Why Am I Unmotivated? | Tips from a Christian Life Coach
Faith, Trust, and Breaking Free from Feeling Stuck
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I so unmotivated?” Trust me, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there—feeling stuck, unmotivated, and wondering how to get moving again. As a Christian life coach, I’ve had countless conversations with women who feel exactly the same way. So let’s dive into this together and explore not just why we feel this way, but how we can break free from it.
Understanding the Root of Unmotivation
First things first, let’s address the big question: Why do we feel so unmotivated?
Sometimes, it’s because we’re simply exhausted—physically, mentally, or emotionally. Life can be overwhelming. If you’re juggling responsibilities like family, work, and personal goals, it’s easy to feel drained. And when we’re running on empty, finding the energy to do anything can feel impossible.
Other times, unmotivation stems from fear. Fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, or fear that our efforts won’t make a difference. This fear can paralyze us, keeping us from taking the steps we need to move forward.
So, take a moment to check in with yourself:
- Are you physically exhausted?
- Are you overwhelmed by too many tasks?
- Are you scared of taking the next step?
Identifying the root cause is the first step toward getting unstuck.
Why Do I Feel So Stuck?
Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels but not going anywhere? Like no matter what you do, you just can’t make progress?
We often get stuck when we’re overthinking. We mull over what we should do but never actually do it. This “paralysis by analysis” keeps us trapped in inaction.
Another culprit is the stories we tell ourselves—negative narratives about who we are or what we’re capable of. Thoughts like:
- “I’m not good enough.”
- “Why am I so lazy and unmotivated?”
- “I’ll never succeed.”
- “It’s too late for me to pursue my dreams.”
- “I’ll start once I lose a few pounds.”
Sound familiar?
These stories are powerful, but here’s the truth: They are not your reality. As a believer, your identity is in Christ. You’re not defined by past failures or fears. God has given you a unique calling and purpose, and nothing—not even those pesky lies in your head—can take that away from you.
But here’s a key insight: You’ll never get motivated by just thinking about it.
You’ll Never Get Motivated by Thinking About It
I know it sounds counterintuitive, but motivation doesn’t come from sitting around and waiting for it to strike. It comes from taking action.
I’ve seen this time and time again with my clients. They’ll say, “Amy, I just don’t feel motivated,” and I always respond, “That’s okay. You don’t have to feel motivated to get started.”
The magic happens when you take that first small step. Momentum builds, and before you know it, you’re moving forward.
Is It Really Lack of Motivation—or Lack of Faith?
Let’s dig a little deeper. Sometimes, the real issue isn’t a lack of motivation but a lack of faith or trust.
Maybe you doubt whether you have the faith to do what God has called you to do. You think, “If only I had more faith, I’d be able to get this done,” or “I’ve failed before; why even bother?”
But remember what Jesus said in Matthew 17:20:
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains.”
So, is it really faith you’re lacking? Or is it trust—either in God or in yourself?
True faith begins when you step outside your comfort zone. When you’re comfortable, you’re relying on your own abilities. But faith is about trusting in God without having the full picture.
Let’s define faith for a moment. According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, faith is:
“The assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence.”
In other words, faith is trusting what God has said, even when you can’t see the outcome.
If you’re feeling like your trust has dwindled—either in God or in yourself—take a page from David’s book in 1 Samuel 30:6, where he encouraged himself in the Lord. Reflect on times when God came through for you. Look for evidence of His faithfulness and your own ability to persevere.
Remember, often, we’re not waiting on God; He’s waiting on us to take that first step in faith.
Speaking Directly to You
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or paralyzed by fear, know this: It’s not about doing more or trying harder. It’s about surrendering to God’s leading and trusting that He has the bigger picture in His hands.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need the willingness to trust and obey.
And guess what? I’m here to walk alongside you as you take those first steps.
Tools to Help You Get Motivated
Ready to start moving forward? Here are some practical tools to help you kickstart your motivation:
1. Act As If You Feel Motivated
Don’t wait to feel motivated. Act as if you already do. Ask yourself, “What would a motivated version of me do right now?” Then, do that.
2. Practice Self-Compassion
You’re not lazy or a failure. Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that it’s okay to have low-motivation days. Speak to yourself the way you would to a dear friend.
I recently read Jon Acuff’s book Soundtracks, which talks about the power of kind thoughts. It’s a fantastic read if you’re struggling with overthinking.
3. Use the 5-Minute Rule or the 5-Second Method
- 5-Minute Rule: Commit to doing something for just five minutes. Often, getting started is the hardest part.
- 5-Second Method: Count down from five and just do it. Mel Robbins suggests that this simple trick can bypass hesitation.
4. Go for a Walk in Nature
Step outside, breathe fresh air, and reset your mind. Pay attention to your senses—what do you see, hear, feel, smell, taste? This mindfulness can help clear mental blocks.
5. Pray and Worship
Connecting with God can shift your perspective. Pray, worship, and ask God, “What’s my next step?” Trust that He will guide you.
Remember Peter in Luke 5? Even when it didn’t make sense, he obeyed Jesus’ instruction to cast his nets again—and the results were miraculous.
6. Get into the Word
The Bible is full of encouragement. Let Scripture refresh your spirit. Proverbs 20:4 says:
“The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.”
Convicting, isn’t it? Don’t let procrastination keep you from the harvest God has for you.
7. Do Something Small and Achievable
Sometimes, completing a small task can boost your motivation to tackle bigger ones. Organize a corner of your room, make a short grocery run, or even just make a list of tasks. Each small victory builds momentum.
Bringing It All Together
Feeling unmotivated is a sign to check in with yourself—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Maybe what’s missing isn’t motivation but trust—in yourself and in God.
Remember, faith begins when you step out of your comfort zone. You don’t need to see the whole picture to trust that God is working things out for your good.
So, take that step today. Whether it’s going for a walk, saying a prayer, or spending five minutes on a task, just start.
I believe in you, and more importantly, God believes in you.
Ready to Get Unstuck?
If you’re feeling called to dig deeper, I’d love to connect with you. I’ve created “The Ultimate Guide to Go from Stuck to Empowered”—a free tool designed to help you break free from feeling stuck.
Grab Your Free Get Unstuck Tool Here!
Remember, you were called for so much more. Don’t let fear or doubt keep you from your breakthrough.
P.S. Want more support? Join me for a free one-on-one coaching call to explore how you can start living the life God has called you to. Just head to my website for all the details. I can’t wait to walk this journey with you!
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I'm Amy and I help ambitious women of faith breakthrough, get more energy & clarity, stop cravings, and finally feel good again!
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