6 Reasons Why We Struggle With Motivation
Written by Michelle Ong | August 24, 2024 | Growth, Productivity
Explore the common reasons why we often struggle with motivation and find ourselves feeling unmotivated.
There I was, stuck in one of those familiar procrastination slumps where even the simplest tasks felt overwhelming. We’ve all been there, right? When the to-do list is long, but our motivation is nowhere to be found.
This time, instead of just waiting for the slump to pass, I decided to take a different approach. I sat down and reflected on what was really going on, jotting down my thoughts and digging into why this happens to so many of us.
Whether it’s the pressure of daily responsibilities or the endless distractions of modern life, these motivation dips are more common than we might think. So, let’s dive into what might be behind these feelings and how we can better understand the triggers that lead to procrastination and low motivation.
Place All Our Bets On Motivation
Most of us rely on motivation to get things done, but motivation is an unreliable ally, especially when we need it most—like when facing a tough task or something inconvenient that requires significant effort. Think about the times you’ve waited to “feel motivated” to exercise or tackle a challenging project, only to keep putting it off.
Motivation tends to come and go, making it a shaky foundation for achieving long-term goals. Instead of waiting for the right moment, a more constructive approach is to start small and build habits that carry you through, even on the days when motivation is nowhere to be found. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute workout or setting aside just five minutes to start a project, these small steps help create consistency, turning actions into habits that don’t rely on fleeting motivation.
Lose Focus On What Really Matters
“When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.”
Life is full of distractions, from constant notifications to never-ending responsibilities. It’s easy to lose focus, especially when things get complicated or feel out of our control. When my motivation dips, I often feel helpless and disconnected from my goals. For example, after a long day at work, I might think, “I’ll just relax for a bit,” only to let the evening slip away without making progress on what really matters.
Obligations can consume so much time and energy that it becomes tempting to use them as excuses for inaction. Thoughts like “I don’t have time or energy for this” creep in, especially when tasks are tough or progress is slow. Instead of pushing through, I find myself procrastinating and opting for easier distractions. Recognizing these patterns is crucial to understanding how they impact our motivation.
Chasing After Enough
“Do things at your own pace. Life is not a race.”
In the past, I was stuck in a cycle of frustration and self-doubt, constantly comparing myself to others and feeling like I wasn’t measuring up. I chased goals that weren’t really mine—shaped by societal pressures and what seemed important to everyone else. Scrolling through social media, I saw friends achieving big things and felt I had to do more just to keep up.
I pursued what I thought I “should” be doing, like climbing the career ladder or hitting milestones by a certain age. But deep down, I knew something was missing. My actions were driven by envy, not genuine purpose, leading to more negative thoughts and self-doubt.
Realizing I lacked a true sense of purpose was a wake-up call. I needed to step back, reassess, and focus on what really mattered to me, not just what society said should matter.
Check out my post on the importance of defining your ikigai and identifying what brings value to your life to help you define what “enough” means to you.
Fear
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Even though I genuinely wanted to take action, I often felt paralyzed by the fear of failure and not meeting expectations. It seemed easier to avoid doing anything and hope things would work out on their own. I’d suppress my fears, telling myself everything was fine, but deep down, I knew this was self-sabotage—a way to avoid disappointment, which only made things worse.
For instance, I hesitated to make changes like being more social, getting active, or changing jobs. The fear of not measuring up or facing rejection held me back. I’d convince myself it wasn’t the right time or that I wasn’t ready. This avoidance came from limiting beliefs about myself. Confident people seemed to take risks with ease, but I realized they weren’t afraid of failure—they knew regret was worse.
The saying “no pain, no gain” made more sense. Whether I took action or not, there would be discomfort. If I did nothing, I’d be stuck in self-pity and regret. Taking action, even with the risk of failure, was a better choice. I started setting small goals, creating routines, and embracing fear as part of the process. This shift in mindset helped me move forward, accepting that the risk of failure was worth the chance to achieve something meaningful.
Overwhelmed
After deciding to take action, I threw myself into becoming a better version of myself. I packed my days with activities and routines, believing that doing more would make up for the time I’d wasted binge-watching shows and scrolling on my phone. I’d start my mornings with a workout, dive into work, try new hobbies, and squeeze in social events—all for self-improvement.
However, sticking to these routines proved harder than expected. Life threw curveballs—unexpected deadlines, family emergencies, or just plain exhaustion. These challenges made it tough to maintain my strict routines, leaving me overwhelmed and frustrated. Procrastination would creep back in, dragging my motivation down.
I learned that while productivity is important, flexibility is crucial. Instead of stressing over perfect routines, I allowed myself some breathing room. Balancing structure with flexibility has helped me stay motivated and make steady progress without burning out.
Check out these posts to understand why we tend to be overly self-critical and discover strategies to love yourself better.
Resistance To Change
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Wayne Gretzky
Humans naturally resist change and cling to what’s familiar, even if it’s not working for us. I’ve felt this struggle myself—stepping out of my comfort zone has always been tough. Whether I was sticking with an unfulfilling job or avoiding new hobbies out of fear, it felt easier to stay where I was, even if it wasn’t ideal.
For example, I stayed in a job I didn’t like because the uncertainty of change was daunting. I avoided trying new activities or pushing my limits because failure and discomfort were intimidating. This stagnation frustrated me, but I realized it came from not challenging myself enough.
To break free, I had to push past my comfort zone and accept the discomfort of change. I started small—like going for a short jog or reaching out to new people. Facing these challenges head-on made me more motivated and inspired. I learned that growth happens when we step into the unknown and that initial discomfort is part of the process. Embracing this mindset helped me find the motivation to create the change I’d been craving.
Time For Change
“Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.”
Lack of motivation often signals boredom with your current situation. It might mean it’s time to shake things up—refreshing your goals or setting new ones. Sometimes, it’s a sign that your path no longer aligns with who you are or where you want to go.
I’ve experienced this myself. For example, doing the same 2 km run on the same route for months became monotonous. Changing up my route and increasing the distance was just what I needed to reignite my motivation.
When you’re feeling unmotivated, reflect on whether your current goals still excite you. If not, it might be time to explore new opportunities or set fresh goals that align with your passions. If you’re drifting without any goals, consider “goalful living”—living with intention and purpose, even if the goals are small. Sometimes, a simple shift in direction can revive your motivation.
Check out the Pinterest pins below for more ideas on personal growth.
Identify Your Triggers
Do any of these reasons resonate with you? I hope these insights help you identify your own motivation triggers and procrastination patterns. Understanding what’s holding you back is the first step to making meaningful changes. By recognizing these patterns, you can boost your productivity and make the most of your time. For more practical tips on getting motivated and overcoming procrastination, check out my post with useful strategies.
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