Overcoming a Loss in Motivation that Follows a Burst of Activity

[John Wesley]

One of my greatest challenges isn't starting new projects, but maintaining my momentum after my initial enthusiasm fades. How do you deal with this loss of motivation when it occurs?

I think that the key is understanding your emotional process and harnessing it for your benefit. The natural pattern of human emotion is peaks and valleys. When we start a new project we’re filled with tremendous optimism. All we can think about is the expected benefits, and since we haven’t started yet, we aren’t aware of the difficulties involved. This natural high causes a surge of mental and physical activity. The peak is a great thing because the energy boost gets projects off the ground. If you’re a creative type like me, you know that this period is euphoric. You feel like nothing can stop you.

The downside of this surge of energy is that it inevitably ends. Exerting large amounts of energy wears you down, and after the initial optimism wears off we feel extremely tired. However high you started off, you fall down just as low. This causes a loss of confidence. The combination of fatigue, scant results, and an awareness of impending adversity makes us want to give up. From personal experience I’ve learned a few ways to hold strong against negativity.

1. Be prepared for letdown
2. Use the opportunity to reevaluate your motivation from a fresh perspective.

I've written a substantial post of the subject: Overcoming the Loss of Motivation that Follows a Surge of Productivity - Pick the Brain - Self Improvement, Individuality, and the Pursuit of Happiness. And I'd really like to know what everyone else thinks.

[Fusebox]

Interesting article. Im also trying to narrow down as to why it happens etc.