Today I’m going to be completely honest with you. No motivational post, no if-I-can-do-it-so-can-you post, just me being me. Let me start by saying that I’m probably the laziest motivated person I know. In all fairness, I don’t know that many people but that doesn’t change the fact. I know it sounds very contradicting, because how can I be lazy and motivated at the same time? Well, therein lies the problem.


Cambridge Dictionary defines Motivated as:

Very enthusiastic or determined because you really want to do something.


This is very much how I start almost every day. Enthusiastic and/or determined because I really want to do something. Something, anything. This could be reading a new book or writing a new post. Whatever it is that I’m focused on that day, it always starts out the same. “Today is the day,” I tell myself. Today is the day I will (start to) read that book my boyfriend told me about, I will finally write a review about that movie I watched however long ago or I will finally go for that run I’ve been talking about. And then.. nothing happens. I just don’t feel like it anymore.

Then I started thinking about what could be causing this problem. Because whenever I read a blog post or watch another one of Gary Vee’s videos the answer is always the same: “just start”. Obviously, I’m not a moron and I understand that you get things done by actually starting them, but HOW do you get yourself to start?

Now what?

I made a list of things that I’m going to be focussing on and hopefully it’ll help. And maybe (if you have the same issue) you can try them out as well.

  1. Do I really want to do the things I’m “motivating” myself for?
    Sometimes you really convince yourself you should be doing something when in reality it’s not what you actually want to be doing. Maybe it’s because you feel pressure from people around you or maybe it’s because you want to impress someone. So I have to ask myself, do I really want to do this?
  2. Are the people around me in the same headspace?
    Having friends is fun and all. But having people around you that motivate you and maybe even have the same interests is so much better. I’m not saying you can’t handle it alone, but having (the right) company never hurts.
  3. Plan activities and/or tasks so they are organized.
    If you’re like me starting out could be a challenge and could maybe even become overwhelming. There are so many things to do and so many things to learn. Start out by making a plan for yourself and make sure you stick by it. And after you finish your list of tasks it’s time to execute. Think of creative ways to get started on your to-do’s. Maybe go to Starbucks, grab a coffee, and start working on your laptop. Or go to the library if you like quiet places. Whatever you need to do to get that boost of energy, do it.
  4. Remember why you are doing what you’re doing.
    Remember point nr.1? Well, this goes hand in hand. Remind yourself every now and then why you’re doing what you’re doing. Is it for your own benefit and/or your future? Or something completely different. Whatever it is make sure you believe in your cause and it will help your progress.
  5. Ask for help when needed.
    Don’t tell yourself that you have to go through this process alone. Even Steve Jobs needed help.
  6. Find a way to change your mindset.
    If your mindset wasn’t pushing you before you started, try to reboot it. Maybe try a “happy” playlist, meditation, yoga or anything you can think of. Just reboot.
  7. Start small.
    Change doesn’t happen overnight right? Don’t expect to be special, because everyone had to start somewhere. So whatever your goal is, just start small.
  8. Accept and learn from your mistakes.
    Nobody’s perfect. No, not even that person you’re thinking of right now. Or now. And if you weren’t thinking of someone, great that means you have no standards in mind. 
  9. Appreciate yourself.
    Make sure you give yourself credit when credit is due. Even if that means celebrating the small victories. Progress is progress. Big or small.

While these might not be fail proof, they are a way to get some new perspectives on a persistent issue. Because at the end of the day, nothing will happen unless you figure out why nothing is happening and fixing it.