Sure, I can do that! Motivation is an interesting concept because it’s something that everyone wants, but it can be incredibly difficult to maintain. Whether you’re trying to stick to a workout routine, finish a project at work, or just stay positive throughout the day, it’s not uncommon to feel like your motivation ebbs and flows. So, what is motivation fatigue and why is motivation so hard to maintain?
First of all, motivation is often driven by short-term rewards. When we’re motivated to do something, it’s usually because we expect to get something out of it in the near future. For example, if you’re motivated to work out, it might be because you want to see results quickly, like a slimmer waistline or increased strength. However, when those rewards don’t materialise as quickly as we hope, our motivation can wane. It’s hard to keep up the enthusiasm for something when we’re not seeing the results we were expecting.
Another reason motivation can be hard to maintain is that it requires effort. When we’re feeling motivated, it can be easy to dive headfirst into a project or task, but that level of energy and focus is only sometimes sustainable. Over time, we can start to feel drained or burned out, which can make it difficult to stay motivated. This is especially true if we’re tackling a big, complex project that requires a lot of time and energy.
Motivation can also be difficult to maintain because of external factors. We’re all influenced by the people and circumstances around us, and if those aren’t conducive to motivation, it can be hard to keep going. For example, if you’re surrounded by negative people who don’t believe in your goals, it can be demotivating. Or, if you’re dealing with a lot of stress or anxiety in your personal life, that can make it hard to find the energy to tackle work or other tasks.
When I’m not clear on what I’m working towards, or my goals feel nebulous or unattainable, I find it hard to stay motivated. That’s why I believe it’s important for me to set clear, achievable goals that I can work towards. When I have a clear vision of what I’m trying to accomplish, it’s easier for me to stay focused and motivated. By breaking down my goals into smaller, more manageable steps, I can make progress towards achieving them and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way.
When I’m feeling low motivation, seeking out inspiration can be very helpful. This can include reading books, watching movies or documentaries, or listening to podcasts that feature people who have overcome obstacles and achieved their goals. By focusing on the success stories of others, I’m reminded that it’s possible to achieve my own goals and overcome challenges. This can help me to reframe my mindset from one of negativity or self-doubt to one of possibility and hope. It can also help me focus on the bigger picture and the positive impact of achieving my goals.
Finally, I find that motivation can be difficult to maintain because it’s not always easy for me to stay accountable. When I’m working towards a goal, it’s important to have some level of accountability to keep me on track. However, I sometimes slip up or let things slide when I don’t have someone holding me accountable. That’s why I find it helpful to have a support system to keep me motivated and on track. For example, my wife asks me if have I written this month’s blog keeps yet, puts me to task!
Several factors can make motivation hard to maintain. Whether it’s the short-term nature of motivation, the effort required to stay focused, external factors, a lack of clarity around goals, or a lack of accountability, it’s important to be aware of these potential roadblocks and work to overcome them. By staying mindful of what can make motivation falter, we can take steps to stay motivated.
