Feeling stuck and unmotivated? Here’s how I got out of a funk using simple mindset shifts, habits, and support. You can get back on track too—here’s how.
How I Got Out of a Funk and Reclaimed My Motivation
We all hit rough patches. For me, the funk came out of nowhere—suddenly, everything felt off. Work felt like a chore, motivation disappeared, and even things I usually loved didn’t spark joy. It wasn’t burnout or depression (though it could have become that), just a lingering fog I couldn’t shake. If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone—and I want to share how I got through it.
1. I Stopped Beating Myself Up
First, I gave myself permission to feel off. That self-compassion was crucial. I realized funks are part of being human, not signs of failure. I even read an article on Psychology Today about how common this is—and that alone helped me feel less isolated.
2. I Changed One Tiny Habit
I didn’t try to overhaul my life. Instead, I committed to one small change: a 10-minute walk each morning. That walk became my anchor—and led to bigger shifts over time. (If you’re trying to build a habit, I recommend checking out James Clear’s article on atomic habits).
3. I Reconnected With People
Funks thrive in isolation. So I started texting a friend each day. Nothing deep—just a check-in. It helped. (On that note: if you’re part of a community or interest group, lean into it. If not, maybe it’s time to explore one.)
4. I Let Go of Perfection
I took the pressure off. Over time, I realized I was holding myself to impossible standards. So, I stopped expecting to be 100% productive, happy, or “on” every day.. I even wrote about this shift in my personal growth journey—check it out if you’re curious.
5. I Got Honest With Myself
Journaling helped me unpack what was really going on. Sometimes a funk is just fatigue—but sometimes it’s a sign you’re out of alignment with your values. If that resonates, you might like my post on finding clarity in chaos.
What Helped Me Might Help You Too
Here’s a quick recap of what worked:
- Self-compassion
- One small daily habit
- Reaching out to others
- Releasing perfectionism
- Honest reflection
I didn’t wake up one day suddenly feeling amazing—but little by little, I felt more like me. And you can too.
Want to Go Deeper?
- 📘 Atomic Habits by James Clear – A great read on habit formation
- 🧠 Tiny Buddha – For mindfulness and mental health tips
- ✍️ My post on self-sabotage – How to stop holding yourself back
Final Thoughts
If you’re in a funk right now, trust that you won’t stay there forever. Don’t wait for motivation—build momentum instead, one tiny step at a time. You’ve got this.