Let’s be honest—staying motivated isn’t always easy, especially when everything around us feels uncertain. Whether it’s shifting political landscapes, a major reorganization at work, or an economic downturn, these changes can leave us feeling stressed, anxious, and unmotivated.
When you’re unsure about the future of your job or struggling to keep up with constant change, it’s easy to fall into a slump. But you’re not alone, and there are ways to keep your spirits up even when the going gets tough. First, consider joining out Step Up program to be supported by a global community while you strengthen your leadership skills.
Here are some practical strategies to help you stay motivated and focused during challenging times.
- Acknowledge Your Feelings (Without Letting Them Control You)
First things first—it’s okay to feel uncertain, anxious, or even frustrated when things aren’t going as planned. Acknowledge your feelings without letting them take over your life. Sometimes, simply admitting that things are tough can be a great first step in regaining control.
Take a moment to reflect on what you’re feeling and why. Journaling can be a helpful way to process emotions and identify patterns that might be affecting your motivation. Once you’ve acknowledged how you feel, you can start to focus on actionable steps to move forward.
- Stay Connected with Your Support System
It’s easy to isolate yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed, but staying connected with your support system can make a world of difference. Whether it’s friends, family, or trusted colleagues, having people you can talk to and lean on for support is crucial.
If you don’t feel comfortable discussing work uncertainties with colleagues, consider joining a professional women’s network or online community where you can share experiences and gain insights from others who might be going through similar challenges. Sometimes, all we need when we are feeling down, anxious or like we can’t control our situation, it helps to vent with a trusted friend. Just letting it all out, even if it involves a few tears, can help you feel relieved and ready to take your next step.
- Focus on What You Can Control
When everything around you feels unpredictable, it’s easy to feel powerless. The key is to focus on what you can control. This could mean setting clear, achievable goals for yourself, organizing your work tasks, or even developing new skills that will make you more marketable if things change.
Try making a list of the things you do have control over—whether it’s your attitude, your work ethic, or your daily habits—and focus on making small improvements in these areas.
- Reframe Challenges as Opportunities
I’m sure you’ve heard it many times: Change, while uncomfortable, can also present new opportunities. Instead of focusing on what might go wrong, try to see how you can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
For example, if your company is undergoing restructuring, consider how you can position yourself for a new role or take on additional responsibilities that will enhance your skill set. Being proactive and adaptable can help you stay ahead of the curve.
- Maintain a Healthy Routine
When life feels chaotic, maintaining a routine can provide a sense of stability. Stick to regular sleep patterns, eat nutritious meals, and find time for exercise—even if it’s just a short walk during your lunch break.
Physical health is closely linked to mental well-being, and taking care of your body can help you stay energized and better equipped to handle stress.
- Break Tasks into Manageable Steps
Big changes can feel overwhelming, which often leads to procrastination. To avoid feeling paralyzed by uncertainty, break your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Create a to-do list that prioritizes what needs to be done immediately and what can wait. Celebrate small wins along the way—they add up and can help keep your momentum going.
- Keep Learning and Growing
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to continue learning. Taking an online course, attending a webinar, or reading up on industry trends can help you stay engaged and feel more confident about your future.
By investing in your own development, you’re taking proactive steps to future-proof your career, making you feel more in control of your professional journey.
- Turn off the News
If your affliction comes from the state of the world, your region, or your country, it may be time to turn off the news. Many people are addicted to them and just read and watch anything they can get their hands on, particularly whatever shows up in their feeds. It may be time to be more strategic and only select the media outlets you want to follow which you are certain feature fact-checked news. Make it a point to visit them only once a day so you moderate your news consumption. And remember, if it bleeds it leads. Which means, most media outlets feature a disproportionate amount of negative news which can give you a very partial view of what’s really taking place in the world.
- Practice Self-Compassion
Remember, you’re only human, and it’s okay to have days when you don’t feel 100% motivated. Be kind to yourself and avoid negative self-talk. Instead of focusing on what you haven’t achieved, celebrate your progress and remind yourself that setbacks are part of growth.
Practicing mindfulness or meditation can also help you stay grounded and develop a more compassionate outlook towards yourself and others.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
- Seek Inspiration
Sometimes, all it takes to reignite your motivation is a little inspiration. Read success stories of women who have overcome adversity in their careers, listen to motivational podcasts, or watch TED talks that resonate with you.
Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help shift your mindset and remind you of the bigger picture.
- Set Boundaries
During challenging times, it’s easy to overextend yourself—saying yes to everything in an effort to prove your worth. However, setting healthy boundaries is crucial to maintaining your energy and motivation.
Learn to say no to tasks that don’t align with your goals or values, and prioritize activities that contribute to your long-term well-being and career growth.
- Keep Your Eye on the Long-Term Vision
Finally, remember why you started your career journey in the first place. Revisit your long-term goals and aspirations, and remind yourself of the bigger picture. When you keep your focus on the long-term vision, it becomes easier to stay motivated through temporary setbacks.
Visualize where you want to be in five or ten years and take steps—no matter how small—that will bring you closer to that vision.
Tough times are inevitable, but how you respond to them can make all the difference. By staying focused on what you can control, leaning on your support network, and continuing to grow, you can maintain motivation even in the face of uncertainty.
Remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about facing them head-on and finding ways to thrive despite them. Stay positive, stay proactive, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.
Have any tips for staying motivated when things get tough? Share them with us in the comments below or on social media using #RedShoeMovement!
