Losing hope and motivation

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There are times when we question ourselves and what we’re doing. Is this the right major? Is this the right career field? Should I move to a new state? In the beginning of the race we run high on adrenaline, but it dies out in the middle, until we come to a slow crawl towards the end. We lose the momentum that pushed us forward. We begin to doubt our abilities and our dreams, allowing them to wither away and fade into oblivion. We forget why. Once things get difficult or take the “wrong” turn, we say, “what’s the point of this?” “I’m tired of waking up early for this class/ job I don’t like.” “I should just take the easier route.” “No one believes in me.” Say no to these negative thoughts. Remember why you started this journey. Remember the goal. See the finish line in your future. Pick up your feet and start running again.

​The problem may be your routines or habits. Try changing things up a bit. Find a new place to study. Try taking a different route to work or school. Re-vamp your project, start over if need be. Do something to bring that spark back. Do not give up on yourself. Have milestones along the way so you know progress is being made. Losing hope and motivation is a part of the journey. It wasn’t easy writing my books. Some days I wonder what the point is for spending hours and mental energy on something that may never get shelf life. “Who’s going to read my blog anyways?” “Are my stories intriguing enough?” Stomping on those thoughts, I continue to write. I joined Camp Nanowrimo, set a weekly schedule for each book, and set deadlines. 

If it helps to speak to someone else and vent, reach out to a close friend or a mentor. Prayer and/or meditation is also a terrific way to put your mindset back in place. Maybe you need a break to let loose or think. Take a day off or a couple (this might not work for school, please don’t skip your classes). For October, I am not working on any books, just blogging and setting up for Nanowrimo in November. I’m trying to write 50,000 words in thirty days (yikes!). That may or may not happen, BUT the most I’ve ever written for Nano is 20-something thousand. If I even make it to thirty thousand, that will be an incredible accomplishment. This is what I mean. Fifty is the goal, but 30 would still be better than the last time. You need to do better than your last accomplishment. Didn’t get an A+ in class, but got a better score on this test than the last? That’s something to celebrate. Passed a deadline for a personal project, but still completed it? That’s an achievement! Effort is what counts. Do what you need to do to get back into the race and run at maximum speed.

Next week’s topic is on Vision Boards.