Staying Motivated When Life Gets Tough
This post may contain affiliate links where I earn a small commission for your purchase at no cost to you.
“It’s not the load the breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”
Oh Ms. Lena Horne, ain’t that the truth!
Let’s be real, sometimes life feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Just when you think you’ve got everything under control, another challenge pops up. Whether it’s stress from work, family obligations, personal setbacks, or just an unexpected series of unfortunate events, staying motivated in the middle of chaos can feel impossible. But guess what? It’s not.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain tired, here’s how you can reignite your motivation and push through even the toughest seasons of life.
Accept that Motivation Fluctuates
One of the biggest myths about motivation is that it’s suppose to be a constant. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Even the most driven people have days when they don’t feel like doing anything. Instead of beating yourself up for lacking motivation, accept that it comes and goes. they key to develop habits that keep you moving forward even when you don’t feel like it.
Pro Tip:
Instead of waiting for Motivation to strike, build systems that keep you on track. Set reminders, create routines, and rely on discipline rather than fleeting inspiration.
Reconnect with Your “Why”
When life gets hard, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started in the first place. Whether it’s your career, fitness journey, or personal growth goals, revisiting you “why” can reignite your drive. It’s always a good idea to check in with yourself, especially your future self. To do so, Ask:
Why did I start this Journey ?
What will happen if I Give up now ?
How will I feel when I overcome this Challenge ?
Write down your answers and put them somewhere visible, on your mirror, phone wallpaper, or even the classic sticky note method on your laptop/monitor. A daily reminder of your purpose can work wonders.
Break it Down into Bite-Sized Pieces
When life feels overwhelming, big goals can seem impossible. Instead of focusing on the mountain, start with one small step. Micro-wins create momentum, and momentum fuels motivation.
Try This:
If your goal is to write a book, don’t stress about finishing 50,000 words. Just aim for 500 words a day. If you’re trying to get fit, don’t think about losing 30 pounds, just commit to a 10-minute workout today. Small steps lead to Big results.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
Have you ever noticed how neing around people drains your energy ? On the flip side, surrounding yourself with positive, motivated people can lift your spirits and keep you going.
Actionable Tip:
Follow inspiring content on social media (and unfollow anything that drains your energy).
Join a community of like-minded people.
Listen to motivational podcasts or audiobooks.
Positivity is contagious, make sure you are catching the right vibe.
Reward Yourself Along the Way
Who says you have to wait until the finish line to celebrate? Treat yourself for small wins along the way. Knowing you have something to look forward to can keep you motivated.
Here are some of the ways, you can Reward yourself for the small wins:
Finished a tough task, treat myself to my favorite coffee.
Completed a workout streak, buy yourself a new fitness outfit.
Stuck to your goals for a month, plan a mini getaway or staycation.
Incentives keep things fun and keeps you pushing forward.
Change Your Environment
Sometimes, the problem isn’t you, it’s your environment. A clutter space, constant distractions, or even as simple as the wrong playlist can kill your motivation. Try switching things up.
Quick Fixes:
Clean and declutter your workspace.
Change locations, try working at a cafè or a park.
Switch up your playlist, energetic music can boost motivation.
Small environmental changes can make a huge difference.
Focus on What You Can Control
One thing is for sure, Life throws curveballs. While you can’t always control what happens, you can control your reaction. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, focus on what’s within your power.
The Key thing to do is create a Mindset Shift:
Instead of saying “Why is this happening to me?” try asking, “What can I do about this?” Shifting your mindset from victim mode to action mode can boost motivation and build resilience.
Practice Self-Compassion
Let’s be honest, we are often our own worst critics. When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-blame. But here’s the truth: setbacks are part of the journey. Please be kinder to yourself, and if you don’t quite yet know how, here are some ways to help you get started.
Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend.
Acknowledge your efforts, even if the results aren’t perfect.
Take breaks when needed, rest is productive, too!
Being kind to yourself fuels motivation rather than draining it.
Get Moving
Exercise isn’t just for physical health, it’s a powerful tool for mental resilience. Moving your body releases endorphins (a.k.a happiness hormones), reduces stress, and boosts motivation.
Simple ways to get Moving:
Take a 10-minute walk outside.
Do a quick home workout or yoga session.
Dance around to your favorite song.
Even small bursts of activity can shift your energy and improve your mindset.
Fuel Your Growth with the Right Tools
Sometimes, staying motivated requires fresh perspectives and new strategies. A powerful book that can help is Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth. This book explores how grit, not talent or intelligence is the key to long-term success. If you’re struggling to stay motivated, this book offers science backed insights and real-life stories to help you push through challenges and stay committed to your goals.
Take it a Step Further:
Reading self-improvement books is great, but implementing what you learn is even better. That’s where Chapters of Growth Reading Journal comes in. This digital journal is designed to help you capture key insights, create actionable plans, and track your progress. Use it to bridge the gap between inspiration and action, making sure that what you learn actually transform your life.
Remember: Tough Times Don’t Last, But Tough People Do
When life gets hard, remind yourself that this is only a season and that seasons are temporary. You’ve faced challanges before, and you’ve made it through. This time is no different. Keep pushing, stay focused, and trust that your hard work will pay off.
Do the best You Can!
Motivation isn’t about feeling hyped all the time, it’s about taking action even when you don’t feel like it. By implementing these strategies, you can stay motivated, push through tough times, and come out stronger on the other side.
Now, take a deep breath, shake off the doubts, and keep going.
You’ve got this !
“ You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
- Maya Angelou
