The good news? Motivation isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you can rebuild.
Here’s how:
1️⃣ Start Small
Big changes can feel impossible. Focus on tiny, manageable goals.
✅ Example: “Today I’ll write one sentence” instead of “I’ll finish the whole article.”
I usually tell my patient to break down the tasks at hand to the smallest goal. When my kids were younger and I told them to go clean there room they would end up in there room playing and not cleaning. We’d get into arguments and crying spells over this. So what I would do is sit on there bed and looked around then broke it down for them. “start with only the legos”, once that was done then I would say “now put all the clothes in the hamper” and kept going from there. I did not do the tasks for them because I wanted them to learn but I helped guide them and learn the technique.
This simple planner breaks goals into daily steps so you never feel overwhelmed.
2️⃣ Build a Routine
Motivation loves structure. Make habits automatic so you don’t need to feel motivated every day.
✅ Example: Same wake-up time, scheduled breaks, consistent bedtime.
On weekdays, when I get home from work I would love nothing more than to sit and scroll on social media. However, if I do that I will never get to the other tasks because lets be honest we tend to lose track of time with social media. We tell ourselves “I have had a long day I deserve a break” and you do, just not yet. So, the first thing I do is change my clothes and put my work out clothes on. This helps get me in the mindset that I am going to work out later. Then I go make dinner. While I am cooking, I am cleaning the kitchen to not have to do it later. If I have more time I clean other areas as well. Once dinner is done, I start my workout. Some days it’ll be 30 min other days an hour. Regardless, I do something. I shower right after then go eat dinner. This is my time. I scroll social media or check emails etc. After dinner I will work on my blog and by 9pm I will wind down. My devotional time is in the evening because I have nothing else I need to do, so no distractions. Then TV time or reading time. If I stick to this routine I get everything I need to do.
Some people use this habit tracker to stay accountable.
3️⃣ Care for Your Body
Your physical health impacts your mindset.
✅ Prioritize sleep.
✅ Eat balanced meals.
✅ Move your body—even a walk helps.
With a routine you can care for your body every day. I am the first to admit that I am not always motvated nor do I have energy to exercise daily. I will give myself several excuses to get myself out of doing it. I will still do it to rebuild my motovation because I know I have goals.
4️⃣ Seek Inspiration
When you’re feeling uninspired, feed your mind with new ideas.
✅ Read a book, listen to a podcast, talk with an encouraging friend.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear — great for tiny, sustainable changes.
- The Slight Edge — perfect for staying consistent even when progress feels slow.
I enjoy reading books for fun. I read novels, historical fiction and non fiction as well. Recently one of my historical fiction books inspired me to keep going and get back on track. It reminded me why I do what I do and why I have set certain goals for myself. You never know where you will find inspiration.
5️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion
You’re not a machine. It’s okay to rest.
✅ Speak kindly to yourself.
✅ Recognize that progress isn’t linear.
✅ Give yourself permission to start over as many times as you need.
I will sometimes gove myself a day to do absolutely nothing. I have nothing on the agenda, no chores, no outings, nothing. I have had to accept the guilt of these days of being nonproductive. I’ve learned to reframe that thought. If God rested, and Jesus rested why am I thinking I don’t have to. So yes, rest days are also important and they do serve a purpose.
✨ A gratitude journal like this one can shift your mindset from defeat to hope, even on tough days.
My Favorite Motivation-Boosting Tools
If you want to set yourself up for success, these are my go-to resources:
✅ Journals & Planners
- Guided Journal
- Daily Planner
- Habit Tracker
✅ Books
✅ Mindfulness & Wellness
- Mindfulness app
- Headspace
- Lavender lotion
✅ Fitness at Home
These tools aren’t magic fixes—but they really do help you show up for yourself, even when motivation feels out of reach.
Final Thoughts
Losing motivation is normal. It doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human.
Instead of beating yourself up, try starting small, building routines, caring for your body, seeking inspiration, and practicing self-compassion.
And if you want a little help along the way, consider trying some of the tools I shared above. Even one small shift can help you feel hopeful and re-energized. Rebuilding your motivation is possible. Lets get started.
Which of these tips or tools resonates with you most? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Read more:
Verywell Mind: How to Get Motivated