Life as a busy working woman and mom is like a never-ending juggling act. 🤹‍♀️ Between managing your career, nurturing your family, and attending to countless responsibilities, it's no wonder that some days you wake up feeling completely unmotivated. The truth is, we all have those days when we don't feel like doing anything extraordinary, and that's perfectly okay! It's essential to remember that motivation ebbs and flows, and you don't have to be a superhero every day. Some days, you need a mental health day in bed with a remote and a cozy blanket. 🛋️ 📺

For those days when the drive isn’t kicking in, but you absolutely need it to, I’m sharing my top five tips to find your motivation.

1)    Embrace Self-Compassion

First and foremost, the key to regaining motivation on days when you're feeling less than inspired is to practice self-compassion. You’re a busy woman juggling multiple roles, and it's easy to be hard on yourself when you're not at your best. We all want to be superwomen.  Instead of berating yourself for your lack of motivation, try offering yourself kindness and understanding. Understand that it's natural to have off days, and being gentle with yourself is the first step to getting back on track. ♥️♥️

Take a moment to acknowledge how you’re feeling. Talk out loud, talk to a friend or professional, or write down what’s happening.  Sometimes, just acknowledging what’s going on is self-soothing. 

Even the most successful people experience periods of low motivation. Treat yourself as you would treat a friend going through a similar situation, and you'll find it easier to move forward.

 2)    Get some movement

I know, I know. When you're not feeling motivated, the LAST thing you want to do is hit the gym. But guess what? I’m not talking about pumping iron or running a marathon here. I’m talking about the magic of movement – those little bursts of physical activity that can do wonders for your mood and motivation.

You don't need to commit to an intense workout; it could be as simple as a 10-minute dance party with your kids in the living room, a leisurely stroll around the block 🚶‍♀️, or even a quick yoga stretch session 🧘‍♀️. The key is to get your body moving. Why? Because exercise is like a secret handshake with your brain, causing it to release those 'feel good' chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that instantly give your mood a boost.

3)    Tune into the Power of Music

Ever notice how a favorite song can instantly lift your spirits and make you want to groove? Well, that's the magical influence of music, and it can be a fantastic tool for finding your lost motivation. 🎶🎼🎵

When you're in a funk and struggling to get started on your tasks, create a playlist filled with your favorite feel-good tunes. Whether it's those nostalgic '90s jams, some upbeat pop hits, or soothing acoustic melodies, music has the incredible ability to alter your mood and mindset.

Take a few moments to press play, and let the rhythm work its charm. You'll be surprised how a catchy beat or heartfelt lyrics can inject a burst of energy and enthusiasm into your day. Whether you're tackling a work project or managing the household, music can be your trusty sidekick, helping you power through tasks with a smile on your face. So, don't hesitate to turn up the volume and let the melodies guide you back to motivation! Just stay away from the super sad love songs.

4)    Find Your Inspiration

Sometimes, like can feel like an endless marathon, and on those days when motivation is playing hide-and-seek, it's crucial to have a secret stash of inspiration to draw from. Finding your inspiration is like having your personal cheerleading squad ready to boost your spirits and propel you toward your goals.

Look for women who inspire you with their achievements and the way they navigate the complexities of life. Whether it's a successful entrepreneur, a renowned author, or even a fellow mom who seems to have it all together, these role models can provide valuable insights and motivation.  

Connect with a supportive community. Joining or building a supportive community of like-minded women can provide a tremendous boost of inspiration. Share your challenges, celebrate each other's victories, and offer encouragement when motivation is waning. This can be as simple as a local mom's group, neighbors, or a connection with a coworker.  The key is to surround yourself with positivity.

5)    Break That To-Do List into Smaller Steps

Sometimes when you’re faced with a daunting to-do list, 🗒️ it sucks the motivation out of you. You become overwhelmed, and you don’t know where to start. Start by breaking that to-do list into smaller steps. Need to write an article for the company newsletter? That’s a huge to-do.  Instead, start with a list of potential topics. ✅ Pick a topic. ✅ Draw an outline. ✅

Breaking that to-do list into smaller, bite-sized chunks makes it less overwhelming.  And reward yourself after each one.  No, I don’t mean the family-sized package of Oreos.  Treat yourself to a salad out.  Go for a walk.  Take a nap.  Do self-care your way!

Remember that being a busy working woman and mom comes with its fair share of challenges, and unmotivated days are a part of that journey. Embrace these days as opportunities for self-compassion and personal growth. You are capable of achieving great things, even on the days when you don't feel like it. So, be kind to yourself, take one step at a time, and keep moving forward. You've got this!