Have you ever thought to yourself "I wish I just had more motivation to get this done" or "I would be so much more productive if I was more motivated during the day? " These are usually all things most of us experience, some more frequently than others, but it's no secret that our level of motivation experiences ups and downs, especially during this quarantine, where a lack of motivation is becoming a commonly observed phenomenon.

With this post, I hope to shed some light on what are some of the reasons for why we lose motivation in the first place, a common misconception that we hold for motivation, and what are some practical methods of becoming more motivated.

Without too much ranting, I hope you find the following information valuable and that you can put it to good use because I the tips that I have included here are from my personal experience.

WHAT IS MOTIVATION?

To begin with, motivation can be explained as being any reason for us to act a certain way or produce any wanted outcome.

Example of motivation: If we are thirsty, we will want to drink a glass of water therefore we will be motivated to get ourselves a glass of water because that is our desired outcome at the moment.

The process of motivation is one that requires the combined effort of emotional, biological, cognitive, and social input in order to execute an action.

Simply speaking, if we never had any motivation, nothing would get done and most human activity would be completely stationary because there would be no reason for us to do anything in the first place.

Therefore we need motivation. So why do we lose motivation in the first place?

WHY DO WE LOSE MOTIVATION?

Here are some common reasons for why we lose motivation, see if you can identify any for yourself:

We do not care enough about the action we are doing, or it does not interest us enough.

The end goal not being aligned with our true wants, passions, and purpose in life, causing us to essentially chase a false dream.
The action could be too hard or seem too time-consuming to even bother starting.
Following the same daily routine all the time, making it feel like every day is the same.
Feeling powerless and that our work, in the end, does not matter as much, and it would not make a difference in the world.
Not seeing enough progress or the progress you thought you would have been seeing by that time.

THE MYTH BEHIND MOTIVATION

While motivation is essential to getting anything done and I think all of us would not mind getting an extra boost of motivation, there is one common misconception about the motivation that we have to clear up.

Motivation is commonly thought of as needing to be in place before we start doing something, since how else are we meant to start something if we are not motivated, but in reality, it is actually the opposite way. When we start doing something and start progressing towards an end goal, that is when we will pick up the motivation steam. Action leads to motivation.

Therefore we have to replace the thought of needing motivation for initiating action, instead, we should just start with the work and motivation will arise as a result of it.

This idea has been cohesively summarized inside the book, The Motivation Myth, which I am yet to read, where the author Jeff Haden describes motivation in this way: "Most people are confused about the source of motivation. They think motivation is the spark that automatically produces lasting eagerness to do hard work; the greater the motivation, the more effort you’re willing to put in. Actually, motivation is a result. Motivation is the pride you take in work you have already done—which fuels your willingness to do even more."

10 WAYS TO GET BACK ON TRACK

Keeping a to-do list and checking things off as you get them done.
Switching up your routine when you feel that it gets repetitive.
Establish a clear reason for why you do the things you do and evaluate whether they are really something that is important for you and would like to spend your time doing.
Setting deadlines and using timers (Known as Parkinson's law).
When feeling unmotivated, take a 15-minute break to do something unrelated to work and then get back to the task at hand.
Listening to the right music for what you want to do (If working with music is something you do).
Setting goals and achieving them (Daily/ weekly/ monthly/ annual goals)
Having a designated workspace where you feel productive, creative, etc. This means that this space is only used for working which allows your brain to make associations with what you usually do when you enter that place.
Reflecting on your past and acknowledging your improvements, growth, and achievements you have had (This allows you to see progress).
Looking at your past mistakes, disappointments, and failures as opportunities for growth.