Why motivation is important in our life?

Why is it Important?

We all have different goals, and no matter what these are, working towards something can give us satisfaction, meaning, and purpose. Feeling that we are improving our lives or the lives of others can be rewarding. Even though it is important to have balance and take time away from our primary goals to enjoy other activities, there is the satisfaction that can come from being productive, even if the work at times is stressful. Additionally, having more motivation to succeed can help us be more effective in getting into the college we want, or finding the career we want, or being able to play a song on an instrument we have been practicing.

When we lose motivation, we may begin to neglect some of what is important to us. We may not take care of our home or hygiene, may not keep in touch with friends, may show up late for work or put in little effort, etc. If this lasts for a day or two, there may be no serious consequences, but if the low motivation persists, important life areas probably become affected. Having very low motivation for weeks at a time is associated with Major Depressive Disorder. The challenge when feeling depressed and apathetic is that not working toward goals, not being active, and not being around (isolating) can actually make Depression much worse.

What should I do when I am not feeling motivated?

If you are experiencing low motivation, the first step is to figure out what may have changed. Maybe you have experienced a major setback and feel that you will fail at whatever you try to accomplish. Maybe you have not been getting enough sleep, or you have been eating unhealthy foods that make you lethargic. Maybe you have overexerted yourself and you are experiencing some burnout. Maybe you are not spending enough time taking care of yourself or participating in recreational activities. Maybe there is a medical cause. A very common reason that people lose motivation is that they create long-term or very challenging goals and focus only on those while not creating practical short-term goals and acknowledging the accomplishment of these. If you are having trouble staying motivated, you may need to find more balance in your life. You may also need to seek greater support from others, which could include these individuals holding you accountable. You may need to make a realistic schedule for yourself.

Keep in mind that motivation will fluctuate. Some days you just will not feel as motivated as other days. However, if your low motivation persists, it may be time to seek mental health treatment.