If You're Struggling With a Lack of Motivation, This is For You!

Let’s be honest: motivation isn’t always there when we need it. Some days, even getting out of bed feels like a battle, let alone tackling big goals. If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just plain exhausted by the pressure to stay productive, you’re not alone.

The thing is, motivation isn’t just about willpower, it's deeply connected to our emotional attachment to a goal. When we do something just because others expect it from us, it often feels like a weight on our shoulders. Think about the times you forced yourself to follow a certain career path, take up a hobby, or commit to a project just because it was "the right thing to do." That kind of pressure rarely leads to genuine engagement, and without that, motivation tends to fade quickly.

On the other hand, when we pursue something we love, something that resonates with our own values and desires, we tap into what psychologists call intrinsic motivation. Edward Deci and Richard Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory suggests that we feel the most motivated when our actions align with our need for autonomy, competence, and connection. In other words, when we do something because it really matters to us, not because we "should", it fuels our motivation in a more sustainable, long lasting way.

So, if you’re struggling with motivation at work, in your studies, or even in daily routines, take a step back and ask yourself: Is this goal truly mine? If not, how can you align your actions with what genuinely excites and fulfills you? Maybe it’s shifting your focus to a project that sparks your curiosity or redefining success on your own terms. Finding that personal connection can reignite your motivation in ways external pressure never will.

And here’s a gentle reminder: we can not feel motivated all the time. Instead of waiting for the perfect burst of inspiration, take small steps in the direction that feels right for you. Passion follows action more often than action follows passion.