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Are there psychological reasonings that can explain a person’s lack of motivation
Hi,
I have been thinking that, I’m better off being an architect but I love getting involved with people and helping them.
As time goes on my motivation of being a doctor is fading off due to different challenges I’m facing currently. I noticed that I seriously forget that I’m alive and I feel like a stranger to my own body.
I need help to rescue myself #healthcare #medicine #doctor
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7 answers
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Irene,
It could be that you need psychological help. If this is a feeling that is stopping you from taking charge of your own life, you should consider it. If, it is possible that you have a few weeks to try to help yourself first, I encourage you to try exercise. Runners report getting a good feeling, I think it is because the running releases endorphins into the brain, not really sure. Other exercise can also help - things like weight lifting. You also want to make sure you are getting good sleep on a regular schedule, and eating right. This means at least 2 good meals a day, and preferably more. Meals need to have an adequate amount of protein. If all of this sounds too overwhelming to you, then you should move forward with getting professional help right away. There is no shame in asking for help! Nobody on this site is going to be able to give you a definite answer on what is wrong with you. You need to be able to sit down with someone, discuss it, and probably do some bloodwork.
Best of luck!
Kim
It could be that you need psychological help. If this is a feeling that is stopping you from taking charge of your own life, you should consider it. If, it is possible that you have a few weeks to try to help yourself first, I encourage you to try exercise. Runners report getting a good feeling, I think it is because the running releases endorphins into the brain, not really sure. Other exercise can also help - things like weight lifting. You also want to make sure you are getting good sleep on a regular schedule, and eating right. This means at least 2 good meals a day, and preferably more. Meals need to have an adequate amount of protein. If all of this sounds too overwhelming to you, then you should move forward with getting professional help right away. There is no shame in asking for help! Nobody on this site is going to be able to give you a definite answer on what is wrong with you. You need to be able to sit down with someone, discuss it, and probably do some bloodwork.
Best of luck!
Kim
Thanks... I will seek for help, but have you ever met people who push people away from their lives? I think I’m pushing people away from my life
Irene
Yes, I am one of those people! I think I feel that if I let people "in" it will eventually result in being hurt, so, I have built a wall around myself. It's a lonely place to be. I am 58. Honestly, you don't want to be this way the rest of your life!
Kim Igleheart
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi Irene,
Firstly, you are very brave for asking this question and I'm so proud of you for putting it out there and asking for advice. Second, during this pandemic, it is common to feel you have lost motivation and to be second guessing yourself. I do not say this to diminish your own pain, as many (but not all) find comfort in knowing they are not alone. If you are able, gently take this in stride and explore other career paths that might be of interest to you. There is no harm in looking and I actually have a former university colleague that is a surgeon that also works with an architectural firm in helping to design better hospitals.
Most importantly, if you have been feeling this way for more than two weeks, you feel you are getting worse, or you had a recent trauma happen, please ask for help, either from your primary care provider or a counselor if you have access to one through your school. If you feel you may want to do something such as self-harm, or have been thinking about ending your life, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
I sincerely wish you the best during this difficult time.
Speak with your family doctor/provider about your feelings. A school counselor may help as well.
If you feel comfortable, talk to your parent(s) or another trusted adult about this.
Firstly, you are very brave for asking this question and I'm so proud of you for putting it out there and asking for advice. Second, during this pandemic, it is common to feel you have lost motivation and to be second guessing yourself. I do not say this to diminish your own pain, as many (but not all) find comfort in knowing they are not alone. If you are able, gently take this in stride and explore other career paths that might be of interest to you. There is no harm in looking and I actually have a former university colleague that is a surgeon that also works with an architectural firm in helping to design better hospitals.
Most importantly, if you have been feeling this way for more than two weeks, you feel you are getting worse, or you had a recent trauma happen, please ask for help, either from your primary care provider or a counselor if you have access to one through your school. If you feel you may want to do something such as self-harm, or have been thinking about ending your life, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
I sincerely wish you the best during this difficult time.
Katherine recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate it so much.
Irene
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Irene,
It seems like this is more of an internal struggle with yourself rather than a struggle picking a career. But also, people seem to lose themselves when they start to ponder about their future. Especially during this pandemic, it's hard not to let our thoughts wander because our environments changed so drastically and we find ourselves stuck, literally. Just know that it's okay to be unsure of any future career goals because what is most important is to be happy and help yourself before entering a field to help others. Take a step back and find the reason to why you feel this way and find a way to control it or relieve the stress of it but doing an activity or pick up a hobby. If you substitute those moments where you feel down with an activity, then you may start to feel more positive. It is also okay to seek help from others. Don't ever be afraid/ shy to do so. You are not alone, especially during these difficult times. Never give up on your goals or yourself. Everyone has a path and you will find it eventually!
It seems like this is more of an internal struggle with yourself rather than a struggle picking a career. But also, people seem to lose themselves when they start to ponder about their future. Especially during this pandemic, it's hard not to let our thoughts wander because our environments changed so drastically and we find ourselves stuck, literally. Just know that it's okay to be unsure of any future career goals because what is most important is to be happy and help yourself before entering a field to help others. Take a step back and find the reason to why you feel this way and find a way to control it or relieve the stress of it but doing an activity or pick up a hobby. If you substitute those moments where you feel down with an activity, then you may start to feel more positive. It is also okay to seek help from others. Don't ever be afraid/ shy to do so. You are not alone, especially during these difficult times. Never give up on your goals or yourself. Everyone has a path and you will find it eventually!
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
Hey, Irene,
Sometimes we lose motivation when we realize that we are on the wrong path. It takes a lot more courage to change our path, turn around, and regroup than to continue down a road that is wrong.
If you are interested in architecture, then explore that field! Our entire world depends on fabulous architects. The medical field is not the only way to "help people"....teachers, farmers, babysitters, cooks, accountants, and architects (just to name a few) all help people!
You will be a valuable contributor to society in whatever field you choose.
I wish you well.
Sometimes we lose motivation when we realize that we are on the wrong path. It takes a lot more courage to change our path, turn around, and regroup than to continue down a road that is wrong.
If you are interested in architecture, then explore that field! Our entire world depends on fabulous architects. The medical field is not the only way to "help people"....teachers, farmers, babysitters, cooks, accountants, and architects (just to name a few) all help people!
You will be a valuable contributor to society in whatever field you choose.
I wish you well.
Updated
Syed’s Answer
Hi Irene,
There's a number of reasons why someone might not have motivation. Depression is a major mental health challenge that directly impacts motivation. It's a downward spiral: Depression makes one lose hope, lack of hope stifles motivation, lack of motivation breeds further depression, and so on.
Also, people who have faced trauma in their lives may lack motivation. The lingering or ongoing pain from that trauma hinders hope. Difficulty coping with trauma or fear of backlash can ruin someone's motivation to move forward in life.
For some people, the situation is not as severe and it's more tied to socioeconomic factors like coming from an environment where most people are not successful in the traditional sense (job, family, education, etc.). If you can't see yourself succeed because no one around you is successful, you will lack the motivation and inspiration to try new things. Others just intrinsically lack self-esteem due to lived experience of prior failures (e.g. "I always failed at this subject in school so there's no way I can make a career out of it").
Looking on the bright side, people have overcome these challenges with the proper help and right supportive environments.
There's a number of reasons why someone might not have motivation. Depression is a major mental health challenge that directly impacts motivation. It's a downward spiral: Depression makes one lose hope, lack of hope stifles motivation, lack of motivation breeds further depression, and so on.
Also, people who have faced trauma in their lives may lack motivation. The lingering or ongoing pain from that trauma hinders hope. Difficulty coping with trauma or fear of backlash can ruin someone's motivation to move forward in life.
For some people, the situation is not as severe and it's more tied to socioeconomic factors like coming from an environment where most people are not successful in the traditional sense (job, family, education, etc.). If you can't see yourself succeed because no one around you is successful, you will lack the motivation and inspiration to try new things. Others just intrinsically lack self-esteem due to lived experience of prior failures (e.g. "I always failed at this subject in school so there's no way I can make a career out of it").
Looking on the bright side, people have overcome these challenges with the proper help and right supportive environments.
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
Hi Irene. Hang in there. Life is tough sometimes when you are staring down your future and you don't know what that future holds. You are in the midst of life right now . I often think when young people question their existence it is because they have a yearning for more and want to live a life worth living. There is a drive inside you for a reason. Sometimes just questioning life, will drive you to seek out more. You seem to have that drive, as both an architect and doctor are aspiring goals and great professions to explore. I have found in my own path that taking small steps will lead to more. Just start. Get the basics of your degree out of the way (first year or two of course work) and then you will be better able to decide which way to go. Also, even if you do not know exactly what you want to do or why, just keep showing up. They key to life is to not give up. Every day is another chance to do more. I read some great comments to you in this chain. I hope you take some of these comments to heart. I wish you all the success in the world.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if you are going through normal cyclical emotions. When I percieve a lack of motivation in myself, I take inspiration from the story of the failed Antarctic exploration by polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew as told in the book “Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage.” Understanding their abity to overcome the incredible hardshps and survive teaches me that humans can accomplish anything.
If your issues seem to last longer than usual, you may need to change things up, like changing careers or it could be a symptom of depression. Consider counseling if it is the latter.
If your issues seem to last longer than usual, you may need to change things up, like changing careers or it could be a symptom of depression. Consider counseling if it is the latter.