Lost motivation

[st33med]

As a child and into my early teens, I loved learning. I would do homework often and usually not late. I would sometimes learn things by myself, especially about computers.

Now as I moved to adulthood, I procrastinate so much. I don't learn things alone. Any positive pulling motivation doesn't seem to be enough or move me to do things and I'm doing other things that are just a short pleasure like watching TV. I have to force myself to do things I love to do. It doesn't make sense to me that I stop naturally doing things that I like. I feel very apathetic.

I don't know what changed. I just feel like as time moves on, even negative, pushing motivation that requires effort from me is starting to fade. I tolerated it because it helped me move forward until it's just not working.

Am I depressed? Am I just not feeling life like I used to?

[AngelPsychic444]

Well, one thing that came to mind, as I read your post was that one of the new ascension symptoms we're going through now is a loss of motivation to do things. It's like at times all we want to do is nothing, and in turn that's what we're supposed to do. Also, with all the energy shifts we're going through now, just sort of hanging around is not a bad idea. I know this can be depressing, since we are so used to doing things, but I would look into it as an energy shift.... or maybe a lull before a big shift or whatever.

I know I feel less motivated lately... but I just think of it as the shifting energies since I follow very closely how all these new shifts are effecting me.... both in seemingly good and "negative" ways.

Life is not what it used to be... we have to be ready for this, everything is changing in light of the new energies!

Last summer I was given a message by my Angels and they said that I have to look at my life from only an Ascension point of view from now on.... all the old ways of doing things are moot. If you don't look at life this way, nothing will make any sense.

[st33med]

Originally Posted by AngelPsychic444

Well, one thing that came to mind, as I read your post was that one of the new ascension symptoms we're going through now is a loss of motivation to do things. It's like at times all we want to do is nothing, and in turn that's what we're supposed to do. Also, with all the energy shifts we're going through now, just sort of hanging around is not a bad idea. I know this can be depressing, since we are so used to doing things, but I would look into it as an energy shift.... or maybe a lull before a big shift or whatever.

I know I feel less motivated lately... but I just choke it up to the shifting energies since I follow very closely how all these new shifts are effecting me.... both in seemingly good and "negative" ways.

Life is not what it used to be... we have to be ready for this, everything is changing in light of the new energies!

It's not that. I've been this way for awhile (like 4 years or more) where motivation to do things has been going going gone. Things I like to do aren't pulling me to do it. It requires lots of effort to get going on these things like math.

[Le Roi]

Just because a path or activity motivated us in the past does not mean it's now the right path or activity for us now.

If you're not feeling motivated, it could mean you're on a path that no longer has a heart on it. Procrastination is often a sign that we're working on something that deep down we're not meant to work for, or that we don't want to work on but we are caught in the trap of believing it is important for us to work on now.

[spacecadetglow]

Originally Posted by Le Roi

Just because a path or activity motivated us in the past does not mean it's now the right path or activity for us now.

If you're not feeling motivated, it could mean you're on a path that no longer has a heart on it. Procrastination is often a sign that we're working on something that deep down we're not meant to work for, or that we don't want to work on but we are caught in the trap of believing it is important for us to work on now.

Hmm, I see what you're saying but I don't think it's always the case. I procrastinate practicing music because I'm in the habit of sitting on the computer when I get home, but I'm motivated as ever to be a stellar musician.

It could just be that you've gotten into some bad habits like this, Andrew? What if you changed your routine a bit, like doing homework as soon as you get back from class instead of getting on the internet?

Or, it could be that you aren't enjoying your studies. Though I dunno, I procrastinated a lot in college too and I loved my classes. So yeah, I'd suggest changing up your routine or think hard if your major is the right one for you.

[st33med]

Originally Posted by Le Roi

Just because a path or activity motivated us in the past does not mean it's now the right path or activity for us now.

If you're not feeling motivated, it could mean you're on a path that no longer has a heart on it. Procrastination is often a sign that we're working on something that deep down we're not meant to work for, or that we don't want to work on but we are caught in the trap of believing it is important for us to work on now.

I understand, but I LIKE computers and always have. I don't know what else would motivate me as well.

[spacecadetglow]

I also see you talk a lot about wanting to generate motivation for yourself, like wanting to make yourself desire to do something, instead of just sucking it up and doing it regardless of your feelings on the matter. I feel like this would be a good approach for you.

Sometimes life's just grunt work, you know? I'm sure not every homework assignment is totally captivating, but look at the bigger picture and decide if a few moments of discomfort are worth the end result.

[st33med]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

I also see you talk a lot about wanting to generate motivation for yourself, like wanting to make yourself desire to do something, instead of just sucking it up and doing it regardless of your feelings on the matter. I feel like this would be a good approach for you.

Sometimes life's just grunt work, you know? I'm sure not every homework assignment is totally captivating, but look at the bigger picture and decide if a few moments of discomfort are worth the end result.

Yeah... I just wish it was something I would always be moved to do.

*le sigh*

And also there was cool computer stuff that I like, but whenever I set the intention to do, I procrastinate and/or forget.

[Le Roi]

Originally Posted by st33med

I understand, but I LIKE computers and always have. I don't know what else would motivate me as well.

When you're constantly trying to push yourself to do something you feel you should be doing "like here, you feel you LIKE computers so you feel you should be motivated to working on it", then you can't have the space to explore to see what else would motivate you.

If you're depressed though, that can impact your state of being. When I'm feeling down, I don't feel like doing things I normally love to do. When I'm back up to enjoying my life, I'm excited to go back to those things I normally love to do.

@spacecadetglow, it's true, it's not always the case, hence why I wrote "often a sign of", not "always a sign of" .

[James81]

I actually wrote an article today that had some stuff about motivation in it (I made a thread about it over in the personal effectiveness forum if you wanna read it).

I've come to see that motivation is a crazy mixture between emotion and logic and out of those two things springs our desires. Because motivation is tied to our emotions like that, it's also cyclical in the way that emotion is cyclical. And it's also heavily influenced by external stimuli (your environment and what you are exposing yourself to on a daily basis).

Motivation, then, comes in waves just like emotion. Motivation, then, has a beginning and an end, just like emotion. Motivation isn't something you store, just like emotion. Persistent motivation, like persistent emotion, is taking the cyclical wave pattern and modifying your behavior (and your beliefs/values) in such a way that you crunch the waves closer together. We do this automatically for things like depression and chronic mental issues.

(You're a math guy, so you might appreciate this...take a look at the graph for a sine wave. When I say that emotion comes in waves, that's kind of what I'm alluding to. That up and down ebb and flow. Those with high motivation kinda "cheat" the curve such as to bring the peaks closer together and to balance the "up and down" nature of hte curve.)

[spacecadetglow]

Originally Posted by James81

I actually wrote an article today that had some stuff about motivation in it (I made a thread about it over in the personal effectiveness forum if you wanna read it).

I've come to see that motivation is a crazy mixture between emotion and logic and out of those two things springs our desires. Because motivation is tied to our emotions like that, it's also cyclical in the way that emotion is cyclical. And it's also heavily influenced by external stimuli (your environment and what you are exposing yourself to on a daily basis).

Motivation, then, comes in waves just like emotion. Motivation, then, has a beginning and an end, just like emotion. Motivation isn't something you store, just like emotion. Persistent motivation, like persistent emotion, is taking the cyclical wave pattern and modifying your behavior (and your beliefs/values) in such a way that you crunch the waves closer together. We do this automatically for things like depression and chronic mental issues.

(You're a math guy, so you might appreciate this...take a look at the graph for a sine wave. When I say that emotion comes in waves, that's kind of what I'm alluding to. That up and down ebb and flow. Those with high motivation kinda "cheat" the curve such as to bring the peaks closer together and to balance the "up and down" nature of hte curve.)

Just had to say this was an awesome post and I feel like you've put words to something that's been brewing for me the past few weeks. Nice. Can I get that link to your blog post on this? It's funny because I am having this recurring dream where I'm on boat out in the ocean, going up and down with the waves. It's always scary and thrilling at the same time, like a roller coaster. The drama of life, lolz.

This is manipulable, you think?

[st33med]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

Just had to say this was an awesome post and I feel like you've put words to something that's been brewing for me the past few weeks. Nice. Can I get that link to your blog post on this? It's funny because I am having this recurring dream where I'm on boat out in the ocean, going up and down with the waves. It's always scary and thrilling at the same time, like a roller coaster. The drama of life, lolz.

This is manipulable, you think?

I like it to...

Where's my motivation boat? Did Jesus ride away with another one of my things?

[James81]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

Just had to say this was an awesome post and I feel like you've put words to something that's been brewing for me the past few weeks. Nice. Can I get that link to your blog post on this? It's funny because I am having this recurring dream where I'm on boat out in the ocean, going up and down with the waves. It's always scary and thrilling at the same time, like a roller coaster. The drama of life, lolz.

This is manipulable, you think?

Thanks.

Link to article is here: Foundations of Effective Time ManagementAce The Test

(It's not an article about motiation, but motivation is part of a smaller point within the article.)

As far as it being manipulable, I believe that it is, yes. There are many facets of emotions, and so many different things play into it, so it may not be directly manipulable in some cases. But I think it's influenced by changing behaviors, changing environment/experience, and/or changing beliefs/values/identity/etc. Any mix of the three will play into your overall state of wellbeing and motivation.

[Mounds]

Andrew, I created a thread yesterday that I want to get into accountability coaching. I keep people accountable and motivated for a living so I figured why not try it in a coaching environment. I'll help you get organized and focused. I'm looking for some experience in the field and I'm hopeful that if you accept my offer, you'll gain from it as well. My focus is on the practical aspects. If you are having trouble getting motivated to do school work, then I'll help you find ways to get motivated, eliminate distractions and get yourself organized. All for the low cost of some of your time

Drop me a PM if you are interested.

[st33med]

I don't know yet... I've found that doing lots of computer stuff (installing ArchLinux with XFCE window manager... don't ask ) is actually just natural for me. I'm looking for solutions, trying out things, and having fun. No smiles, but I just get so wrapped up in configuring stuff and tinkering with parts. It's so natural.

Though, I sometimes feel like I'm secluding myself and also keeping myself from other tasks that are important. However, stuff has worked out a lot though. I do things and procrastinate on what I want, even if it is important. However, I know I must not procrastinate too much or else I'll be staying up late or trying to cram before a test. Though, why did I say that? I'm a light studier.

I don't know what else to do right now. I get caught up in tinkering my computer to make things work and add other things, maybe make a new program or script or edit some how to while I'm at it. It's quite expansive!

[st33med]

One thing I am beginning to notice is how I do procrastinate on somethings. I am done with classes and the first thing I do is that I enjoy myself. I have time off during the day. I COULD do homework then, but really, I just want to do things that I really really really want to do now. I guess that's where most of my motivation is. If I ignore it, it just disappears.

So I just enjoy myself and do things I would like to do. There is no reason not to. My mother has always said that if I get my homework done early, then I have more time to do other things. Which doesn't make so much sense to me unconsciously. I want to do other things besides things I need to do, stuff that isn't so supercritical yet I don't give myself time to do.

I've always fought against the notion of doing homework early. I think it's time to accept that I can do my homework later and do other things.

When I do this, I find that sooner or later I get inspired to do work, and *poof*, I get to doing it effortlessly and easily. Kinda shocked me how easy things were moving doing homework at midnight last night. I was enjoying the things I was doing moreso than doing it earlier. And I started to get all sleepy at 2 so I went to bed and did all the rest this morning. Not a ton of stress actually. Not like when I do things early and I want to get distracted doing other things. I always tell myself I'm just relaxing so it was an excuse from work and doing games or other things wasn't relaxing. So I sooner or later started to watch TV and 'relax' when I wanted to do other fun things.

I just lose inspiration to do things after a certain time and gain inspiration to do things at other times. If I fight it, I eventually have a struggle doing it and it becomes much of an effort. I guess you're right, Amy, it does come in waves and sometimes in a schedule in my mind.

[lifeforce]

Warning! j/k


Motivation is the feeling of being compelled to get "X". So you do whatever it takes to get "X". And you feel great while doing it cause your motivated.

Take working out for example. By itself, it's not all that exciting to lift a barbell up and down, sweat and strain. That is when gym time becomes boring. But when you're focused on the end result of what you want (being really strong), meaning you think about it often and feel good when you do (want it want it want it), working out becomes a joy and a pleasure. I don't even think about "motivation". I just do it because I want to.


I'll quote you:
"So I just enjoy myself and do things I would like to do." In essence, you are highly motivated to do just that. Though, "motivation" is almost uncounchious, so you don't actually call it that. Enjoying yourself is what you want to do. That is your desire. So you do it. You don't procrastinate enjoying yourself. You do it because it is your strongest desire. You feel pulled towards it. You're motivated.


The only way to get over procrastination and become motivated about something else, is to have another desire, and have it be a really strong desire.

So you think about what you want, often throughout the day. The more you think about it, the stronger the desire becomes. Over time, it builds up in intensity, and then you just have to take action on it. Strong desire for what you want equals strong motivation.


Believe me, I spent months trying to figure out how to motivate myself to get back in shape. I just didn't feel like it. Bleeh! whas my response to working out. Because I was focusing on wanting to feel motivated instead of focusing the outcome.

So I begun thinking hey, really low body fat. That would be a cool thing to achieve. And I begun making a conscious effort to think about having a low bodyfat three or four times during the day in a relaxed manner, and stop stressing about it so much. Pretty soon, thinking about it became automatic, I begun to want it, want it some more, desiring it and productively obsess about it. Now I just have to work out. I'm compelled to. I must do. That's high motivation. Wanting it really bad.


To short it down: What do you want? If you have no clear desire, ask youself: what would be... kinda cool... to have, be or do?
After you get an idea of what you want, start thinking about it untill it goes into your subconscious. Witch is when magic happens, and you just feel like you have to take some action or else go totally insane. Like a pressure valve. Aka, Productively obsessing.

You dont really need a good reason for wanting it. My reason is simple - it would be kinda cool. There is no logical reason in the world that I actually need to have low bodyfat and high deadlift numbers.

You just need to think about what you want. It bears repetition; focusing on "I want to feel motivated" is not effective, since theres no focus on what you want to feel motivated about.

Anyways, I know my writing is a bit scatterbrained, but I hope it helps.

[Criseyde]

Maybe you're in the wrong field. In college, I couldn't "get motivated" until I changed my major. Then I became a 4.0 student.

[Federer]

Originally Posted by st33med

One thing I am beginning to notice is how I do procrastinate on somethings. I am done with classes and the first thing I do is that I enjoy myself. I have time off during the day. I COULD do homework then, but really, I just want to do things that I really really really want to do now. I guess that's where most of my motivation is. If I ignore it, it just disappears.

So I just enjoy myself and do things I would like to do. There is no reason not to. My mother has always said that if I get my homework done early, then I have more time to do other things. Which doesn't make so much sense to me unconsciously. I want to do other things besides things I need to do, stuff that isn't so supercritical yet I don't give myself time to do.

I've always fought against the notion of doing homework early. I think it's time to accept that I can do my homework later and do other things.

When I do this, I find that sooner or later I get inspired to do work, and *poof*, I get to doing it effortlessly and easily. Kinda shocked me how easy things were moving doing homework at midnight last night. I was enjoying the things I was doing moreso than doing it earlier. And I started to get all sleepy at 2 so I went to bed and did all the rest this morning. Not a ton of stress actually. Not like when I do things early and I want to get distracted doing other things. I always tell myself I'm just relaxing so it was an excuse from work and doing games or other things wasn't relaxing. So I sooner or later started to watch TV and 'relax' when I wanted to do other fun things.

I just lose inspiration to do things after a certain time and gain inspiration to do things at other times. If I fight it, I eventually have a struggle doing it and it becomes much of an effort. I guess you're right, Amy, it does come in waves and sometimes in a schedule in my mind.

Sometimes we have to carry on working on our daily tasks and inspiration will find us.

Hope you regain your motivation and inspiration.

[st33med]

Originally Posted by Criseyde

Maybe you're in the wrong field. In college, I couldn't "get motivated" until I changed my major. Then I became a 4.0 student.

Thing is, I'm not "in" my major yet. Freshmen have to take all those courses which don't really matter later on.

[craigharper]

We’re all motivated at some stage but in many instances, not for long. For most of us, life is a never-ending series of motivational peaks and troughs. Like flatulence, it comes and goes. We start things. And then we stop. And while we should capitalise on motivation when it’s there, we shouldn’t rely on it to get us where we want to go over the long term. Successful people find a way to keep doing what’s required even in the absence of (the emotional state of) motivation. *We call this ‘non-negotiable commitment’.

[ChrisGinsburg]

We don't ever truly lose motivation. Our motivations just change. As beings that typically resist change, we try our hardest to falsely get motivated for something that's not meant to be at this point in time. If you let go of what you think you should be motivated for you begin to see that your motivation is always flowing in one direction or another if you only took a moment to look.

Sometimes we are meant to truly do nothing. We need time every now and then to recharge and gain new perspectives. People obsessed with being productive think this is the end of the world or they are depressed. The longer they try to force motivation the longer it eludes them.

Being stuck in a rut for an extended period of time (months, years) is usually a result of endlessly trying to force motivation into a path you think you should be taking but has little resonance with your deepest desires.

The other piece is that you are what you think about. The very focus on being unmotivated gives further rise to a lack of motivation. When you spend more time wondering what video game you'll play later on than what matters to you, your desires will be stronger to procrastinate. Every thought has stretching consequences. Even if you just spend 5-10 minutes before bed every night focusing on something, you can increase your subconscious desires towards whatever it is and find yourself more motivated when the time comes to choose.

[Andrew Gubb]

School does this. There's a point round about 15 or so when the spark of life exits a child. It happens about the same time for most people. By teaching you to learn through suffering, they make you forget about how to learn through joy. By teaching you to act through negative motivation (mostly: the fear of reprisal for not following orders) they make you forget how to act on joyful positive motivation. They make you dependent on the system, a perfect cog in their machine.

[James81]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

School does this. There's a point round about 15 or so when the spark of life exits a child. It happens about the same time for most people. By teaching you to learn through suffering, they make you forget about how to learn through joy. By teaching you to act through negative motivation (mostly: the fear of reprisal for not following orders) they make you forget how to act on joyful positive motivation. They make you dependent on the system, a perfect cog in their machine.

It's so easy to blame "them" and "they" isn't it?

The way I see it, if Victor Frankl could find meaning and purpose in a Nazi concentration camp, and learn to see life through a bright new perspective, then nobody, nowhere has any excuse for allowing their joy to exit them. The only way you can let joy leave and negative motivation enter is to choose it. Pure and simple.

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by James81

It's so easy to blame "them" and "they" isn't it?
.

Who said anything about blame? I was stating facts. You can then choose what to do with them.

Anyone who wants to know about what the school system does to children should check out John Taylor Gatto's work. John Taylor Gatto - Challenging the Myths of Modern Schooling

The role of personal responsibility in this situation is to know that you have the power to get out of a bad situation or to make the best of it without giving up your internal sense of dignity. Taking responsibility and avoiding blame won't magically turn a bad situation into a good one.

[st33med]

Andrew, I don't believe in suffering to learn. It was quite the opposite for me; I enjoyed learning geometry proofs and doing maths homework especially in high school.

Also, It does seem to me you are blaming the school system for everything wrong, 'facts' or not. You're pointing fingers at school for kids losing motivation when it can be a thoroughly different reason like a different viewpoint about school (waste of time, boring, etc), or even depression.

[James81]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

Who said anything about blame?

I tend to forget that the word "blame" is an activator word for some people here. I should've chosen a different word.

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

I was stating facts.

No you weren't.

Fact: When I throw this cup in the air, it will fall back to the earth unless acted on by an outside force.

Opinion: The school system is ****ing up our children.

See how those two statements differ? (I'm not trying to be snarky, but I wanted to illustrate the difference between fact and opinion because you are asserting opinion as if it were a fact.)

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

Anyone who wants to know about what the school system does to children should check out John Taylor Gatto's work. John Taylor Gatto - Challenging the Myths of Modern Schooling

The role of personal responsibility in this situation is to know that you have the power to get out of a bad situation or to make the best of it without giving up your internal sense of dignity. Taking responsibility and avoiding blame won't magically turn a bad situation into a good one.

I'll let you know in a few months what the school system is doing to children. In fact, I'll give you a rundown of what I observe in the next three days when I'm in the school doing observations.

[spacecadetglow]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

School does this. There's a point round about 15 or so when the spark of life exits a child. It happens about the same time for most people. By teaching you to learn through suffering, they make you forget about how to learn through joy. By teaching you to act through negative motivation (mostly: the fear of reprisal for not following orders) they make you forget how to act on joyful positive motivation. They make you dependent on the system, a perfect cog in their machine.

That's funny, age 15 was right around the time I stopped being so arrogant and started to actually listen to what my teachers had to say. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for them. Age 16 wad when I was first introduced to transcendentalism by my 11th grade English teacher, and it was shortly thereafter that I had my first "waking up" experience. My times in the classroom at that age were some of the happiest mOments of my life.

[beast]

15 is also when I said "f this" and quit school, and my life got way way way better in every way

Still, though, what Andrew was talking about is definitely opinion, not fact.

[Mounds]

Started a new thread for the blossoming school discussion:

Schools - Good or Bad?