You know those days when you just can't get motivated?
I have those days too.
If you know me then you might be a little surprised to read that because one of my jobs is as a motivational speaker.
I help people like you find their inner muse and genuinely love life. It's the best job in the world but it's not like that all of the time.
Just like you, I also have those moments where my will to get going has gone.
I'd be lying to you if I (or any other motivational speaker for that matter) pulled the veil of perfection across life. Yes we talk and write about being motivated but that doesn't make us perfect models of motivation 100% of the time.
Sometimes we, as motivational speakers, just have to take our own advice!
I was speaking with an amazing group of women recently about fearless freedom, health, wellness, body confidence, business and more. By the end of the day we were all pepped up on motivation and fuelled by ambitious drive. It was fantastic!
But the next morning, after I came down from the natural high of inspiration, I discovered that motivation had quietly crept away in my sleep. This wasn't the first time it had happened and I knew it was time to take my own advice and bring back the motivation.
Over the years, I've found great ways to take my own advice and motivate myself. They might sound simple but that's because they are and applying them in your own life is relatively easy.
6 ways I motivate myself and you can too:
1.I PLAN
I'm an optimistic realist. I hope to never be unmotivated but I'm realistic enough to know that it does happen. That's why I plan ahead for those moments. From cooking healthy meals in bulk to putting my gym clothes out the night before, it's easier to get going if I've already done part of the work!
- TIP: Try and stick to a routine. The unmotivated brain isn't a great decision maker. If you have a routine, your brain can just go on autopilot and is more likely to make good decisions with less effort.
2.I MOVE
Get up and go! There's nothing like a little physical activity to lift my mood and motivate me. From a light stretch on the lounge room floor to a weights session at the gym, the rush of endorphins that physical activity can produce is a great way to inspire productivity.
For some added motivation you might also like this piece I wrote to encourage you to get moving - even if you don't fit the healthy stereotype.
- TIP: Adding upbeat music to your movement can be a great way to dial up the motivation while you move!
3.I FUEL
Good nutrition = good brain health... Which in turn affects our motivation. I know the foods that leave me feeling blah - and it's hard to get motivated when you feel blah!
- TIP: The more processed your food is, the harder your body has to work to break it down - leaving less energy for you to pursue awesomeness! Aim for unprocessed foods (specific to your own dietary requirements), especially on the days you lack motivation.
4.I CONNECT
Negativity destroys motivation and toxic relationships never motivate me. While being supportive to those in need is important, there needs to be a balance. As the late motivator Jim Rohn famously said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."
- TIP: Consider your current circles of connection. Honestly, how supported and motivated do you feel after connecting with them?
5.I SURROUND
Just like the above point, surrounding yourself with positive influences is also key. This doesn't just include people but your physical environment also. I often work from home so my apartment is like a little shrine for positivity and optimism (most of the time but there's the usual mess too).
- TIP: Do a mental audit of the influences in your day. Things like the social media profiles you follow, the television you watch and the inspiring energy of your work space can all impact your motivation. What do you need more of and what could you unfollow or do without?
6.I PERSEVERE
I'm going to be blunt here but sometimes, you've just got to suck it up and DO THE WORK. Staring at your vision board is not doing the work. Motivational quotes on your fridge are fantastic (see the previous point) but they can only motivate you to do the work, yourself!
- TIP: Don't be hard on yourself if you do have an unmotivated day. We can't all be firing at 100% all of the time. Don't forget to congratulate yourself for the little wins. You might have worked a bit slower but you're still awesome for getting in there and doing the work in the first place.
Motivation doesn't just happen and once you have it, you don't automatically keep it. I do my best to walk the talk (or wheel the spiel in my case). Plan, connect and practice motivation in your own way and you can be your own motivational speaker!
Love life,
Lisa