Are these lines familiar? “I want to study, but I can't focus,” or “I need to finish this task, but I just don’t have the energy to do so.” Yes, we’ve all been there – getting stuck in a rut and throwing the towel might be the only solution.

While staying motivated all the time can be challenging, incorporating small habits into our daily routines can increase our chances of breaking through a slump and give us more energy and drive.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, here are 11 proven strategies to help you move forward.

1. Figure Out Why Your Unmotivated

We all experience being unmotivated from time to time. Finding the cause of the issue is crucial before we can begin to address it, whether it be because we are burnt out, stressed, or just plain bored. 

When we know the cause of our lack of motivation, we can start to take action to address the problem.

2. Give Yourself a Break

You cannot expect yourself to be productive all the time because you are not a machine. It's acceptable to stop working for a day or even a week. Just be careful not to use your break as an opportunity to procrastinate more. 

Regular breaks will keep you energized and prevent burnout. Utilize it as a chance to rest and recharge so that you can return reenergized and prepared to take on whatever needs to be done. 

3. Find a Mentor

Finding a mentor can be hugely beneficial if you want to succeed in your field. A mentor can provide invaluable insight and support and can help keep you motivated even when things get tough. 

They can also be a great source of inspiration, helping you see what's possible and keeping your sights set on your goals. 

4. Set Goals

Trying to accomplish too much in a single day can be exhausting, leading to feelings of failure and discouragement. But on the other hand, a lack of activities can lead to boredom and low productivity. The key is to strike a balance by setting achievable daily goals.

It is also critical to ensure that your daily objectives are attainable. You're more likely to give up if you try to bite off more than you can chew. Begin with small goals and gradually increase their difficulty as you gain confidence whenever you hit a goal.

5. Setup Your Workspace

One of the quickest ways to kill your motivation is to be in an environment that makes you feel bad. Maybe it's too cluttered, the lighting is terrible, or it's just not inspiring. 

Whatever the case may be, create an environment conducive to making you feel good about what you do. 

6. Motivate Others

It may sound counterintuitive but helping others can actually help you too. You feel motivated and inspired when you give advice or provide assistance to someone else. 

So, if you're feeling stuck or unmotivated, try one of these methods for helping others and see if it doesn't give you the boost you need:

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• Teach
• Give advice
• Volunteer
• Be a good listener

7. Strive For Work-Life Balance

A healthy work-life balance is essential for our well-being, but it can be hard to maintain, especially when our homes have become our offices. 

However, with some intentionality and effort, it is possible to create boundaries between work and our personal lives, even while working remotely or in a hybrid setup.

8. Plan Ahead

A great way to get motivated is to make plans. Making bigger plans for the upcoming months or years should come after completing smaller ones that you can complete this week. 

Planning gives you a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead and a glimmer of hope for the future. 

9. Listen to Motivational Music or Podcast

It's no secret that what we listen to affects our mood. So, if you're constantly exposing yourself to negative news, pop songs with heartbreak lyrics, or anything else that brings your vibe down, it's going to be hard to stay motivated. 

On the other hand, when you choose to fill your ears with motivational speeches, music, and stories, it's easy to see how that could positively impact every area of your life.

10. Learn To Let Go

Trying to control everything in your life can be exhausting and ultimately lead to burnout. It's essential to learn to let go of the things you can't control and focus on what you can. This doesn't mean you should give up on your goals. Instead, find a balance between what you can control and what you can't. 

When feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and assess the situation. Then, identify the things within your power to change and let go of the rest. This will help you to maintain your motivation and keep moving forward.

11. Avoid Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a common trap that many people fall into. It's unrealistic and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. 

It's easy to get discouraged and feel like you're never good enough. This can lead to a loss of motivation and a feeling of helplessness.

Conclusion

Feeling stuck is a normal part of the human experience. We all feel it from time to time, in both our personal and professional lives. It's not easy to deal with it – it can be tough. However, these 11 strategies for overcoming stagnation will help you find the motivation to keep pushing forward. 

If you're looking for a way to block apps so you can be more present in your life, Opal is here to help. Opal, the #1 Screen Time App, is designed to help you schedule your days, block distracting apps and focus fully on any device.

Here's How to Block Apps With Opal:

• Download Opal from the App Store and sync the Chrome extension;
• Create an App Group to block specific social media sites;
• Start a session.

Yes, it's that easy! While you'll still be able to open your apps, you won't be able to refresh your feed and see any new posts.

Say hello to focusing on better things.