Uncovering the Root of Stuckness and the Lack of Motivation
When you are living a life filled with meaning and purpose, life can seem easier, more enjoyable, and you may feel like you are on top of the world. But what happens when suddenly all the chips don’t seem to fall in place or work out in your favor? What happens when you have a big vision but have no idea where to start, what to do, or don’t seem to have the time to get anything done? What if you are still searching for your life’s purpose and passion? What do you do then?
Rather than simply telling you to “push through it”, I want to provide another solution of discovering and learning about your habits, your patterns, and most importantly the THOUGHTS that aid in your feeling of being stuck and unmotivated. Bringing awareness to your existing habits brings these automatic subconscious patterns to light and can eventually provide you with something you never had before, which is CHOICE. Once you are able to identify any potentially sabotaging thoughts, you can begin to make different and healthier choices. Below are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Become aware of your thoughts
Our thoughts are constantly shaping our habits and beliefs. If you are lacking motivation it is likely that you may have some negative thoughts that are fueling this feeling. Are you constantly making excuses and justifying your stuckness by saying that you are lazy? Do you label yourself as a procrastinator? Do you always find yourself saying you don’t know what you want to do with your life or that you are lacking inspiration? It is important to become aware of these harmful thoughts because of their ability to keep you stuck in your current mindset and prevent you from moving past periods of no growth.
2. Identify when these thoughts are present
As you become aware of the thoughts and feelings, expand your awareness to simply noticing when these thoughts are present. Do they come during particular times of the day or year? Do they come when you watch TV or are browsing on social media? Do they come every time you begin to feel a little motivated or are they linked to a particular person or type of conversation? Identifying what is happening in your life when the debilitating thoughts come into your mind will allow you to identify any potential triggers.
3. Link it to a feeling or emotion
Whatever the thought, notice what feelings may come along when these thoughts occur. Try slowing down and become aware of what is happening in your mind and body when you’re telling yourself these statements. Become curious about how you feel in that moment. Do you feel guilty, bad, disappointed, stubborn, deflated, nervous, or maybe numb? Whatever the emotion or feeling, just notice what is present for you in these moments as you begin to build this awareness and remember to be kind to yourself during your journey!
While these tools are just a starting point, they are foundational in helping you become aware of the root of your lack of motivation and can help you uncover the true source.
Remember, overcoming your stagnation is a process, and it may not be accomplished overnight. It is important to be patient, nonjudgmental and loving towards yourself during your transformation. And remember to try your best to remain present every step of the way.
“Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.” Thich Nhat Hanh
