
XoXo,
Tamara
This is such a great post. I also like to use most of these methods to stay motivated 🙂
http://innapishtoy.com/