How to Find Motivation When You Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything…
“What separates those who will become successful from those who will maintain the status quo is the ability to choose to find the inner motivation to conquer their complacency.” ~ Chris Widener
Finding motivation is not an easy thing to do especially when you don’t “feel” like doing anything. From time-to-time, we’ve all been there. If you’re experiencing “lack of motivation”, there are numerous things you can do to get past this point and back into activity…
First, evaluate whether or not you need a break. If you have been working non-stop, sometimes the inactivity we feel is our body (and emotions!) telling us we need some downtime. Okay, so how do you know if you really do need a break vs. our mind “telling us” we do!? Using exercise as an example, I know that to achieve the kind of results I want for my body and health, I must workout several times a week…yet I don’t always “feel” like it. Most times when this happens I know I’m just being lazy 
however, sometimes my body really does need a rest — such as if I’ve had a vigorous workout in the previous day or two. This short break will allow my body to regenerate itself…and after a couple of days, as I usually do miss my workout, returning to my exercise routine seems a lot easier!
Start small. Have you ever had times when you know something will take longer than you “feel” like doing it for that day? My workout primarily consists of an interval walk/run for about 40+ minutes five to six days a week (this is a pace close to 5 m.p.h.), and on days when I find myself “feeling” like I would rather skip my workout, I talk myself into doing a little less…perhaps only 20 to 30 minutes of walking. The point is that I am still making my commitment to exercise, even if I’m only doing a smaller workout — great because I got some exercise for the day and I keep myself from falling into a cycle of giving up on days I don’t “feel” like moving into action.
Change your routine. Have you ever heard of burnout? Sure you have…everyone has, and one reason this occurs is because you’ve become “bored” with a set routine. When this happens with my workouts, I will do something to “change it up” every now and again. Maybe I’ll find a different place to walk and explore, or perhaps I’ll see how much longer I can sprint during my intervals.
Reward yourself. Ahhh, here is one area that I bet most of us neglect…and one way to motivate yourself to do something when you don’t “feel” like it is to give yourself a little reward. Maybe I’ll allow myself to go to Sonic and get a small Cherry Slush if I not only go for my workout that day, yet also push myself just a little…making it worth my while.
And lastly, remember to reconnect the action with pleasure rather than pain. A concept that Anthony Robbins has popularized in the last several years has been what he refers to as Neural Associations — we humans tend to connect every action with either a pleasure or pain. When we find ourselves lacking motivation, most likely it’s due to connecting that action with pain rather than pleasure. With my busy schedule, there are some days I just don’t “feel” I have the time or energy to devote to working out. What I can do to get past this line of thinking is to re-associate, think about how good I will “feel” by working out that day, the weight I will lose, and being in better health, etc.
The next time you know you need to take some action yet just don’t “feel” like it, try some of these simple techniques…if you do, I believe you’ll not only “feel” better about yourself, you might just be surprised at what you can accomplish!
*In addition to staying motivated for success, in his book, Chris Widener also shares nine other rock-solid principles that will absolutely, positively, turn your Dreams into Realities!
P.S. I appreciate you stopping by and would enjoy hearing your personal thoughts about finding motivation (when you don’t feel like doing anything!) ~ please feel free to share in the comment box below. And, if you have found my post to be of value to you, and feel it would also be to others, then please free free to share it with your friends on Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Tags: chris widener, christine casey, motivation, Personal Development, personal growth
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April 9th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Good reminders, Christine! It’s so true about how we apply pain or pleasure associations to situations. And, I love the tips about starting small, rewarding yourself, and getting a break if you need it! It’s good to be constantly evaluating where you’re “at” and what you might be dealing with at the time.
Thanks for the post, Christine!
TK Goforth
TK Goforth´s last blog ..HELP! My child won’t practice his instrument!
ChristineCasey Reply:
April 16th, 2011 at 11:29 am
Hi Tammy, so glad that you found my post of value
Starting small is always the key, and if you keep it up, you’ll build momentum and be on your way to goals faster than you probably thought possible!
Twitter: lani_kee
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April 9th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
Aloha Christine, understandable post and I can relate with taking time off and changing my routine or just reward myself. I do at times get burnt out and run out of ideas. So to refresh myself I would do the things I like or just be lazy and look after the kids. Glad I came by and thanks for sharing. Mahalo, Lani
PS..saw your information on fb, glad I did. Come by and visit me sometime.
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ChristineCasey Reply:
April 16th, 2011 at 11:31 am
Hi Lani ~ Yes, sometimes it is really good to just take a break, get away from what you’re working on, and even “feel” a bit lazy at times during your breaks…lol!
Twitter: Mattgeib
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April 9th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
Christine:
Good reminders for us, I always like to set a timer & work in 50 minute blocks of time & then take a 10 minute stretch break & snack/water break. I usually have a 30 minute break for lunch & another 30 minute break for exercise (walking).
Matt
ChristineCasey Reply:
April 16th, 2011 at 11:35 am
Great idea about a timer…appreciate you sharing Matt
Twitter: WillenaRose
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April 10th, 2011 at 3:22 am
It’s so easy to forget that sometimes we’re NOT being lazy and we really DO need a break. It’s helped me tremendously in the past month or so to have an accountability partner. I send her my activities every day… anything I’ve done in personal development, and to move my business forward. Having that list of accomplishments written down really helps me to see what I have done. GONE is the nagging sense that I’ve gotten nothing done that day. Unless, of course, that truly is the case.
Thanks for the reminders, Christine.
Willena Flewelling
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ChristineCasey Reply:
April 16th, 2011 at 11:44 am
Accountability partners are wonderful, aren’t they
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April 10th, 2011 at 5:27 am
Great post Christine! I also love your tips in this article especially “taking a break if you need it”.
Well all need a break from time to time… and I know that many times I have not taken a much needed break because I made myself feel guilty about it – only to find myself almost on the verge of completely quitting because of burn out.
Thank you for the knowledge and value you consistently share with the community!
~ Donnie
Donnie´s last blog ..Is Your Business Feeling Lucky
April 11th, 2011 at 12:31 am
I can relate to every line that you wrote her Christine (it almost feels like I wrote it. ha..ha..) I am going through the same stuff with exercising. So many people beat themselves up for not exercising and then what happens is that they get stuck in the beating themselves up and not doing it. Vs. like you are suggesting here, take a break and get back on the horse.
I tell my clients (those who wish to get more in shape) that one thing they can do when they don’t “feel” like it, is to get dressed with their work out cloths. Just do that. The mind will already make the connections for them (The Neural Associations you mentioned) that they will more likely choose to work out, after all they are already dressed. So when one commit just to get dressed, it will be a huge progress for them.
I will be sending this post to my list soon.
)
Keep up the great work (and workout
Sigal Zoldan
Clinical Hypnotherapist & Master Results Coach
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April 11th, 2011 at 10:51 am
Hi Christine … great post!
I like the way you balance activities and rewards. Sometimes we can get into a rut without realizing it. Thanks for the suggestions about how to change things up to alleviate fatigue and boredom.
I enjoy your posts and look forward to the next one!
Susan
Susan Redmon´s last blog ..Should Network Marketers Use Twitter Automation Tools
April 11th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Christine,
I love your ideas here about finding motivation. Changing up the routine brings new ways to accomplish the same end result. I find that really helps with my workouts. It’s easy to get stuck on the same old exercises.
I think your last idea of changing your mindset about tasks is number one in importance. Perceiving the actions or tasks as the path to what you want instead of seeing it as a “have to” is awesome! Change your mind and change the world as you see it.
Thanks for this great reminder to keep your motivations high enough to recognize forward movement when you stay in that mindset.
Val
Val Wilcox´s last blog ..Filling the In-Between
ChristineCasey Reply:
April 16th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Hi Val ~ Yes, definitely Change your Mind and Change the World as YOU see it!!!
April 11th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
I think I usually take a nap or go away from the thing I am working on. But other times it is best to analyze why the task at hand is so dreadful. Like you said about comparing it to pain or pleasure. The painful tasks just take the breath out of us. Make us weak and drain energy. ‘I Am’ going to do this instead of ‘I Have’ to do this is always good language to use.
Twitter: whealthsource
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April 11th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Christine,
Great suggestions for getting back to it when you are “off your game,” but I find that a quick conversation with a friend who is committed to my success and me to theirs make a huge difference. We set it up before hand because we all know those times are going to come when we “just don’t want to” and “you can’t make me.“
So, a couple of tricks I use are telling my friend what my “why” is and make sure that we get around to talking about it. I ask my friend to remind me how my lack of momentary desire actually affects many others, it’s bigger than myself. I give a little coaching back at the same time and I usually find that a quick break and I’m back at it.
Thanks for starting a great topic and permitting me to share this technique.
RICK
Rick Lelchuk´s last blog ..The Road Taken
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April 12th, 2011 at 11:50 am
Christine-
You are absolutely right in the fact that people do not reward themselves enough for acheiving a goal. I am definitely one of those people and I know I need to reward myself more as I sometimes work too much and feel the burnout. Thanks for the great post, I am going to refer back to it when I don’t feel like doing anything:)
Cori Hughes´s last blog ..Can A Social Media Virtual Assistant Give You Back Hours to Your Day
April 12th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Great article! I can especially relate to your comments about how we tend to neglect rewarding ourselves. As a typical type A personality I get so focused on making progress on my goals that the days literally fly by – and I have this very bad habit of just deleting a completed goal from my list and adding a new one without ever acknowledging the accomplishment. I’m going to work on that!
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April 12th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Really good points, Christine, for re-activating motivation! Changing things up really works for me, whether applied during the hours that I work or for my workout routine. When I’ve taken that much needed break, I return refreshed and revitalized with new ideas and new momentum. Since my work is at the computer, I can easily feel lethargic so have created a 60-90 schedule of work and 20-30 break in between where I can rejuvenate and re-energize in a variety of ways. I’m a little more reluctant to change my exercise routine because I’m always pushing to see results; however, I push myself to change the type of exercise simply because it makes sense to prevent injury! But it is a push!
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ChristineCasey Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
That is really good ratio of work to breaks Loren, and yes, can see how a schedule like that will make you feel re-energized!
Twitter: tjserfontein
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April 12th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Hi Christine
I love your post , and you are on the dot of motivating your self.
I love also the point were you reward your self i think a lot of poeple dont think
that is important to do so.
I am a sport freek and some time you need to push your self to go and Run or cycle
but after you did it you feel good about your self.
Regards
Theuns
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April 12th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Christine, I always find inspiration in your posts. This one is no exception. I like the idea of associating your actions with pleasure. I know that when I give in when I don’t feel like it and do nothing, I feel guilty. You’ve given me a usable tool to motivate myself when that feeling comes: I’ll focus on how it will feel when I’ve completed the task instead of the negative do-nothing feeling. Thanks!
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April 12th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Hi Christine. Great timing for me – I followed your advice last night before I read this post.
Turned OFF the computer (very unusual for me) and watched a pay-per-view movie on TV with my boyfriend and no computer between us. A much needed break and rest. The movie was really good too. You are so right – burn out is not a good thing. BTW – Love your captcha – I have never seen it before – so much nicer than trying to figure out those letter/numbers that I always get WRONG the first 10 times.
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April 13th, 2011 at 4:25 am
Hi Christine,
Thank you for this post…I am happy to share this…definitely worth a read.
Sometimes life can get tough and we need some help to pull through or over come obstacles.
Our business can definitely lead to overload or overwhelm….so it is important to switch off somehow and your post is definitely very,very helpful.
I take a break most days when me and the dogs go off for a walk on the moors here in Yorkshire…and hour away from the computer is very, very helpful.
Getting life in perspective is pretty critical.
Your wisdom is greatly appreciated.
Best wishes
Peter
peter chapman´s last blog ..Why Use WordPress For Your Blog
April 13th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
So often we forget to take care of ourselves. Taking a break and doing something totally different is a good way to rest your brain and get new ideas too, get the juices going and always be kind to yourself!
Lesly Federici´s last blog ..Walk the Talk
ChristineCasey Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
So right Lesly, to “always be kind to yourself”
Twitter: janswebme
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April 13th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Hi Christine! Thanks for this post, I personally think that starting small and changing your routine is a great way to do it. It’s hard to change when you are stuck in a routine that you’ve done for so long. Like I work 16 hours a day and just thinking about changing it is tough… how do I squeeze anything else in 16 hours hehe but starting small will surely work.
thanks again.
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April 14th, 2011 at 7:34 am
I recently went through a bit of pain trying to follow my daily schedule… there are times when you feel like taking a break (which I did, and it was a great decision). We should always enjoy what we do, that’s the whole purpose, and if we feel like something’s wrong, reconsider our goals and decide whether they are really worth it or not.
but a real leader will go through any obstacle and succeed.
Discipline is usually easier said than done
Thanks for this great post,
George
George Tiganus´s last blog ..Comment Links- A Valuable SEO Solution Or Just A Form Of Spam
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April 14th, 2011 at 11:35 am
Hi Christine,
Your post made me think about the wisdom I have gained from some of my older family members. My grandmother always used to laugh about motivational books and speakers because in her time (she was 96 at the time of her passing) people didn’t consider whether they ‘felt’ like doing something. When I would say I was going to do something when I felt like it, she was quick to remind me that doing things when they needed to be done is an indication of how I feel about the task. If it is important enough, I will do it regardless of how I feel. Ouch! As I got older I agree with her that discipline is more important than emotion when I am working on big goals. But I also recognize that the joy and energy I bring to a task are greatly influenced by my level of interest. Your advice to change the routine is well-timed because working on a task in a new way has recently led me to fun, energizing, and motivating new ideas. When I was doing things the ‘old’ way I was short-changing myself because I was not really paying attention, it was more muscle memory. Thanks for the valuable suggestions that I can apply right away. Have a POWERFUL day! Allegra
Allegra Sinclair´s last blog ..Leave Your Stressful Day at Work
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April 14th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Christine,
I agree, with all the content on this post! You have reminded us something we are naturally born to do, when either our bodies or minds, are tired. We are driven individuals to take on the task, of operating a home business. This is what, we are lead to believe. Work hard, then profit?
Now, it takes a visionary like yourself, to remind us. Time is needed for oneself! Take time to relax, yet get something accomplished, for the day. It will not matter, if you can’t complete, all daily task. Just reset, and start tomorrow!
If we keep, the mentally of working for a company, as operating the same level, as ownership. We loose the way. Creating a business, of what one loves, is key. No, thought of…job involved. No burn-out mentality. Loving what you do!
You are keeping us aware, of quality functions, we sometimes forget. Thanks for keeping it real, and to the point. Outstanding!
I love your post, and look forward in reading the next!
William Earl Amis, Jr. III´s last blog ..Just Get To The Point!
April 15th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Love your post, give us a reminder that sometimes we do need to take breaks and we also need to reward ourselves when something has been completed.
We can get burnout quickly if all we do is work, work work.
Bill
Twitter: afterbreakingup
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April 15th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Motivation is the old geezer who is happy with the status quo. Usually the first to volunteer for unnecessary coffee breaks, always ready for that one more pint at the pub. He has a very short memory as well and never fails to convince that he is always so very tired, hot and not bothered at all….
Unless one follows your excellent advice, takes small steps and remembers that Motivation is a pussy cat really and he can also be one heck of a partner… if you try to get on his good books.
I have him my pocket, most of the time, though I cannot take any credit for this. It’s my wife really who usually has one look at me, and all of a sudden, I can be heard roaring in my pajamas!
All the best,
Stevie
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April 15th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
Christine, thanks for the great words of encouragement. I also love Tony Robbins’ material. I remember him talking about an early business challenge, when the CEO’s for one of his companies stole a lot of money from the company and left Tony “holding the bag.” The first question he asked himself was, “What’s great about this?” The second was, “How can I have fun while I work to solve this problem?” (This isn’t exactly what he said: I’m quoting from memory).
But it’s so true that having the right mindset, and starting with one small step can take us a long way toward getting out of the motivation slump.
Steve-Personal Success Factors´s last blog ..Comment on Discover the Secrets of Overcoming Adversity by Steve – Prosper With Aspegers
April 16th, 2011 at 11:20 am
Hi Christine,
Thanks for sharing another inspiring, motivating and empowering post…Great topic!!
Yes, it is so easy to lose track of what is truly important (YOU) when we become involved in a project or two and we are driven to complete that task. It is easier than people think to have burnout and loss of motivation is a sure sign.
I love the way that you used exercise as an example for all of your tips..it is something that ALL of us can probably relate to and have all been there.
I still work the day job, so these are some of the things I incorporate into my day when I feel that my motivation is slipping…
Take 5 Minute Power Breaks
Five minute power breaks can invigorate and boost energy levels. Take plenty of these during day. You can stretch, daydream, get out of the office, motivate yourself by reading quotes or browse through a catalog. The important thing is to disconnect and unplug from what you where doing.
Here’s one of my favorite quotes…
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Rohn
To your continued Excellence,
Marc
Marc Korn´s last blog ..Breaking News Two New Exciting Monitium Features!
April 17th, 2011 at 5:32 am
Christine,
Good read. It can be very difficult to motivate yourself to doing something when you are just having “one of those days”. I think we’ve all been in a situation where the day is over and we think “what did I get done today?” Your article had some really great points about that. Thank you for sharing!
Gary Young China Sourcing´s last blog ..Links for 2011-04-08 delicious
April 18th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Great post Christine, thanks so much. My two key “helpers” when I’m feeling unmotivated are my gratitude journal and, as you mentioned, Tony Robbins’ technique of re-associating our pain/pleasure with a given activity.
Isn’t it funny how more often than not our minds will associate pain to anything other than mindlessly surfing the net or watching the TV lol.
Ylva Jansson´s last blog ..3 Sure-Fire Steps to Boost Your Motivation
ChristineCasey Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
A gratitude journal, what a great idea Ylva! Yes, it is funny how mindless activities don’t seem to bother us much…lol!
Twitter: julieannevanzyl
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April 18th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Hi Christine, these are really good tips for getting motivated! I liked your example also, it’s easy to relate motivation to exercise. I’m at home building my business most of the day, so I make my “rewards” exercise. Going for a fast walk is my reward for working inside for a few hours.
I hadn’t thought about the technique of re-associating the activity before, that’s a good idea!
I also ike the idea of having 5 minute power breaks though, that sounds like a great idea also.
Have a terrific day or evening! Julieanne
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ChristineCasey Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Thank you Julieanne!
Twitter: kevjschmidt
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April 18th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
Hi Christine,
Great ideas here. Procrastination and being lazy is definitely something I’m working on!
Rewarding ourselves is a good tip that I have heard many people talk about, but I haven’t yet tried it. I think I will give it a try… thanks.
Another Idea I use is to do that thing you can;t get motivated for over and over for about a month until it becomes a habit. Habits are hard to break.
Thanks for the great post!
-Kevin
Kevin Schmidt´s last blog ..Your Prospects Perception Is True Reality
April 19th, 2011 at 6:52 am
Hello Christine,
You have a great article and I look forward to visiting again soon. When we visit someone’s blog or article we always learn something. Commenting is a viable way of showing a person you care and enjoyed your visit. The internet is like anything else in life, the more time you put into it the more you will get out of it. And most importantly always give value. What we give comes back twenty fold.
Being a successful entrepreneur on the Internet is all about giving value if you wish for that higher lofty place called the good life. The amount of money you make will come down to the value that you offer the world, and how much you help others. The advise I would give anyone getting started in this industry or if you are seasoned, is the following:
(1) Find a good mentor.
(2) Become a student of personal development and life.
(3) Always be a student no matter how successful you become. (4) Offer as much value to the world as possible and be sure to share your strategies with others.
(5) Remember it’s a marathon and not a race.
(6) Always have FUN! Stick to the above list and you will have success.
For more information on the system and strategies that have helped me and other leaders, please visit http://LloydDobson.com
Make today the best day of your life!
Lloyd Dobson
Lloyd Dobson´s last blog ..How To Build Confidence And Destroy Fear
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April 19th, 2011 at 9:16 am
Motivation is a strange creature because it is the most difficult to harness when we need it the most.
It is always easy to keep going when the going is tough but when the going gets tough ….. it is not so easy.
These excellent tips will help all of us, even if we only latch on to one of them.
Trevor Barrett´s last blog ..Please Do Not Spend What You Cannot Afford
April 19th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
The best part of this blog is “rewarding yourself” because this will reinforce you to do all the things you have to do. I always take time each day to reward myself. Even if time is tight, I will do something like eat ice cream as a reward. But most of the time it is to take at least an hour and do whatever! Thanks for your wise words.
Donna Merrill
ChristineCasey Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
You are definitely on the right track Donna in that if you have a very busy day, you still make time to do something “fun” during day to reward yourself!
Twitter: mywebgal
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April 19th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Hi Christine,
Yes, indeed. There are those times, aren’t there. I like your tips on how to overcome a lack of motivation. Rewarding yourself is a really nice one! I like it!
I’ve been working non-stop for just under three years now. No vacation, short get aways, or even a day away. I certainly need one!
Sometimes you have to just push through the challenge, like what you said about taking on some smaller tasks to get you going again, but overall if you don’t take some time to get away you’re going to suffer longer from burn out. So! I’m going to take your advice and reward myself with a weekend getaway this coming weekend.
Deb Augur´s last blog ..How To Protect and Back Up WordPress
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April 19th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
I really resonated with the “start small” point. Don’t feel like doing something? Just do a little bit and I find, personally, that I usually land up finishing it !
Excellent blog with a solid message. Enjoyed reading it.
Joyce Penner´s last blog ..Is it OK to cry now
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April 19th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Hello Christine
Your subject finding motivation when you don’t feel like doing anything touches every part of life. This quote, “to find the inner motivation to conquer their complacency.”, by Chris Widener contains the answer to the situation. When one finds their inner motivation they have tapped into the power that helps them get started even if they do not feel like doing anything. I believe the concept Neural Associations is probably the one thing that provides a sustaining motivation. However having a Sonic small Cherry Slush sound very motivating.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City USA
Perry A Davis Jr´s last blog ..What is the real reason people quit network marketing
April 19th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
The one on starting small is my favorite. When I have days where I don’t feel motivated that really helps. I just decide to do a little something. That little something always turns into more.
Melodie Kantner´s last blog ..Do Realize The Power In The Social Media Revolution
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April 19th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
These are such great tips for finding motivation when we’re in a slump…and I love that you included tuning in and honoring when you really do need a break. Because that is a critical part of the big picture! Speaking of the big picture ~ while it’s great to know what the end goal is, so often people are so attached to that vision that they get in their own way of getting there. It is in the small steps, and recognizing our achievements along the way with rewards, that has us get there successfully and with our energy in tact!
Thanks for sharing this wisdom with us, Christine!
Beth Allen´s last blog ..The Power Living Pledge
Twitter: LoriTisot
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April 20th, 2011 at 12:30 am
Thanks for these great tips, Christine – I have a tendency to beat myself up when I don’t do something because I don’t “feel” like it. You suggestions, especially the one about reconnecting the action with pleasure instead of pain, are really helpful – I love the way you used working out as an example to illustrate your ideas. Great job!
Lori
Lori Tisot´s last blog ..I’m Inspired…What Will This Inspire You To Do
Twitter: soocee
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April 20th, 2011 at 4:17 am
Hi Christine
Really enjoyed this post! I actually find that when I have alot of work to do online, I don’t want to stop for a break but when I do stop, especially if I get out and do some exercise, I always come back feeling fresh and invigorated from the break and so get more done.
And yes, I have recently decided to treat myself once in a while for a job well done. It is something we often neglect, but makes us feel good about ourselves.
Some great tips Christine.
Sue
Sue Collier´s last blog ..Internet Home Business – Concentrate On Income Producing Activities
Twitter: WAHMMarketing
Says:
April 20th, 2011 at 10:01 am
This is a much needed post to read some days. I have to just remind myself to “just do it” and not think about doing it. Sometimes you just need to get started and then motivation will follow. Great post.
- Emily
Emily´s last blog ..Pricing Strategies in Marketing Made Easy Marketing for WAHM
ChristineCasey Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Thank you Emily…and you are right, I get like that too when I just don’t feel like doing what I know I need to, and just getting started, even if it’s a little bitty action step, will help to get me going in the right direction!
Twitter: lindagrace8
Says:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:14 am
Christine~
You are so right! After over a year, I’m finally mastering this! I love to read posts that confirm what I’m already doing!
Holly Fulford-Jeffery taught me (us) how to exercise at our desks! It’s so fun to be excited to exercise right while I’m working! Of course I need to pause, stand up and move, but I also use the stretch bands and an exercise ball to work on my thighs as I’m typing and it fits right in!
Then I have my stationary bike in the next room (in front of the TV- I watch movies 20 minutes at a time
), when I’m ready for a cat nap (in my condition, 3 times a day) I ride 20 minutes then nap for 20 minutes.
Aren’t you proud of me?
I’m reaching around and patting myself on the back as we speak!
Linda
Linda G. Cox´s last blog ..Cytoxan – A Little Miracle
Twitter: PEQUAH
Says:
May 10th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Hi Christine,
I love your way of sending your message on your blog. You are so natural and do it in a very friendly way ! Seriously, I love your style
This is actually my goal to be able to write in such a way…you know I am never good at writing ! I speak better than I write ! 
You have outlined all great ways to find motivation when we don’t feel like doing anything. My best solution which works for me is go out window shopping or buy something if I still can’t find my motivation or go to bookstore and sit down there to find books to do some reading !
Sounds very easy and yes it is easy, Christine. I am a person easy to find satisfaction in life.
I used to jog when I was in such situation, I mean when I was at a younger age. Then I found my secret ingredient to keep me stay motivated ! However, I didn’t find my motivation in an easy way…I can’t even remember how many times I have to go jogging to keep my momentum back. Exercise is definitely a great way !
Thanks, my friend ! I look forward to come back and read more of your friendly and interesting post which I feel you are writing from your heart
Cheers
Pearly
Pearly Quah´s last blog ..The Relationship Builder
May 22nd, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Hi Christine,
This is a topic that hits a lot of people — me included!
I think the first issue you suggested really does pertain to me: even today I found myself sitting for 5 straight hours at my computer before realizing that I was done for! At that point I couldn’t do just a break — I needed to get away for a few HOURS before I could come back. I do have a timer, but often get rolling and forget to use it! Planning regular breaks would keep me fresher for the task.
Starting small is a great idea, too. Rather than NOT do something because I won’t have time to finish it, if it’s something I can do in pieces, I can at least make a start.
The other ideas were good too — these were the two that hit me the most.
Thanks for sharing this. It’s a reminder again to get out that timer!
Pastor Sherry´s last blog ..Bold For God- David Wilkerson
Twitter: jaclyncastro
Says:
June 14th, 2011 at 11:10 am
Thanks for sharing some of these techniques with us Christine.
Taking action on doing the things we KNOW will benefit us (such as working out, or eating nutritiously most days of the week) is what truly either defines or separates us from being successful or NOT.
I also believe in taking breaks to help us rejuvenate and refresh our minds and bodies. It’s after our rests when we find more ideas flow to us naturally and things make more sense.
Looking forward to learning what else you have in store for us Christine.
-Jaclyn Castro
June 14th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Balance is so important when you are working at home. One of my mentors told me to break the day up into 2 hour shifts. This is so helpful when working on the computer since time has no meaning when your are online.
June 15th, 2011 at 9:14 am
I decided to revisit this article because yesterday was one of THOSE days – no problem getting up and moving in the morning – but then I just sat here staring at the computer screen. Had a really great plan for the day – my brain just refused to function. Thanks for the tips!
marquita herald´s last blog ..Put an End to Emotional Tug-of-War
June 17th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
I know we all get burned out from time to time and shifting our attention on other things for a while definitely helps. I agree with Joyce and do something different every 2 hours. Thank you for sharing this post.
Barbara