4 Ways to Try Increase Motivation

Counseling in Colchester, CT

4 Ways to Try Increase Motivation

2020 has been quite possibly the most stressful and anxiety producing year ever.  You try to cope with pandemic, figuring out how to work from home, trying to teach your kids from home, and you find yourself anxious and stretched way too thin.  You start to notice that you are not as motivated as you used to be.  The hobbies you once enjoyed are really hard to get into.  Everyday life is now exhausting never mind trying to exercise, try to coordinate a socially distant visit with friends, or try to focus long enough to read a book.   Here are 4 ways to try to increase motivation :

1.       Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.  If it were easy to just get up and workout, you would.  Some days are difficult and exhausting, and it is too hard to make it happen.  If this is the case watch the language you use for yourself.  Limit the could, should, must self-talk because it is not how you actually feel which can increase worsening mood symptoms.  What would you say to a friend or a child?  We tend to give them good feedback and lots of compassion.

2.        Forget about what you did not do the day before or the previous week.  Even if you failed 100 times at what you are trying to achieve, it is only right now that matters.  If you wake up late, start then. If you are behind, begin anyway.  The point is, just start.

3.       Be realistic with what your goals are. Be very honest with yourself about what you can do.  Sometimes people agree to do too much and then feel terrible that they cannot do it.  Keep it small, keep it simple.

4.       Do not “beat yourself up” if you fail at something.  No one ever says, “Now that I said mean things about myself, I feel motivated to do the things!”  Beating yourself up makes you less likely to get it done next time.

Counseling in Colchester, CT

This year has been challenging for sure and it is understandable if you are struggling with low motivation.  Counseling can be helpful in exploring feelings and learning new coping skills.  Be sure to check out the anxiety, panic, and online therapy specialty pages.  Currently, all therapy session is being held online due to the panic.  This allows every to stay safe, allows for counseling in Colchester, CT, and allows for counseling for anyone in CT.  Call or email to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we are a good fit!