On days when it feels challenging to find the energy to move forward, how can you muster the determination to take steps anyway? When I say “move forward,” I don’t mean just going through the motions of your daily tasks. I mean making meaningful progress on a lingering goal that you could easily leave inactive, but deep down, you know that consistent dedication would help it flourish. Below are some tips for taking action toward your goals, even on low-energy days or in challenging seasons.
Taking Action
This may sound counterintuitive since I lead with difficulty mustering up energy to start. Many people wait for a burst of adrenaline to motivate them to act and create momentum, but that approach often doesn’t work. Taking even a tiny step can trigger the momentum you’ve been waiting for. Instead of scrolling through social media a bit longer, watching another TikTok, or starting a new series on Netflix, stop. Take a small action toward your goal right away to launch the ripple effect that can lead to a future win. For example, if your goal is to attend your favorite workout class three times a week, register for your first class now. Doing so adds the accountability of knowing your spot is reserved and paid for.
Knowing Where to Start
When you’re busy running from one task to another, pondering what’s for dinner, and debating how much longer you can defer household chores, it’s not the right time to think about small steps toward your long-term goals. Although this may seem obvious, busy lifestyles often lead us to abandon planning in hopes that winging it will yield sufficient results. What if this didn’t have to be the case? Dedicate some time in your day for planning that’s not geared towards any immediate action. This may feel like you’re taking a step backward, using valuable time without a direct outcome. However, cultivating a plan is rewarding in the long run, as it helps you efficiently utilize future small pockets of time throughout your day more efficiently. Utilizing tools like Monday.com can help make sharing relevant parts of your plans with colleagues easy. Seeing your plan in front of you may make your priorities more obvious.
Some clients ask how to prioritize when everything on their to-do list feels urgent. A helpful approach is to generate your to-do list and then ask yourself questions like, “If my child were unexpectedly home sick and I could only accomplish one task today, what would it be?” This reflective moment can help shift your perspective and transform potentially frenzied situations into proactive steps.
Watch out
A step beyond planning your actions is anticipating potential obstacles, which I call “watch-outs.” These are things you either foresee could hinder your progress or that have derailed you in the past. For instance, if you know that getting to the gym before work positively impacts your day, but you haven’t made it all week, identify the watch-outs. Is it going to bed too late, not getting laundry done in time to have clean workout clothes, or failing to plan your breakfast, which leads to wasted time in the kitchen? Addressing your watchouts head-on takes some planning but is essential for effectively managing your goals. Some people fear acknowledging these challenges is synonymous with admitting defeat or engaging in negative thinking. However, being aware of potential deterrents can enhance your ability to navigate obstacles and determine if your plan is realistic. Being proactive and realistic helps minimize the chances of future disappointment.
Recognizing that everyone is unique, these broad tips serve as general considerations, however, we each over time cultivate our unique menu of specific strategies that reinvigorate or motivate us during low-energy moments. What are those unique strategies for you? Are there ways to systemize them to support the continual adoption of the tools you need to be successful?
Written by Amy Pierre-Russo
Certified Life & Leadership Coach