Motivation

We can all have those moments where we feel our motivation has left us. We call this A-motivation. The feeling of ‘I can’t be bothered’. But why does this strike us? Sometimes even when the task is something we had been previously excited and motivated to do?

I have had this recently (the last few days). I had been excited but when it got to it, I felt nervous, couldn’t be bothered and like I just wanted to stay in bed forever. Why?

Well there are three main things that can affect our motivation whether you are child, student, parent or teacher. In fact, all humans 😊

Relatedness: This is about other people. As I have said a few times before, we need other people, they are important to our lives and wellbeing. Relatedness has been my motivational issue the last few days. I had been upset by someone and then everything seemed to snowball. If you are struggling with a relationship and it doesn’t feel very positive such as friendships at school, it can be hard to have the mental power to motivate yourself for anything else.

Try this: if something is bothering you, such as a friendship issue then sort this out first before you tackle motivating yourself. You will probably find that once the worry of the issue is resolved or accepted you will be free in your mind to do more for yourself.

Autonomy: Did you choose the activity you need motivation for yourself? This can be super hard at school where we must take part in certain lessons that may not be quite where our values lie. We looked at values back in the summer when we covered meaning and purpose.

Try this: If you are struggling, then find the value in the task you must complete. How and why will this task be helpful to you? What will it mean to you or others that are important to you if you complete the task?

Competence: Have you suddenly found yourself less motivated because your task has become way too easy? Or alternatively have you hit a block and it is way too difficult? Look at the challenge and skills you have.

Try this: If the challenge is too vast for the skills you currently have break the challenge into more manageable chunks so you can master new skills on the way to completion. If the task has become too easy is there a way you can challenge yourself? You need to revisit what you are doing and find a new challenge within the task.

Give it all a try and see how you get on. Like everything these things take practice. Keep going, you got this.