Do you feel like every day is the same?
Are you just trying to get through another day?
Feeling unmotivated or unfulfilled?
Ready for a change but scared of what comes with it?
If you answered yes to some or most of those – you may feel like you’re in a rut or that you’re stuck. Going through the motions, doing the “same old, same old,” or noticing that the things that used to excite you are not as interesting now? Well, you’re not alone. More people are experiencing depression and anxiety than ever before. As humans, we all experience times in life where we feel stuck and unsure of what’s next. There are things that you can do to not only figure out why you’re feeling stuck, but how to get motivated and excited again.
While you might recognize that you’re in a rut, it’s important that you take the time to figure out the cause of your discontentment before making a drastic change in your life. Examine the following common reasons (not all-encompassing) for lack of motivation, to see if you can relate.
- Avoiding discomfort or uncomfortable feelings (e.g. not wanting to feel bored or avoiding feelings of frustration)
- Self-doubt (e.g. thinking you can’t do something or not wanting to do something)
- Being over-extended or overwhelmed (i.e. “paralysis by analysis” — overanalyzing what you have to do, so you’re not sure where to start)
- Lack of commitment to a task or a goal (i.e. not wanting to take action on things you aren’t fully committed to)
- Fear (e.g. fearing what people think or having a desire to please others)
- Mental health issues (e.g. feeling stuck is often a symptom of depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses)
- Pandemic fatigue (e.g. feelings of exhaustion from the COVID-19 pandemic and frustration with the “new normal” – masks, physical distancing, etc.)
Why is this important to a company or organization, you ask? Because feelings of being stuck may be indicative that you’re in a high state of stress, and not focused on your work or tasks. Below are ideas on what you can do when you feel stuck:
- Find perspective – reflect on your values, strengths, and skills and how they relate to meaningful work to you
- Focus on the positive – focus on progress made and the silver lining in any situation; take the 21-day positivity challenge included below
- Let go of the past – focus on the now…you can’t change the past or predict the future; let go of past hurts and challenges to move forward
- Take action – do something, make baby steps to start to move in the direction you want to go, no matter how small, it’s still progress
- Change your thinking – try to see your challenges as opportunities; be open to alternatives and things you’ve never thought to do before
- Make a commitment – get clear on what you want and make a plan to achieve it
- Get more direction – hire a coach (preferably a coach from The CODE Group), find a mentor, or ask others for ideas to figure out what’s next for you and your future
