I’ve lost motivation more times than I care to admit—on big, exciting goals and on the small, boring tasks that still somehow matter. That first spark? It always feels electric. You dive in, full of energy, ready to change your life… and then one day, without warning, it’s gone.

You’re staring at the same to-do list, feeling flat. Wondering if any of it was worth it in the first place.

For me, learning how to stay motivated didn’t come from some productivity hack or feel-good quote. It came from frustration. From starting and stopping so many times that I finally had to figure out a better way.

Here’s what’s helped—especially on the days when inspiration is nowhere to be found and giving up seems tempting.

1. Zoom Out and Look at the Big Picture

There’s a moment I remember vividly: I’d missed yet another deadline on a writing project I cared about, and I was sitting on the floor, surrounded by empty tea mugs and self-doubt.

In that moment, I felt like a failure. But then I asked myself, why did I start this in the first place?

Progress isn’t a straight line. It’s jagged, messy, and often slower than you’d like. But meaningful goals—like writing a book, building a business, or healing your body—take time.

Pro tip: Write your “why” somewhere you’ll actually see it. Mine’s scribbled on a sticky note above my desk. It sounds simple, but it’s saved me more than once.

2. Reconnect With the Spark That Lit the Fire

Motivation fades when we forget what fuelled us in the first place.

When I started prioritising my health, it wasn’t about a number on the scale. It was about wanting to wake up without that constant feeling of exhaustion. It was about feeling like me again.

That deeper reason? That’s the thing I hold onto when I want to throw in the towel.

Close your eyes for a second. Picture the version of you who’s already achieved your goal. How do they feel? That feeling—that’s your fuel.

3. Celebrate Small Wins (Even the Tiny, Slightly Silly Ones)

I once celebrated doing my washing up on the same day as using the dishes. That might sound ridiculous, but honestly? It felt like momentum.

For years, I dismissed little wins because they didn’t seem “big enough.” Now I know they’re the only way big wins happen.

A productive morning. Getting out for a walk and choosing a supportive response instead of a reactive one. It all counts.

Try this: Start a “Done List” instead of a to-do list. It’s weirdly satisfying—and it builds confidence you can actually see.

4. Ask: What Happens If I Give Up?

Oof. This one hits me right in the gut every time.

When I was halfway through launching a creative project that had already taken months, I hit a wall. I wanted out. But then I thought—if I stop now, what will I feel six months from today? Relief? Or regret?

Not every goal is meant to last forever. But there’s a difference between an intentional pivot and quitting out of frustration.

That question—what if I give up?—often reminds me I don’t actually want to. I just need to rest. Or reassess. Or ask for help.

5. Be Around People Who Still Believe in Possibility

When I’m low on drive, I reach out to a friend who’s deep in their own creative hustle. Not for advice—just for energy. Something about hearing someone else talk about their goal lights a spark again.

Find those people. The ones who believe in the long game. The ones who celebrate effort, not just outcomes.

Whether it’s a WhatsApp group, a voice note from your accountability buddy, or following someone inspiring online, your environment matters more than you think.

6. Change Something—Anything—When You’re Stuck

Monotony is a motivation killer.

I once rewrote half a blog post while sitting on a park bench, purely because my usual desk felt like a dead zone. The fresh air helped. So did the people-watching.

Switch locations. Try a new routine. Work to a playlist you’ve never heard before. You don’t need a total overhaul—just enough novelty to shake your brain out of autopilot.

Sometimes, the slightest change can shift everything.

7. Keep a Record of the Messy Middle

Looking back at my old journals is both cringey and encouraging. The messy notes. The abandoned plans. The weird motivational quotes I clearly didn’t believe at the time.

But you know what? I’m glad I kept them.

Because when I feel stuck, I can see that I’ve been here before—and that I moved through it. That kind of proof is powerful.

You don’t need perfect records. Just breadcrumbs that show you’ve been trying.

8. Rest Like You Mean It

There’s a difference between being lazy and being tired. I had to learn that the hard way.

I used to think rest was a reward for doing well. Now I know it’s a requirement so I can keep doing well.

Take the nap. Log off. Skip the gym if your body’s asking you to. Motivation doesn’t thrive in exhaustion—it thrives in recovery.

You’re not a machine. You’re a human. Rest accordingly.

Final Thoughts

If I’ve learned anything about motivation, it’s that you can’t rely on it to show up uninvited. You have to build it, moment by moment.

Revisit your why. Celebrate the smallest wins. Change the things that aren’t working. Protect your energy like it’s sacred—because it is.

And if your goal still sparks something in you, even just a flicker?

That’s reason enough to keep going.

Because one day, when you look back, you’ll realise: it wasn’t the end result that changed you—it was everything you did to get there.