a checklist for zero motivation moments.
Since I started working for myself, I've become an expert at convincing myself that today is definitely not the day to get something done.
It's either too sunny to work on my laptop, or it's too rainy, and I know my gloomy mood will make me super unproductive (spoiler alert: it won’t).
Sometimes, I have a legitimate reason not to do something. But when I’m not sure whether I should, I’ve created a little checklist to help me out.
It's not the most exciting start, but a mini audit to understand why I feel how I feel does wonders. I’m not a fan of pushing through, and if I’m compassionate with myself, I usually get back in my flow faster. So, am I low on energy, feeling insecure about a specific to-do, or am I just craving ice cream more than work atm?
Once I figure out what’s up and I make a conscious choice to tuck in, I figure out what’s the tiniest action I can take. Maybe the first step to getting me closer to completing a to-do is opening a new Notion page and choosing a cover that gets me in the mood, or maybe it’s googling the deadline for my taxes. Once I tackle that tiny task, I usually can’t be bothered to stop working.
Often, I need a reward to get going, so I do some time-blocking with a treat. I schedule time for the task on my agenda and block the same amount of time later that day or week for something I’m excited about. It could be an episode of whatever netflix show I’m obsessed about, that pottery workshop on the weekend, or getting in line for some overpriced sourdough.
Another tip on my list is to make the task more fun (or at least pretend it is). Maybe I take my laptop to a buzzy café, ask a friend if they’re up for a spontaneous coworking afternoon, or approach a task as if it were the first time I ever do it. Romanticizing my work has been moving me forward since day one.
And if nothing else works, I remind myself why I’m doing all of this. Every bit of work takes me a step closer to the life I’m dreaming of. Not every task is a party, but the end result is worth it.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
