How to Pull Yourself Out of a Slump and Stay Motivated

Last week, I had a couple of days where I had a moment – a two day long moment. I was feeling really down, overwhelmed, unmotivated and I wanted to throw in the towel. I wanted to give up everything that I was working on because of some things in my life that were weighing heavy on me.

I decided to pick myself up and knock that shit off. I don’t have time for feeling defeated because I want to be successful and happy in my life and dammit, I will be!

So I wrote out this list to help anyone else who might be having a moment – or two. These things are what help pull me out of a slump when I find myself in one:

1. Stay focused! Keep your eye on the prize. Remember what it is you are living for. You have a purpose and we are all meant to leave our imprint in the world and in others’ lives.
2. Set smaller goals and achieve them frequently. You have to set goals that you know you can reach in a short amount of time in order to achieve this. Be realistic and make them attainable, no matter how insignificant it might be to you. You won’t believe how regularly making your bed can boost your confidence and happiness!
3. Keep distractions at bay. Don’t keep that Facebook tab open. Log out and close it out. Refer back to number 1.
4. Eat well and exercise regularly. I struggle with this, but as long as I am making the effort, it helps immensely. I can feel good about those small accomplishments. Always pat yourself on the back no matter how small of a goal you achieve.
5. Surround yourself with people who will support  your dreams and empower you. My best friend is amazing at this! She has been a constant support to me in my vision for A Coastal Cottage. She has never questioned that I could do this. She tells me this is my calling and encourages me to keep moving. My family also supports me even though they don’t have as much of an understanding about blogging and it’s connection to PR.
6. Stick to a routine. There is nothing that can really throw you off like a big change in your routine or not even having one at all. If you ever find yourself wandering aimlessly trying to remember what it is you were wanting/needing to do, then creating a schedule/routine would help with this. I am not talking about micromanaging, I am talking about waking up in the morning, having your coffee, showering, then starting your day. Exercise after work then make dinner…..whatever fits your lifestyle best. Do that.
7. Accept setbacks and keep moving. Life is not all sunshine and rainbows. Despite all your best efforts, you will have shit days. Shit moments. Accept them for what they are and keep trucking. Accept them as challenges and overcome them. Remind yourself that “it won’t always be like this” (my favorite mantra to chant when I get overwhelmed) and figure out what you need to do to make the next successful step.
8. Self-discipline. Lort hammercy, if there is ever anything to have, it is this. You must have things under control, especially yourself, if you want to become successful in your goals. You can’t live a double life because all that will do is add to the stress and keep things off-balance. As Nike says, just do it. Stay focused on where you want to be and ask yourself if what you are doing is helping to get you there or hindering you.
9. Make time for fun. If you don, you will suffer burnout. Sometimes you just have to stop what you are doing and take a fun break. Go for a walk. Go to the park or your happy place. Bring out the cards and play some cards with friends or family. Go and have a nice lunch break outside somewhere. This needs to happen regularly….like, daily. Ok? Make sure to nourish your soul and do what makes you happy.
10. Be honest with yourself about what you really want and what you are able to achieve. This is a big step and should not be taken lightly. Figure out what direction you want to take and what that entails. Decide when you know for sure what it is you want. It’s ok if years later you realize it isn’t working for you or that you don’t receive joy as you thought you would. You are never too old to start over. That’s ok. But, don’t start something you know would be very difficult to achieve. Or if you don’t have the passion for it. There’s nothing worse than doing something you have absolutely no joy for.