Some days feel like you’re crushing it, and others… well, it’s a miracle if you even open your laptop. Low motivation isn’t a character flaw—it’s a normal part of doing life and business. But if you stay stuck too long, momentum slips, goals get dusty, and frustration builds.
So, what do you do when your spark disappears?
You build momentum—even if it starts as a crawl. Here’s how to do that (without needing to feel super inspired first).
1. Ditch Perfection and Start Messy
Waiting for the “right energy” to do things perfectly is a trap. Motivation doesn’t magically appear—it’s usually the result of action, not the cause.
Try this:
- Set a timer for 10 minutes
- Pick one tiny task (answer 1 email, update 1 link, write 1 idea)
- Start. That’s it.
Once you’re in motion, it’s way easier to keep going.
2. Create a “Low-Energy” To-Do List
Not everything needs 100% brainpower. When your tank is low, lean into simple wins.
Your low-motivation list might include:
- Organizing files or folders
- Responding to quick messages
- Brainstorming ideas without pressure to finish
- Updating social media bios, headers, or pricing
Progress is progress—even if it’s not flashy.
3. Reconnect With Your “Why”
When motivation dips, purpose can pull you through. Revisit the bigger picture behind your work.
Ask yourself:
- Who am I helping?
- What life am I building?
- What impact do I want to leave?
Write it down. Post it where you’ll see it. Let that remind you why starting again matters.
4. Make It Ridiculously Easy to Win
Momentum builds fastest when you feel like you’re winning—even in tiny ways.
Gamify your work:
- Use a habit tracker
- Set super small goals (like 15 mins of focused work)
- Celebrate checkmarks, no matter how small
Quick wins train your brain to associate work with reward, not dread.
5. Use Accountability (But Keep It Kind)
When motivation’s low, it’s tempting to hide. Don’t.
Instead:
- Check in with a biz buddy weekly
- Join a coworking session (even virtually)
- Post a public goal with a deadline
Accountability works best when it’s supportive, not shamey.
6. Change the Scenery
Your brain loves novelty. A change in environment can jumpstart creative energy fast.
Simple shifts:
- Work from a café, park, or new corner of your house
- Listen to a new playlist
- Light a candle, open the windows, or wear something you feel good in
When your space shifts, so does your state.
7. Rest
Sometimes, the best way to get moving again… is to pause.
Signs you might need rest:
- You’re doing “busy work” just to feel productive
- Your brain feels foggy and frazzled
- Everything feels harder than it should
Rest isn’t laziness. It’s part of the cycle that helps momentum build naturally.
You Don’t Have to Feel It to Do It
Low motivation happens. The key is not waiting for it to magically return—but gently moving forward anyway.
Do one thing. Then another. Stack those tiny actions, and soon you’ll realize: you’ve built momentum again. Not from hype or hustle—but from showing up in small, steady ways.
You’ve got this. Even on the weird days.
