Struggling with motivation

[SareWall]

Can I ask tips on how to motivate yourself?

I’m not in work for the next month or so and am really struggling to get up and be productive. I have loads of things I could (should) be doing ranging from boring house stuff to studying/ research, but just spend most of the day doing not much.

I am struggling to establish a routine- I get up drink coffee, play with the dog and just sit for a bit. How can I change my mindset?

Watching with interest because I'm the absolute opposite of this. I find not being productive unbearably stressful and I find it impossible to "just sit" or watch TV or even read as I feel guilty. My protestant work ethic is my worst enemy.

FWIW if you're on holiday and don't need to work I wouldn't beat yourself up about it!

Are you struggling with motivation or with not knowing how to start?

Either way, maybe it would help to spend some time planning and making lists.

Also: reward yourself for getting some things done (after not before!)

People often recommend saying to yourself I’ll just do this for 15 mins to get into starting a project. Often you do longer, but you can stop.

If it’s tidying up, I’ll imagine someone coming into the house in 30/60 mins time, and that gives me the energy to do a sweep so the house looks superficially clean and tidy.

Re making phone calls, you’ll probably spend more time thinking of reasons not to phone, than you will making the call/email.

Great ideas here, thank you. I’ve made a list, which is great as I enjoy writing things down and will be rewarding myself later with a really tasty dinner.

Same problem here just seem to do 2 minutes doing something then sat back down. I am thinking of setting a timer on fitbit for 20 minutes and in that time I have to do something. Then I sit down for 10 minutes see if it works.

Sal

if you have boring chores or errands to get through, my advice is to just plunge in - before you even know you're doing them! If you're going to feel bad putting them off - just do them. You don't have to do them brilliantly (but you'll probably get all enthusiastic and end up doing a proper job) but just get started. Do this early and then give yourself a break (brew a lovely cup of coffee etc).

Then go another 'unattractive' thing on your mental list before lunch. You might be surprised to see how much you achieve and how (almost) enjoyable it is.

Nice lunch and then use the afternoon for something you really enjoy, be it a hobby, seeing friends or just reading/watching TV. You will not feel guilty - you'll have earned it.

Good luck, OP.