Mindset and Motivation

The most important thing to do when you feel like doing NOTHING

Hello, loves!

My goal here is to give you one concept, one tip or one idea that will help you stay motivated, be mindful and keep you moving.

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There Is No Wagon To Fall From. Only Life!

Have you had times when you’re just not feeling it? Ya know… just IT.

You are not excited about what’s comin’ round the bend. There is no spark that tickles your insides about a new project or idea. That va va voom about your life in general feels va va blah.

If anything you feel more like Morales from A Chorus Line.

I dug right down to the bottom of my soul
To see what I had inside Yes,
I dug right down to the bottom of my soul
And I tried, I tried.

They all felt something
But I felt NOTHING
Except the feeling
That this bullshit was absurd.

Let me lay down the truth, friend.  There most certainly have been times when that song has played on repeat in my mind.

I didn’t wanted to push myself into action or force myself into places and events that might be ‘good’ for my career or even my soul.

There have been stretches where I am not particularly jazzed about what’s on the docket and inspiration is not my middle name.

I sit down to write and brilliance feels miles away. There is no strong point of view dying to be expressed.

I feel dull. Boring. Flat. Major le sigh.

And I won’t claim I like it.

In fact, it maddens me.

Because I like and appreciate my oomph. I feel better when I am motivated, have vision and strong feelings to go with that vision.

But this is not always my reality.

You might be thinking, “How dare she tell the truth about that! Every creative entreprenuer in the wellness field should be happy, fulfilled and creatively inspired All. The. Time.”

Unfortunately, it’s a gross misconception and a mistake to think that just because you are on the path to spiritual awakening filled with green juice and mantras, you are immune to humdrum, boring, don’t feel like doing a damn thing days. Maybe even weeks. Or months.

But, I want to be VERY clear about what I believe must happen during these times of nothingness.

You must still show up.

Despite not WANTING to do much of anything… motivate.

Show up to the computer to write.
Show up to class to teach.
Show up to the audition to sing, dance or act.
Get dressed every morning, even if it is just your yoga pants.
Do your morning pages.
Write your gratitude lists.
Drink your green juice.
And I still, call your Mom.

You may not do it perfectly and your actions may not produce any visible traction in the moment or even in moments after, but do them.

Showing up and giving 50% of your best is more than if you didn’t show up at all. 

And as Billy Preston said in his 1974 Billboard Hit:

“Nothing from nothing leaves nothing.”

If you don’t show up, nothing happens. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

If you find motivation and DO show up, because you never know what little spark might be generated.

The most important part in creating a life you love, which in essence is your greatest work of art, is showing up.

Sit down everyday and try.

Sit down everyday and try.

Sit down everyday and try.

Just. Do. Something.

Now it’s your turn. Using the comment section below, fill in the blank statement by leaving a comment.

Today, I will spend 30 minutes doing _____________, despite not really feeling like doing anything at all. I may be burnt, sad, uninspired or unfocused, but today, I will sit down and try. I will just do something.

Here’s mine.

Today, I will spend 30 minutes putting together a survey for all my readers (YOU) to fill out in a coming post. Despite not feeling motivated to on my business today, I will sit down, try and just do something.

Add your comments and tell us what you are going to do today.

Then get to it.

Love,

Erin

P.S. Don’t want until inspiration strikes. You have the ability to generate inspiration right now. This 3 min exercise will help. So come on over.

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  1. Today I will vocalize and practice for at least 30 minutes!

  2. Vanessa Liberati says:

    Today I will call my mom and restart a morning pages routine.

  3. Aoife says:

    Today, I will spend 30 minutes doing work filling in forms to get my music licensed, despite not really feeling like doing anything at all. I may be burnt, sad, uninspired or unfocused, but today, I will sit down and try. I will just do something.

  4. michelle says:

    Today I commit to showing up for myself! To write my blog, to do my work, to get dressed up and feel beautiful! to exercise and eat right!
    Thanks so much Erin this is just what I needed this morning and every morning!!

  5. Athena Castiglione says:

    Today I will spend 30 minutes on a new ‘Action’s List,’ and jump start a new routine! I love being held accountable- just typing this took a lot, because now we have to actually DO IT!

  6. Jackie says:

    OK Erin! You read my mind today! I soooooo needed this! Today I will spend 30 minutes planning out auditions for the next month/summer! I fell off the wagon a bit when I started a new “survival job.” Need to get back to my passion and start creating again!

  7. adelaide says:

    Today, I will spend 30 minutes practicing violin, despite not really feeling like doing anything at all. I may be burnt, sad, uninspired or unfocused, but today, I will sit down and try. I will just do something.

    Thank you! I needed that!

  8. Courtney says:

    Today I will write the letters I’ve been resisting!

  9. Danielle says:

    Today, I will edit my video!

  10. Erin says:

    Cindy, get that singin’ on!
    Vanessa, your mom will so appreciate it:)
    Aofie, your music NEEDS to be out in the world!
    Michelle, getting dressed up can DO something for the soul, yes?!:)
    Athena, that’s what I like to hear!
    Jackie, there IS a job waiting JUST FOR YOU!
    Adelaide, your violin will LOVE you for it. So will your audiences!
    Courtney, get those letters written. Imagine how happy the receivers will be!

    Go get ’em!

  11. Marina says:

    Today, I will spend 30 minutes doing school work and some de-cluttering despite not really feeling like doing anything at all. I may be burnt, sad, uninspired or unfocused, but today, I will sit down and try. I will just do something.
    It’s just one of those days I suppose. 🙂 Thanks for this email, it made me happy that I’m not the only one who feels like this from time to time.

  12. Lance says:

    Today I will spend 30 minutes of uninterrupted time outlining the exact questions that seem to be plaguing me and seemingly putting me in the same funk you described above.
    Tomorrow…30 minutes of uninterrupted time to take a stance and draw a conclusion on the answer to the first question.
    The next day…the next question and answer.

  13. karenina says:

    Today i will spend 30 minutes writing/talking with my family and friends. I don’t always feel i have ‘exciting’ enough news to tell them, but i will make an effort, because i know keeping friendships going actually requires communicating!

  14. Kristie says:

    Today I will spend thirty minutes stretching and reminding myself that everything is a process and takes time and due diligence. I will NOt spend thirty minutes beating myself up over my recent lack of motivation or creative spark.

    Thanks Erin. Definitely needed this today.

  15. Martine says:

    This post is so timely! After listening to an interview you did with Ashley of SBL yesterday and being reminded for the umpteenth time how important morning pages are, I grudgingly did them this morning. In fact, I think I wrote “Even though I don’t want to be doing this, I know I need to do it.” It felt good to do it, even though it was like pouring molasses in January to get the words out of me. So, today, I will work for 30 minutes on the opt-in offer for my website and work out for 30 minutes even though I don’t feel like it because I didn’t sleep well last night.

  16. Caitlin says:

    Thanks Erin! You are so right. Perfect rainy day reminder.

    Today, I will spend 30 minutes (minimum) working on the new monologue I chose to use for auditions. I hate the first steps of learning lines, but you have to focus in and do the work to get to the good stuff.

    xoxo

  17. Erin says:

    Marina, you are DEF not the only one, sister!

    Lance, can’t wait to see what you conclude!

    Karenina, sometimes just connecting and hearing a loved ones voice is more than enough:)

    Kristi, GIRL, you said it. EVERYTHING is a process and takes time. Why are we always rushing? Enjoy the ride, sister.

    Martine, don’t morning pages astound you!? Get that offer, girl!

    Caitlin, I hear you. Those first few lines are tough, but how good does it feel once you have it memorized!?:)

  18. Rebecca Oerkfitz-Garcia says:

    Today I completed all — ALL — of the forms and applications and essays required for me to be considered for graduate school. For way too long I have been saying that this was part of my plan: today I am proud to say that I have completed all steps to make this more probable!

    Thanks, Erin, for kicking me in the bottom so I could rise to the top!

    <3,
    Rebecca.

  19. Nat says:

    Today, I will spend 30 minutes doing PHP coding work, despite not really feeling like doing anything at all. I feel sad, uninspired and unfocused, but today, I will sit down and try. I will just do something.

  20. Manoj says:

    Today, I will spend 30 minutes doing cycling, despite not really feeling like doing anything at all. I may be burnt, sad, uninspired or unfocused, but today, I will sit down and try. I will just do something.

  21. Gwenn Panny says:

    When I’m feeling this way, I just go outside and take a walk. After an hour or so, I feel like I’m ready to take on anything.

  22. Brian says:

    today I will go to work and call my mom

  23. Stefan says:

    today I will at least show up to my classes and attempt my assignments

  24. Asad says:

    It was COMPLETE, HONEST, NO FANTASY, REALISTIC and fantastical piece of work Erin.
    Believe me, I have done so much research work on this topic. So much books, videos, audios and much more has been digested by me on this topic but this simple article has dealt with the issue more HONESTLY and with REALISTIC approach with no technical neuroscience bull shift 😉 than every other worldly literature I have ingested.
    Thank you so much for the beauty.
    May GOD bless you.

  25. Michael Smith says:

    Here I am, Two years after this is written, and I feel more inspired today than I ever have. Not inspired to do the things I need to do, but I feel the hope I need that I will be able to handle them.

    Today, I will call my previous employer to get my W-2’s for tax season. Despite not really feeling like doing anything at all. I may be burnt, sad, uninspired or unfocused, but today, I will sit down and try. I will just do something.

  26. jeffo says:

    Today, I will spend 30 minutes doing my assignment, despite not really feeling like doing anything at all. I may be burnt, sad, uninspired or unfocused, but today, I will sit down and try. I will just do something.

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