Just Not Feeling It…
Has there ever been a time in your life when you simply haven’t felt like doing something?
Maybe even the thought of doing that thing is exhausting and annoying. So what do you do when there’s something that you really don’t feel like doing?
If you’re like me, the answer is simple: You don’t do it.
There. Simple. Problem solved!
Can’t Say No
But what if saying no is not an option? What if you don’t feel like doing something that you actually need to do?
You may have to work on a novel, a project for school, something for work—or maybe you’re writing your weekly blog (I’ll just call myself out a little with this one).
There’s always a moment when you just aren’t feeling it, but you gotta do it anyway.
One of the biggest reasons I might not feel like working is when I’m overwhelmed by what’s happening in my life at the time. My mind can become so focused on the things that worry and stress me out that I have no desire to think about my everyday projects and responsibilities.
No Pause Button
But unfortunately, there’s no pause button for life.
We can’t just stop everything and curl up into a ball to escape our problems when they come crawling toward us.
So what do we do when we have to work even if we’d rather do anything else?
#1 Make a list
Put all the things you have to do on a list, then look over your list and mark the things that must be done today no matter what.
After that, mark the things that you should try to get done today if possible.
And lastly, mark the things that you could probably do on a different day if necessary.
Knowing what you need to do is the first step toward doing it!
Focus all your energy on the items on the list that you marked as must be completed no matter what.
#2 Do Smaller Tasks
I’ve said it before in a previous article, but when you’re trying to get things done, oftentimes it’s best to break your big, complicated tasks into smaller tasks that are easier to accomplish. If you’re trying to write a blog, that list may look like this:
-Decide on a topic
-Write the first draft
-Copy & paste it onto the WordPress editor
-Edit
-Look for pictures that match the blog topic
-Add pictures to the blog
-Create a blog blurb for Google
-Post blog
Even if I don’t feel like working, completing smaller tasks makes it easier for me to motivate myself to do more. Besides, it’s better to get a few smaller tasks done than leave several bigger ones half-finished.
#3 Take A Break
Sometimes you just need a little break to refresh yourself. Listen to music, take a short walk, get something to eat or drink—but then actually get back to work.
You may find yourself rested and ready to get back to work, or you may have to set a timer and rely on your self-discipline when it’s time to come back from your break.
It’s so easy to take a break and never go back to working on your novel/projects/work (I should know, I’ve done that many times), but in the end, it just leaves you with more problems later on.
#4 Eliminate Distractions
Pay attention to what distracts you when you’re trying to work.
Maybe it’s the internet, Pinterest, or Instagram. Maybe it’s being around people, or being in a room with windows. It may not be possible to get rid of all distractions, but knowing what they are can help you avoid giving in to them.
I’ll talk more about dealing with distractions in a future blog post!
#5 Find An Accountability Partner
Tell someone else what you need to do and let them hold you accountable.
It’s possible that just the act of telling someone will help motivate you to do what you need to do and write that novel, or finish that book report (or blog), or you may need someone to pester and nag at you a bit before you’ll get your tasks completed.
Either way, having someone else around to give you a little extra push could make all the difference (just don’t let them become more of a distraction than an accountability partner).
Finishing Strong
It’s tough, but not impossible to get things done when you don’t want to work.
You will need some self-discipline and self-control, but if you stick with it, you’ll finish that novel, blog, or whatever other project you’re working on.
Before You Go…
What projects are you working on right now?
Let me know in the comments below!
I’m currently doing a giveaway over on Instagram! Check it out!
Read last week’s blog by clicking here!
