We rest, but we do not quit.

Okay so let’s say you’re in a rut, feeling like the the world beneath you is crumbling because nothing seems to be going right, or some things are going right, but the motivation to move forward, to get up and go or to just complete the smallest task feels almost impossible. At this point you're done and you just feel like giving up.

Trust me when I say, been there, done that.

It’s not always easy but it is surely not impossible to overcome. You can and you will overcome it. I know because I have, time and time again. Here are some major tips you can follow and things to consider whenever these feelings come to you.

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be replaced with therapy or professional help, or to overshadow serious mental health issues with simple feelings of unproductiveness or discouragement and/or lack of motivation.

Let's dive in.

Tip #1. REST.

Allow yourself some time to rest. This is one of, if not, THE most crucial thing you can do for yourself. Have you considered that maybe you've been doing too much? Maybe your brain is on overload, or maybe you've set the bar a little to high and are expecting more out of yourself than you can give, or more than you even need to give? Take a break from the world and some time to yourself and maybe that will help filter your thoughts and allow productivity to slowly come back to you. A staircase consists of many small steps, not one giant step. It's okay to take breaks, rest and cool down so that you can slowly reload and become more prepared to be productive again, and it should definitely be a part of the success plan.

Tip #2. REMIND YOURSELF OF PAST HIGHS AND LOWS.

You've had highs and you've had lows. These are both major parts of life and both key factors to your success. Yes, even the lows. Especially the lows. Remember the last time you felt like this? Like you couldn't or just didn't want to get anything done? Days or weeks on end, you just felt stagnant, stuck and even confused. Well, remember when you got out of that too? You did, didn't you? Yes you did, and you can and will again. These feelings are temporary and do not define who you are or your work ethic, give it some time and give yourself time. You'll come around.

Tip #3. AFFIRMATIONS.

Although they may not work for everyone, I can attest that these have worked for me. Whenever I’m feeling good, I jot down wonderful affirmations about myself, my life and my qualities, and whenever I'm feeling down and demotivated, I reread them. When I say my affirmations, I try my best to believe in what I say, disregarding my unpleasant feelings. I focus on what I felt (love and happiness) when I wrote them down. And most of the time, in that moment is when I remember who I am. A spark of motivation and energy surges through me and this gets me going, because I know that my affirmations are true.

Tip #4. EXTERNAL MOTIVATIONAL SOURCES.

Whether it be through books, pep-talks from friends or motivational YouTube videos, external motivation can be extremely helpful. One of my all-time favorite YouTube videos to watch when I'm experiencing low-vibrational feelings, is this one: How to quickly get out of a rut - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd_Lcub_OxA

And trust, there's more. There is an endless list of books, videos, motivational blogs and more online that are accessible to you and can surely help jump start you, creating momentum to your productivity. Look them up, read, watch and listen carefully.

Beauties, remember. It's okay to feel crappy, it's okay to be tired and feel unproductive sometimes, as long as we don't unpack and live there. You're allowed to pause, you're allowed to re-load, you're allowed to recharge. Your car will not keep running if you don't fill the tank up every once in a while, you won't either. And you definitely don't sell you car when the gas is low, you just fill up the tank. Don't forget to fill up your tank. Rest, relax, take a breather, but don't you dare ever quit.

Sending you loads of love.

xoxo

Tj.