How to Find Motivation When You're Stuck in a Rut

A few months ago, I found myself staring at my laptop like it had personally offended me. Every task felt like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. The to-do list was endless, my coffee was cold (a true tragedy), and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt genuinely excited about anything.

So what did I do?

I cleaned my fridge. Not metaphorically—like, actually pulled everything out and scrubbed it until it sparkled. I even alphabetized the condiments. It was oddly satisfying, but it didn’t solve my rut problem.

That rut? It was deep. And cozy. And I didn’t want to leave.

But something had to change.

Here’s what I learned after Googling “how to get your life together” for the 47th time: Motivation doesn’t just appear like a fairy godmother with a wand and glitter. It’s more like a muscle—one you have to work even when it’s sore.

The trick isn’t waiting for motivation to strike. It’s starting small. And I mean microscopic. We're talking "put on pants" level small. For me, it started with walking around the block. Not even power walking—just a slow, moody stroll with a podcast and a hoodie.

And then, slowly, things shifted. A little progress gave me a tiny buzz of momentum. That buzz grew. And before I knew it, I was doing real things again—like writing, working out, even dreaming a bit bigger.

If you’re stuck in a rut right now, I see you. And I want you to know that you don’t need a five-year plan, a new journal, or a color-coded life map to get going again. You just need a crack in the wall. One tiny win. That’s all it takes to let the light back in.

Start with one thing. Make your bed. Text a friend. Drink water. Dance to a ridiculous song in your kitchen. (Highly recommend.)

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to move. A little. Then a little more.

So, here’s your gentle nudge: What’s one small thing you can do today to shift the energy?

Whatever just popped into your head—do that. Then come back tomorrow and do it again.

And if this hit home for you, share it with someone else who might be stuck too. Because the only thing better than finding your spark… is helping someone else find theirs.

ChillaxTribe

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION

Small steps still move me forward.