10 Ways to Motivate Yourself When You Feel Lost in Life and Career

Being lost in life and career can make you feel like you don’t know which way to turn to find your way back to the path that leads to the life you want to live. You may think that it’s easy for others, but there are many reasons why it can be difficult to motivate yourself when you feel lost. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to motivate yourself when you feel lost and get back on track. Here are 10 things that could help if you’re feeling lost right now and looking for some motivation in your life and career.

1) Write down your feelings

I don’t know about you, but I have days where I can’t do anything because my motivation is at an all-time low. And although it might be hard to admit, feeling lost or not motivated is a pretty normal feeling that almost everyone goes through from time to time. So what do you do when you feel lost? If you follow these simple steps, you should be back on track in no time!

#1 Accept your feelings: 

No matter how much we want to ignore them, sometimes our feelings are just too strong to ignore. And there’s nothing wrong with accepting those feelings – it just means you’re human! So instead of fighting your emotions, embrace them and use them as motivation for change. Just remember: The longer you hold onto negative emotions like anger or sadness, the harder they will be to let go of later on down the road.

#2 Find new activities: 

Sometimes getting out of our comfort zone is exactly what we need in order to find inspiration again – even if we don't realize it right away. So whether you decide to take a walk outside, read a book, or do something completely different from your normal routine, finding something that interests you can help re-spark your motivation!

#3 Look at yourself objectively: 

Sometimes when we feel lost, it’s because we’re looking at ourselves through rose-colored glasses. For example, maybe you had a bad day at work and automatically assumed that your career is over or that you’ll never get another job again. But just because one thing didn’t work out doesn’t mean nothing will ever work out for you again – so try not to be too hard on yourself!

2) Identify what’s going on

The first step is to identify what’s bothering you. If you feel lost, it might be because of something specific or it might just be a general sense of unease. Take a few moments to write down what your feelings are (e.g., I don’t know if I can handle working here anymore) and how they make you feel (e.g., scared).

3) Think about what went wrong

It’s so easy for us to fall into a sense of despair when we feel lost in life or at work. Don’t give up! Take some time out of your day and think about what went wrong. Was it something you did? Or, was it that someone else didn’t do their job? The root cause is important because once you pinpoint it, you can work on it

4) Don’t make a change for the sake of it

In other words, don’t just quit your job because you’re bored or because everyone else seems to be doing it. Everyone at some point in their life has felt as if they had lost their way—lost sight of who they are and what they want out of life. So how do you motivate yourself when you feel lost? Do what feels authentic for you, even if it doesn’t seem practical.

5) Talk to a loved one

In these hard times, it is easy to become bogged down by doubt. If you need a little inspiration, sit down with your friends or family and have a heart-to-heart about what you’re doing. Don’t give up when things don’t go your way – nobody likes a quitter! Instead, talk to someone you love who will lift you up again.

6) Consult an expert

No matter how difficult a task may seem, we’re not meant to do it alone. There are tons of resources available—from experts at your company, friends and family members—so never think you have no one to turn to for help. Don’t give up; get inspired by seeking outside sources for advice or direction when you need it most.

7) Run away from everything - temporarily

Sometimes you just need a mental break from your situation. If it’s possible, take some time away from everything: friends, family, coworkers. This temporary escape will give you time to think clearly and regroup. Even if you’re only gone for a day or two, getting away will allow you a little space to figure out what actually makes you happy—and how to get there. If a quick vacation isn’t an option, even a change of scenery can help significantly.

8) Celebrate small wins

You’re going to hit bumps along your path, but those hurdles don’t have to be permanent. Acknowledge when you feel like you’ve made progress—even if it’s just a small step forward. Celebrating these small wins will motivate you, help keep you on track, and may even inspire others who are struggling too. In other words: Every time you hit a milestone in your personal or professional life, celebrate it! And then keep moving forward.

9) The cure for fear is action - even if it’s scary!

Fear can be overwhelming, but it’s important to know that it only exists because you haven’t taken action. We don’t feel afraid before taking a test or going on a first date; instead, our worries appear after we think about what we have going on—or what could go wrong. Don’t let fear rule your life. Face your fears by doing something about them! We guarantee that if you take action, you won’t have time for self-doubt.

10) Be kind to yourself!

The feeling of being lost can make you feel like a failure. It’s important not to beat yourself up, because failure is part of life. Instead, be kind to yourself. In doing so, you’ll encourage positive thoughts that can lead you toward a solution. Be thankful for your successes—big or small—and focus on ways you can improve your skills in various areas of your life. Celebrating victories will boost your confidence and remind you of all the wonderful things in your life!