5 answers
Jay
Student
Clymer, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I get motivated after getting burnt out?
I've been struggling to get work done, even the stuff I love doing feels like pulling teeth at this point. how do I motivate myself?
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5 answers
Faith Rojas-Taylor
Consultant
5
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Faith’s Answer
Hello Jay,
Sounds like you're struggling to find balance in your everyday life. Whenever I'm feeling down from a mental standpoint, it's hard to do anything throughout the day. I'd rather sleep and lounge around because I'm not motivated to do anything throughout the day. You're definitely not the only person who goes through this.
Most times, my balance is thrown out of whack when I'm stressed by the things in my life that are currently happening and sometimes it's old aspects of life that resurface. I get overwhelmed by everything I have going on and my determination to get anything done becomes stunted.
At times like this, I do something that helps me focus again, something I enjoy. For me, I go running. It helps me clear my mind and also gets me kick started back into working out. If I'm not up to running, I go for long walks. I also have a morning playlist of songs that do nothing but make me happy. I use this playlist to get me excited about the day and sometimes that means getting excited to get through the day, but to do it in a way that doesn't leave me feeling down or depressed while life is happening around me.
Therapy is also a great tool. I know for many there's a stigma around therapy, but honestly, it's a person who's trained to talk to you and help you think outside of the box. You can do therapy online, in-person, doing things you love is also therapeutic. However, having someone who doesn't know you and who's unbiased, helps to push you in a positive direction. If one-on-one therapy isn't for you, there are several support groups. For me, I also do 3K runs or run with friends or groups. I get to interact with others and push myself to continue to experience life in a positive manner even when I'm not feeling my greatest.
It also may be time to explore something you've been afraid to tackle. The best thing I could've ever done was bet on myself and take a leap of faith. It catapulted my mindset, my career, my finances, and my life overall. I made a move closer to my home state leaving behind a life I had built for years after college. However, being closer to my family and making the move I'd been afraid to make (in fear of abandoning all the work I'd put in in my present life at the time) launched me into what I had been searching for within my career in such a short amount of time. I have a job that I enjoy, weekends off (which is something I'd never had before), time to spend doing hobbies and activities I'd always passed up on and so many more things.
Sometimes we do nothing for fear that we won't be able to do what we're looking to accomplish in life. You can't miss a shot you don't take. Bet on yourself, push yourself to do things you've never done before and push yourself just to get out on a daily basis and experience things you haven't before. Changing up your routine can feel like a breath of fresh air.
One thing that also helped me was reading. I went to the bookstore and browsed books I could relate to. Books that related to motivation, my faith, and just genres that I generally like to read. Reading the journeys of others was extremely helpful in giving myself grace and not being so hard on myself. It also reaffirmed my sense of self and pushed me to look at myself in a new light. I also listened to podcasts during morning walks that challenged my mindset and way of thinking. I enjoyed a podcast called The Happiness Lab, it's a podcast that gives an educational twist on how we can be happier in our everyday lives. I love it because it's educational without being dry and the host has regular guests who talk about the study of happiness. It got me thinking about everyday aspects of life through a new lens while keeping me engaged about what else I could learn about society (historical events, data studies, experiments, etc).
Nothing happens overnight, but plan out your day, give yourself a routine that allows for work, pleasure, and rest. Indulge a little in things you haven't experienced in a while and talk to someone to open up your perspective and catch things you may not see for yourself. Also, get rest if you haven't! Lack of sleep determines so much of your day and too much sleep leaves you feeling sluggish. When you're tempted to sleep during the day, push yourself to get outside or do a hobby and stay active so when it's time to sleep, your body is ready to rest. Do the same thing with your diet, eliminate things that leave you feeling sluggish and tired. I am not one for a diet, but pulling back on things I overindulge in and eating healthier helped me to move better throughout the day.
Treat yourself, your body, and your mind one day at a time (as cliche as that sounds, it works!) and do it at your own pace.
Sounds like you're struggling to find balance in your everyday life. Whenever I'm feeling down from a mental standpoint, it's hard to do anything throughout the day. I'd rather sleep and lounge around because I'm not motivated to do anything throughout the day. You're definitely not the only person who goes through this.
Most times, my balance is thrown out of whack when I'm stressed by the things in my life that are currently happening and sometimes it's old aspects of life that resurface. I get overwhelmed by everything I have going on and my determination to get anything done becomes stunted.
At times like this, I do something that helps me focus again, something I enjoy. For me, I go running. It helps me clear my mind and also gets me kick started back into working out. If I'm not up to running, I go for long walks. I also have a morning playlist of songs that do nothing but make me happy. I use this playlist to get me excited about the day and sometimes that means getting excited to get through the day, but to do it in a way that doesn't leave me feeling down or depressed while life is happening around me.
Therapy is also a great tool. I know for many there's a stigma around therapy, but honestly, it's a person who's trained to talk to you and help you think outside of the box. You can do therapy online, in-person, doing things you love is also therapeutic. However, having someone who doesn't know you and who's unbiased, helps to push you in a positive direction. If one-on-one therapy isn't for you, there are several support groups. For me, I also do 3K runs or run with friends or groups. I get to interact with others and push myself to continue to experience life in a positive manner even when I'm not feeling my greatest.
It also may be time to explore something you've been afraid to tackle. The best thing I could've ever done was bet on myself and take a leap of faith. It catapulted my mindset, my career, my finances, and my life overall. I made a move closer to my home state leaving behind a life I had built for years after college. However, being closer to my family and making the move I'd been afraid to make (in fear of abandoning all the work I'd put in in my present life at the time) launched me into what I had been searching for within my career in such a short amount of time. I have a job that I enjoy, weekends off (which is something I'd never had before), time to spend doing hobbies and activities I'd always passed up on and so many more things.
Sometimes we do nothing for fear that we won't be able to do what we're looking to accomplish in life. You can't miss a shot you don't take. Bet on yourself, push yourself to do things you've never done before and push yourself just to get out on a daily basis and experience things you haven't before. Changing up your routine can feel like a breath of fresh air.
One thing that also helped me was reading. I went to the bookstore and browsed books I could relate to. Books that related to motivation, my faith, and just genres that I generally like to read. Reading the journeys of others was extremely helpful in giving myself grace and not being so hard on myself. It also reaffirmed my sense of self and pushed me to look at myself in a new light. I also listened to podcasts during morning walks that challenged my mindset and way of thinking. I enjoyed a podcast called The Happiness Lab, it's a podcast that gives an educational twist on how we can be happier in our everyday lives. I love it because it's educational without being dry and the host has regular guests who talk about the study of happiness. It got me thinking about everyday aspects of life through a new lens while keeping me engaged about what else I could learn about society (historical events, data studies, experiments, etc).
Nothing happens overnight, but plan out your day, give yourself a routine that allows for work, pleasure, and rest. Indulge a little in things you haven't experienced in a while and talk to someone to open up your perspective and catch things you may not see for yourself. Also, get rest if you haven't! Lack of sleep determines so much of your day and too much sleep leaves you feeling sluggish. When you're tempted to sleep during the day, push yourself to get outside or do a hobby and stay active so when it's time to sleep, your body is ready to rest. Do the same thing with your diet, eliminate things that leave you feeling sluggish and tired. I am not one for a diet, but pulling back on things I overindulge in and eating healthier helped me to move better throughout the day.
Treat yourself, your body, and your mind one day at a time (as cliche as that sounds, it works!) and do it at your own pace.
thank you so much, ill be sure to check out that podcast.
Jay
Howard Christiansen
Professor
54
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Howard’s Answer
Dear Jay,
As you know, the root cause of your lack of motivation right now is that you have experienced burnout. You must spend some time on yourself and heal. Perhaps you can also practice mindfulness (You Tube has a good number of videos on this subject). You can start to shift your mindset and spark that much-needed inspiration by following the suggestions below:.
1. Prioritize self-care: Ensure you're eating nutritious meals and getting ample sleep. This sets the stage for a positive, productive day.
2. Stay positive: A positive outlook can broaden your horizons, introducing fresh ideas on how to excel academically and professionally.
3. Set realistic goals: Establish achievable targets and work towards them gradually.
4. Celebrate your victories: When you reach a goal, take a moment to appreciate your achievement. This boosts your self-worth and propels you forward.
5. Surround yourself with positivity: Spend time with friends who are driven and upbeat. Their enthusiasm might just be contagious.
6. Engage with your boss, teacher or mentor. Let them know you're eager to improve your motivation. They may have valuable advice to share.
7. Embrace happiness: A joyful mindset naturally boosts productivity.
I hope these suggestions inspire you to reignite your motivation. I'm rooting for you and wish you nothing but success in all your future pursuits.
Respectfully,
Professor Christiansen
As you know, the root cause of your lack of motivation right now is that you have experienced burnout. You must spend some time on yourself and heal. Perhaps you can also practice mindfulness (You Tube has a good number of videos on this subject). You can start to shift your mindset and spark that much-needed inspiration by following the suggestions below:.
1. Prioritize self-care: Ensure you're eating nutritious meals and getting ample sleep. This sets the stage for a positive, productive day.
2. Stay positive: A positive outlook can broaden your horizons, introducing fresh ideas on how to excel academically and professionally.
3. Set realistic goals: Establish achievable targets and work towards them gradually.
4. Celebrate your victories: When you reach a goal, take a moment to appreciate your achievement. This boosts your self-worth and propels you forward.
5. Surround yourself with positivity: Spend time with friends who are driven and upbeat. Their enthusiasm might just be contagious.
6. Engage with your boss, teacher or mentor. Let them know you're eager to improve your motivation. They may have valuable advice to share.
7. Embrace happiness: A joyful mindset naturally boosts productivity.
I hope these suggestions inspire you to reignite your motivation. I'm rooting for you and wish you nothing but success in all your future pursuits.
Respectfully,
Professor Christiansen
Elizabeth (Betsy) Kvedar, CPTD®
Learning Consultant
75
Answers
Shelburne, New York
Updated
Elizabeth (Betsy)’s Answer
Hey Jay,
Your question is a fantastic one, as we all experience those moments of burn-out at various stages in our lives. Discovering how to bounce back is vital for your overall wellness.
Firstly, remember to be kind to yourself. View this phase as a sign that you're due for a break. I understand that it's often easier said than done. You might be pushing yourself too hard, which can lead to frustration.
However, if possible, try to carve out a little time each day for a leisurely walk, meditation, or even just doodling or doing something relaxing. This gives you the opportunity to reflect on your current situation and consider what you'd like to be doing instead. When you give yourself the space to think, it becomes easier to plan and make decisions about what matters most to you, and to let go of things that no longer serve you.
Secondly, remember that change can be challenging, so allow yourself to take small steps towards your desired direction. As you start moving in this new direction, make sure to set aside some time each week for relaxation and reflection on the progress you've made.
I recall when I was younger, I used to make a variety of chocolate candies and cookies for my loved ones during the holiday season, and they were always a hit. I was driven by the desire to bring joy to others, so I would strive to make special treats for everyone. However, over time, I experienced burn-out and began to resent the whole process. I found myself exhausted from trying to please everyone, and my holidays were far from enjoyable. I had to take a step back and reassess my approach to the holiday season. I still make a few treats to share, but I've set some boundaries regarding how much I do, and I make sure to do something enjoyable for myself.
So, take some time to rest and chart a fresh course for yourself.
Your question is a fantastic one, as we all experience those moments of burn-out at various stages in our lives. Discovering how to bounce back is vital for your overall wellness.
Firstly, remember to be kind to yourself. View this phase as a sign that you're due for a break. I understand that it's often easier said than done. You might be pushing yourself too hard, which can lead to frustration.
However, if possible, try to carve out a little time each day for a leisurely walk, meditation, or even just doodling or doing something relaxing. This gives you the opportunity to reflect on your current situation and consider what you'd like to be doing instead. When you give yourself the space to think, it becomes easier to plan and make decisions about what matters most to you, and to let go of things that no longer serve you.
Secondly, remember that change can be challenging, so allow yourself to take small steps towards your desired direction. As you start moving in this new direction, make sure to set aside some time each week for relaxation and reflection on the progress you've made.
I recall when I was younger, I used to make a variety of chocolate candies and cookies for my loved ones during the holiday season, and they were always a hit. I was driven by the desire to bring joy to others, so I would strive to make special treats for everyone. However, over time, I experienced burn-out and began to resent the whole process. I found myself exhausted from trying to please everyone, and my holidays were far from enjoyable. I had to take a step back and reassess my approach to the holiday season. I still make a few treats to share, but I've set some boundaries regarding how much I do, and I make sure to do something enjoyable for myself.
So, take some time to rest and chart a fresh course for yourself.
I really appreciate this, I hear advice like this a lot but its true and I sometimes forget that.
Jay
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
344
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Choose one small goal for today, could be going for a walk, calling a friend or anything of your choice. Make a point of accomplishing it and at the end of the day remind yourself that you can accomplish almost anything you set your mind to do.
With every good wish!
With every good wish!
thanks! keeping stuff like this in mind is really important and this helped
Jay
Cherelle Maddox, MBA, SRMP-C
37
Answers
Updated
Cherelle’s Answer
Hi Jay!
Great news!
There are many strategies that you can use to not only remedy burnout but avoid it altogether!
Firstly, if you are already suffering from burnout, and you lack your motivation, the key here is to remember why you started what you are doing in the first place! What was your motivation then! For you! For family? For your future? What’s your WHY?? And once you remember what that is, ask yourself if that is STILL your why, and if it is, keep pushing! Think of what you wanted to achieve and what the reward for doing so would be!
Now, in terms of you avoiding burnout altogether, it is SOOOOO important to pace yourself! Allow yourself breaks and give yourself GRACE if you are not taking those steps as quickly or as smoothly as you would like. Taking breaks to recover and relax is not only essential but NECESSARY!
As long as you don’t give up, you WILL achieve your goal so there is no need to bend to the pressure of rushing and NEVER compare your journey with others because your is unique to YOU and it is meant to look different! It is yours so be proud of it, no matter how it looks to others!!
Pace yourself DAILY and remember that you WILL get there!
You’ve got this!! Best of luck!!
Great news!
There are many strategies that you can use to not only remedy burnout but avoid it altogether!
Firstly, if you are already suffering from burnout, and you lack your motivation, the key here is to remember why you started what you are doing in the first place! What was your motivation then! For you! For family? For your future? What’s your WHY?? And once you remember what that is, ask yourself if that is STILL your why, and if it is, keep pushing! Think of what you wanted to achieve and what the reward for doing so would be!
Now, in terms of you avoiding burnout altogether, it is SOOOOO important to pace yourself! Allow yourself breaks and give yourself GRACE if you are not taking those steps as quickly or as smoothly as you would like. Taking breaks to recover and relax is not only essential but NECESSARY!
As long as you don’t give up, you WILL achieve your goal so there is no need to bend to the pressure of rushing and NEVER compare your journey with others because your is unique to YOU and it is meant to look different! It is yours so be proud of it, no matter how it looks to others!!
Pace yourself DAILY and remember that you WILL get there!
You’ve got this!! Best of luck!!
thank you for this advice! this is something I'll be sure to write down so I can look back on it
Jay