Overcoming motivation slumps – an emotional person’s guide

Don’t be too hard on yourself

Think about your mental/emotional state like a car. When your car breaks down, should you force it onwards? Or should you pull over and assess?

Even if you’re not performing at your best, you’re still doing all you can right now. You’re doing your best given your current circumstances. Recognize that.

Reconnect with your “why”

When you’re hustling and working hard, you’re focusing on “what” you’re doing and “how” you’re doing it. But when motivation is at a low, your “why” is what will get you through.

When your mental and emotional states are forcing you to slow down, take some time to think about why you’re hustling. Why did you choose this certain path? What keeps you devoted to your goals? Have you gotten sidetracked and lost sight of your original plan?

When you’re in a slump, chances are that some things that have worked before aren’t working out anymore. It’s frighteningly easy to get caught up in what is comfortable or routine.

Compete with just yourself

In the age of social media, it’s so easy for us to present the best parts of our lives while hiding away the rest. Life really is a twisting, winding, flow of events where everybody has their own timing.

Personally, I despise the feeling of being behind. I hate the feeling of not understanding something that everybody else does. Times when you feel disheartened are the times when you have to shut out thoughts of comparison. It doesn’t matter what everybody else is up to. How are you going to be better than the you from a month ago? What will you do day by day that will get you closer to where you want to be?

Practice gratitude

Just yesterday, I was lying around in the hole of Youtube when I came across a heavy documentary. Let’s just say it was about a very real issue that’s affecting a first world country. As strange as it sounds, it made me feel thankful for all I have. As bad as my mood swings can get, I have a roof over my head, heating in the winter, food whenever I’m hungry, and access to clean water.

Like motivation, the feeling of gratitude for these simple things doesn’t always last. But sometimes, that feeling can push you to get through a certain task or just get through the day.

Be communicative of your needs

I tend to distance myself whenever I’m in a slump. From my point of view, it’s “I don’t want to spread my bad mood around. I need some space to sort this out.” But if that’s not clearly communicated, it can be taken as me shutting people out because I don’t value them.

If you’re an emotional person in a slump, chances are people close to you will notice. Whatever it is you need from them (me-time, advice, favors, company), you have to be clear. Being subtle about it only leads to miscommunication.

Remember to be patient and keep your head up.

~Jin

You can also find me on my personal blog