How to Find Motivation When Life Feels Impossible
Image Credit: Warner Bros.
Sometimes life just feels meh.
The kind of meh where even basic tasks feel like climbing a mountain, and "finding motivation" sounds as achievable as waking up fluent in French overnight. If you’ve hit a wall—whether in your career, relationships, personal growth, or just general existence—you’re not alone.
Some days, simply existing is the accomplishment.
And while life has its ugh moments, I promise you that you are not trapped in them forever. These tough times are just chapters, not the whole story.
So let’s talk about how to push through when everything feels impossible, toxic positivity aside, just real talk and small, doable steps.
Step 1: Accept That Motivation Won’t Magically Appear
Contrary to popular belief, motivation doesn’t strike like lightning. It’s more like that one friend who only shows up after you’ve already started doing something. Instead of waiting for the perfect wave of inspiration, take any small action. Even the tiniest step counts.
Try this: Commit to five minutes of anything. Five minutes of writing, stretching, brainstorming, or just organizing your thoughts. Once you start, momentum follows.
Step 2: Break Life Into Bite-Sized Pieces
When everything feels overwhelming, your brain enters shutdown mode. The solution? Shrink your focus. Instead of trying to "fix your life," focus on one area and one small action at a time.
Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do today that moves me 1% forward? Tiny wins add up.
Step 3: Find Your Bare Minimum Routine
When you’re in a slump, forget the glow-up routine. Instead, create a bare minimum routine—three simple things that keep you functioning, even on your worst days.
Example:
Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
Step outside for fresh air, even for 60 seconds.
Do one productive thing, no matter how small.
Low effort, but keeps you moving.
Step 4: Romanticize the Little Things
You don’t need to be in a perfect mood to enjoy life. Find tiny joys—your favorite comfort TV show, your favorite playlist (this is a favorite of mine) , a text from someone you love. Romanticizing life makes the hard days feel softer.
Try this: Keep a list of little joys and add to it daily. When things feel bleak, revisit it.
Step 5: Reframe the Narrative
Your thoughts create your reality. If your inner voice sounds like a critic, it’s time to reframe.
Instead of: “I’ll never get out of this rut.”
Try: “I’ve been stuck before and found my way out. I can do it again.”
Talk to yourself the way you’d encourage a friend.
Step 6: Connect With People Who Lift You Up
When life feels hard, isolation makes it worse. Reach out—text a friend, call someone, or even listen to a podcast that makes you feel understood.
Reminder: You don’t need to "fix" everything before being around people. Let yourself be supported.
Step 7: Accept That It’s Okay to Feel Stuck
Not every season is about thriving. Some seasons are just about getting through. And that’s okay.
Even if you don’t feel it right now, you are still moving forward. Life is cyclical, and it is important to remember that this moment won’t last forever. Keep going, even if it’s just one tiny step at a time.
You’ve got this.