We've all been there at one time or another. You lack motivation in every area of life. Nothing that you are involved with brings the happiness you once experienced. It feels like you're spinning your wheels and getting nowhere fast. All motivation to push ahead has hit the road and you're left to try to pull it all together. Sound familiar? We hate to admit it, but many of us find us in this frustrating situation more often than we want.
Escape is not always the answer. Often the problem is not our circumstances. Attitude and perspective have a huge impact on our personal motivation. The question becomes how to change our attitudes and perspectives so that motivation is the by-product.
Recognize your personal triggers. In my own life, I know that I am most susceptible to negativity when I'm sick or extremely tired. As soon as a big project is over, I have to make sure that I allow myself ample time to rest and recover before launching into the next major undertaking. With so many part-time jobs, this can often be difficult to do. Other common triggers may include financial difficulty, uncertain plans, or family challenges. Knowing the circumstances that trigger the negative feelings in life is a huge step in winning the battle.
Avoid reading between the lines. In times of negativity, it becomes very easy to infer meaning from the comments of others that simply are not there. A statement from a colleague about their responsibilities can be interpreted to mean that you are not pulling a significant load. Any suggestion can be taken as a judgment that your plan is inferior. There is a very good possibility that neither assumption was the intended message. During these times of little motivation, it is important to ask for clear messages when the meaning is uncertain. This eliminates offense and keeps hurtful things from taking root and creating a hostile environment.
Persevere! Situations will not always be this way. Good days are ahead. Instead of looking for the escape hatch, determine to buckle down and weather the current storm. No wonder the apostle Paul says that he would "press on" when describing his personal life. Effort is involved. In the book of Ephesians, Paul further instructs the Christian warrior "when having done everything to stand, STAND!" When you reach the end of your personal motivation -- when you've done all you can -- commit to stand the test longer.
Make an attitude adjustment. When you are feeling down about things, it is so easy to focus on the negative. Right now, I have determined that every negative perception I have will be met with intentionally looking for two positive aspects of the situation. It can be tough to find the positive sometimes, but as I begin to look for them, I find that my focus shifts and the negative doesn't come immediately to the foreground.
Adjust your thinking, focus on the positive, and keep your eyes on Jesus. Before you know it, the "get up and go" that has left will be replaced and you'll find new inspiration to do exactly what you were created to do!
Posted with Blogsy
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment