I was recently asked for advice. Here was the question/challenge: “Today I stayed home from school/work because I just didn’t feel inspired or motivated to do anything! What do I do when I don’t feel motivated? How can I get out of this funk?
Well, let me quote the great Woody Allen.
When you’re feeling unmotivated, you have 2 choices.
1. You can start a pity party, really get into how low you’re feeling and why; you can freeze, shut down, stay home and wallow.
OR
2. You can simply show up. Even if you don’t want to. Even if you’re not in themood. But you do it anyway.
What is the difference between the two?
Option 1 creates a greater feeling of overwhelm because you add on top of it, thefeeling of guilt of not going, and then of course, the ramifications of catch up or explanation required. And as the day progresses, your feeling of “aloneness” can magnify.
Option 2, at least you’re putting one foot forward. And when you show up, often something good comes of it. You meet someone you wouldn’t have met, or you get some special surprise throughout the day you hadn’t expected. On top of that, you have the feeling of accomplishment, like I did it even though I didn’t want to! More often than not, the day ends on a positive note when you simply show up.
Showing up is like putting one foot forward. There are a lot of things you can do that put one foot forward.
For example, start the day with a motivational podcast!
For me, a day doesn’t go by where I’m not listening to inspirational/spiritual audios, while doing chores, while walking, etc. And when I hear something especially inspiring,I pull out my stack of blank index cards and I write the affirmation or quote down in blockletters on a card for later retrieval, to remind me of the thoughts I want to harbour in my mind.
Another example is to paste inspiring quotes around your house or apartment so youcan wake up to the reminder that you’re worthy of the best life ever.
For sure life can be challenging. It’s programmed to beat us down, so we constantly need a ladder to lift us up. But it’s up to us. We have to take charge of our own happiness. One step up the ladder at a time.
Here are a couple of cute quotes, I thought, for us ladies. Take charge of your day. Only you can decide what the day will bring. Make it happen!
At work, at school, at home, we can’t always pick the people we associate with, meaning we may have little choice over our “environment”. But that’s our outer environment. We always have a choice of our “inner” environment, which is our thoughts, feelings, words and behaviors. Those are all by our choice.
What else does showing up mean? It means being present in a relationship. In your job, or whatever you’re doing. And again, that’s your choice. But watch what being present does, and how it changes your experience of others and the world.
If you want a little motivational homework? Find an inspiring audio that resonates with you, or search the internet for some powerful quotes on any topic that is important to you. And if you’re ever feeling like you’re wanting to take Option 1, read this quote below and maybe you’ll be inspired to show up instead.
As always, wishing you the joy of living your best life ever.
Yours in wellness,
Elisabeth
