Whenever I'm in that sort of state, I need to remind myself it's ok to feel that way or to not be overly productive. It helps the most of I can just be kind to myself and just accept that I'm feeling that way and do something relaxing. Not always that easy though!
Yes, I’ve found the same! And sometimes the challenge isn’t to stop beating myself up — because if I don’t succeed that just gets worse — but to accept how I am feeling. Hard yet helpful indeed. Thank you for reading 🥰
"I’ve been lacking motivation, or just feeling too restless to choose one thing and do it. I’ve wanted to do nothing, just watch telly, and simultaneously I’ve wanted to do something extremely fun and exciting. I’ve wanted to enjoy life with plenty of joie de vivre. But I’ve been unable, indecisive. I didn’t know what incredibly fun thing to do or how to make it happen. And so instead I beat myself up for wasting time."
This describes me exactly. You're not alone in this feeling. I've had so many days like this in 2024. More days like this than good days this year. Actually a lot of what you wrote completely feels like me. I don't have the answers and like you I'm figuring out what's going to get me out of this feeling.
Setting a timer and writing what you wrote is great. It's a great piece of writing.
Writing has been something that's helping. Getting my thoughts out. I write in the morning. Sometimes it's for Substack but many times I don't know what to write about so I dump out what's on my mind.
Reading first thing in the morning has helped too. I read 30-60 mins every morning. Depending on what time I wake up. No checking social media till after 12pm is my rule which has helped keep my mornings feeling lighter mentally.
Then I go an exercise.
Those three things I've done every morning since August 1. Having a morning that's focused on me and helped me. I feel good. So maybe you can find a morning routine that you're excited about doing so that you can start your day taking care of yourself.
Some days I go on afternoon walks and I'm listening to a book called "Buy Yourself the F*ucking Lilies" by Tara Schuster. I also now discovered she's on Substack and started a podcast.
She went through dark times and the book shares how she overcame that. Here's a book summary from her website http://www.taraschuster.com/lillies
Like you, I'm still figuring out what it is I want to do. What will get me excited. What can I do that's fulfilling. Sometimes I'll be so inspired and motivated with an idea I get. Then when i get to my computer and sit down to do the work, I freeze. I have doubts and fears. Then i want to just open Youtube and watch videos to procrastinate.
But I keep doing those three things in the morning. Learning what helped others and trying out their advice in my own life. If it worked for them, it can work for me. But I've got to at least try.
I’ve got a pretty good morning routine going as well, that I stick to in some way on most days. It includes similar things: walking, writing, meditating, etc. Reading I do in the evenings before sleep.
It’s usually the afternoons when I struggle, when I’ve run out of willpower for the day. But I’m slowly starting to find my way (I might do a post at some point on what helps me in these moments).
I so relate to feeling meh, not understanding why, and getting frustrated. Sending love Philippine...xxx
Thank you, Susan 🥰
Whenever I'm in that sort of state, I need to remind myself it's ok to feel that way or to not be overly productive. It helps the most of I can just be kind to myself and just accept that I'm feeling that way and do something relaxing. Not always that easy though!
Yes, I’ve found the same! And sometimes the challenge isn’t to stop beating myself up — because if I don’t succeed that just gets worse — but to accept how I am feeling. Hard yet helpful indeed. Thank you for reading 🥰
"I’ve been lacking motivation, or just feeling too restless to choose one thing and do it. I’ve wanted to do nothing, just watch telly, and simultaneously I’ve wanted to do something extremely fun and exciting. I’ve wanted to enjoy life with plenty of joie de vivre. But I’ve been unable, indecisive. I didn’t know what incredibly fun thing to do or how to make it happen. And so instead I beat myself up for wasting time."
This describes me exactly. You're not alone in this feeling. I've had so many days like this in 2024. More days like this than good days this year. Actually a lot of what you wrote completely feels like me. I don't have the answers and like you I'm figuring out what's going to get me out of this feeling.
Setting a timer and writing what you wrote is great. It's a great piece of writing.
Writing has been something that's helping. Getting my thoughts out. I write in the morning. Sometimes it's for Substack but many times I don't know what to write about so I dump out what's on my mind.
Reading first thing in the morning has helped too. I read 30-60 mins every morning. Depending on what time I wake up. No checking social media till after 12pm is my rule which has helped keep my mornings feeling lighter mentally.
Then I go an exercise.
Those three things I've done every morning since August 1. Having a morning that's focused on me and helped me. I feel good. So maybe you can find a morning routine that you're excited about doing so that you can start your day taking care of yourself.
Some days I go on afternoon walks and I'm listening to a book called "Buy Yourself the F*ucking Lilies" by Tara Schuster. I also now discovered she's on Substack and started a podcast.
https://taraschuster.substack.com/?r=fb241&utm_campaign=referrals-subscribe-page-share-screen&utm_medium=web
She went through dark times and the book shares how she overcame that. Here's a book summary from her website http://www.taraschuster.com/lillies
Like you, I'm still figuring out what it is I want to do. What will get me excited. What can I do that's fulfilling. Sometimes I'll be so inspired and motivated with an idea I get. Then when i get to my computer and sit down to do the work, I freeze. I have doubts and fears. Then i want to just open Youtube and watch videos to procrastinate.
But I keep doing those three things in the morning. Learning what helped others and trying out their advice in my own life. If it worked for them, it can work for me. But I've got to at least try.
Look forward to following along on your journey!
Hi Benny,
Thank you so much for your comment, it means a lot. I’m glad I’m not alone in this — although I also wish you didn’t feel this way of course.
Well done for making a change, that’s very hard. What I’ve learnt is to let it be messy and imperfect, so don’t worry if you miss a day (or 87). (I’ve actually written a post about this in case you’re interested: https://beginneratlife.substack.com/p/tiny-leaps-slow-and-messy-habit-building)
I’ve got a pretty good morning routine going as well, that I stick to in some way on most days. It includes similar things: walking, writing, meditating, etc. Reading I do in the evenings before sleep.
It’s usually the afternoons when I struggle, when I’ve run out of willpower for the day. But I’m slowly starting to find my way (I might do a post at some point on what helps me in these moments).
I’ll check out that book and Substack, thank you!
Look forward to reading your work too ✨