Updated February 2022
There can be times in our lives when we feel like, “What’s the point of any of this?”
You have no motivation in your career or personal life, and you’d rather not think about the future at all.
We’ve all been there. I’ve certainly been there.
When you’re feeling “stuck” in life, you usually run across the same tips online that fall into the scope of “Find your passion and run with it.”
I don’t know about ya’ll, but that never worked for me, as it was too vague for an analytical person like myself.
To help you out, I’ve created a somewhat unconventional list of ways to help get your motivation back if you’re not living up to your true potential.
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**Scroll to the bottom to watch my YouTube video on this post!
1. Write Down Everything You’re Grateful For
I know what you’re thinking.
“What does being grateful have to do with anything? The stuff I have now is not helping me in any way!”
Well, being grateful for what you have is WHERE IT ALL BEGINS.
This is where the magic happens.
Gratefulness is the foundation you’ll need to propel yourself to the next level!
Whether you have a dedicated journal or jot down things in your notes section on your phone, make it a daily habit to remember all the good things you have right now.
It could be something as simple as having shoes on your feet or an umbrella to shield you from the rain.
When it feels like something is lacking in our lives, we often overlook the little things in life that we DO have.
If you aren’t grateful for what you have, you’ll have a tough time making it where you want to be.
2. Feng Shui Your Living/Workspace
I could on for days about the art of feng shui and the direct correlation that it has with our mood/energy.
The arrangement of your furniture is playing a HUGE part in your outlook on the world, and you probably have no idea.
“Sure, Taryn, my couch is making me feel unmotivated.”
Well, depending on how much time you spend on said couch and the position that it has in your room could actually be making you less energized and less receptive to taking steps to get out of a rut.
Just take a few minutes after this post and look up the art of feng shui.
Then feng shui the mess out of the room you spend the most time in!
By re-arranging your furniture, you’ll optimize productivity and release trapped energy.
3. Take a Road Trip or Vacation
Sometimes you just need a vacation.
If you’re feeling stuck, your body could be telling you, “Hey, remember me? I need a break, you know!”
Put your phone on DND and set out a solo trip or with family and friends.
Maybe you’re a hiker. Perhaps you’re the spa retreat type.
Whatever it is that you like to do, make sure you give yourself permission to take a little time for yourself.
You’ll come back feeling refreshed, your mind will be clear, and you’ll be ready to decide your next move to get your life moving in the direction you want.
4. Take a Sabbatical
If your job has the option for you to take an extended leave…
Consider taking it.
If you’re feeling stuck, this may be a great option for you!
Most sabbaticals can be anywhere from two months to a year, and it will give you some time away from work to do the things that matter to you.
Most sabbaticals are used for:
– Travel
– Personal enrichment
– Academic or professional development
– Visiting loved ones
After you return from your leave, you’ll be more energized at work and will hopefully have a better insight into how you want to shape your life.
Bye-bye, rut!
5. Go To a Counselor
If you’re feeling stuck in life and don’t have a particular reason why you may feel this way, try talking to a counselor.
Mental health is SO important, but unfortunately, it’s usually put on the backburner.
Finding a therapist that you trust is a great way to determine if there is an underlying reason to why you may be feeling the way you do.
Don’t ever feel ashamed for seeing a counselor; you’re on the right track!
6. Consider a Career Change
If you’ve been having this nagging thought in the back of your mind that it’s time to find a different professional path, it probably IS time.
If you’ve given it your all but you’re not fulfilled anymore, that’s ok.
Everything runs its course, careers included.
I know it can be scary to do something so well and even make good money doing it, but deep down knowing that it’s not your life calling.
Think about it this way. You’re ultimately clearing a path for your dream job. You’re releasing the things that no longer serve you.
Look deep within yourself and think for a moment of the things you enjoy doing. I can guarantee you that whatever you come up with, you can make money from it.
Yes, you heard me right. You can ACTUALLY make a living doing what you love to do!
So if you’re considering changing careers, know that there is a place for your skillset and talents.
7. Stop Comparing Your Life to Others
You are your own person, and your path doesn’t look like anyone else’s. So with that being said, don’t measure your success by someone else’s success.
If you’re feeling stuck, have you been comparing your life to another person’s?
Just think of all the wasted time that comes from scoping out someone’s life. Our stories are uniquely different for a reason.
You could travel the exact road that a person traveled and STILL end up at a different destination.
Do yourself a favor and just follow your own map.
8. Connect With Family and Friends
Distancing yourself from your loved ones is probably one of the worst things you can do when you’re at this stage in your life.
Remember that you’re not alone in this.
Some of the people that you are closest to can be feeling the same as you.
Reach out and ask for insight on how they would or already have handled feelings of being stuck in life.
They may give you a fresh perspective and some tips to help you navigate this crazy world!
9. Listen to Inspirational Podcasts
Whenever I feel unmotivated or stuck in a rut of any sort, I listen to inspirational podcasts to help me feel more grounded and in tune with my goals.
Hearing the success stories of others who have built their lives from the ground up gives me the push that I need, and it lights a fire under my ass to make some changes.
Some podcasts that give me motivation/get me out of a rut:
By submerging myself in positivity, I leave no room for negative thoughts or doubt to creep in.
10. Read Personal Development Material
Indulging in some self-improvement books or guides can give you a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, and you can use them to pull yourself from feelings of uncertainty.
Visit your local bookstore or library and get lost in the sea of information available to you. You’ll be glad you did!
Figure out how your mind works.
How do you process thoughts and feelings?
Do some inner work on yourself.
11. Create a List of Life Desires
Find a time of the day when you’re most relaxed and write down all the things in life that you want.
Tangibles and intangibles.
Then close your eyes and envision how you’ll feel once you attain them.
Doing this will give emotion to the things that you want in life.
Keep those feelings alive as you work towards your life desires, and before you know it, you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Life is all about the energy we receive from things that bring us joy.
Never stop wanting the best life for yourself. That’s half the battle to never feeling stuck.
12. Find a Passion Project
Figure out if there’s something that lights a fire in your soul. Something that you could easily spend hours doing for free.
Once you decide on what that is, make it your passion project.
Whether that’s singing in a rock band or volunteering at a local charity, carve out time each week to dedicate to an extracurricular project of some sort.
Sometimes we need to find something to do, outside of our work-life, to give us a change of pace.
When things get too mundane, it’s easy to lose motivation.
13. Learn a New Skill
Nothing gets your creative juices flowing like acquiring a new skill.
Try your hand at sewing. Or maybe take a coding class or sign up for a graphic design course.
Learning something new may just be the motivation that you need to make some long-lasting changes in your life.
Mastering a new skill will not only build your confidence, but it’ll also increase your feeling of self-worth.
When I was feeling low and “stuck,” I started re-learning French to give myself purpose (I also want to live in Paris one day, so it fits into my longterm goals).
For those interested in learning a foreign language too, I recommend Pimsleur.
It’s been over a year since I’ve started learning again, and it’s SUPER AFFORDABLE for a monthly subscription.
You can try a 7-DAY FREE TRIAL and choose from one of the HUNDREDS of languages available.
It’s crazy how comfortable you’ll feel speaking another language!
So, my advice is to learn a new skill and gauge how you feel three months or so down the line. More than likely, you’ll feel like you’re moving in the right direction!
14. Let Go of Fear
Take a moment and get out of your head.
We often stand in the way of our success due to negative self-talk and believing that we aren’t worthy of the things we want in life.
Once you let go of the fear of failure and embrace the success that will follow, things will start taking shape.
Neale Donald Walsch once said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Nothing is worse than not reaching your full potential due to fear holding you back.
15. Create a 6-month Goal
Give yourself a timeline to see changes in your life.
I recommend having a six-month goal in place so you can track success.
Maybe in six months, you want to be living in a different city. Or perhaps you want to be working at your dream job.
Whatever your desires may be, attach a date to them so that they become REAL to you.
It’s a lot harder to quit something knowing you have it marked on your calendar.
After you’ve reached your six months, evaluate if you’ve achieved your desire or if you need to add a little more time to your goal.
The only thing that matters is that you aren’t remaining stagnant!
I also have a FREE EMAIL COURSE that helps you realize your dream life is attainable. Click here to enroll today!
As always, I hope that these tips help you out, and you’ll no longer feel “stuck” in life.
Before you know it, you’ll have everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more!
Peace, love, and good vibrations.
**Watch in HD!
