If you’re reading this, you’ve most likely been here before, too. At some point or another, you lost the ambition and motivation to do what once made you happy. You’ve found yourself stuck in a rut and can’t seem to pull yourself out. It could be a case of writer’s block or a loss of motivation, but it makes

After enrolling myself back into University to finish my Bachelor of Education and moving to a new city, I’ve found it next to impossible to find the time and energy to be creative.  Only recently have I been able to find the determination to get back to creating and really dive back into doing what I love. Sometimes, life can get so busy that the things you love to do take a back seat.

Here are a few ways I’ve learned can help you get out of a rut:

START SMALL

Overwhelming yourself with a never-ending to-do list is one of the easiest ways to become discouraged again. Even if it’s been a while and you find you have so much to do you can’t see straight, take it slow. If you don’t feel motivated to start anything, take on a small project- no matter how small it may seem! Sometimes the best thing to do is to get started.

SET WEEKLY GOALS

Start off with small, weekly goals for yourself. Weekly goals are realistic and attainable, especially when you need that extra boost of confidence. I started setting weekly goals for myself in my agenda to start somewhere, and it’s been a wonderful way for me to work towards small goals I could actually reach and achieve.

DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE

Think of some of the things that you loved to do that you’ve neglected. Choose one and do it for yourself. Take the time to remember why you loved to do this, no matter how simple it may seem. Whether it’s reading, photography, exercise, getting outside- get out there and do it! As challenging as it might be to take that first step, that’s often all you need to get yourself feeling excited again.

REWARD YOURSELF

If you really need a way to motivate yourself, set small rewards for yourself. When I couldn’t even fathom the thought of going to the gym, I started setting little rewards for myself. If I went to the gym for a week, I could treat myself to a small shopping trip on the weekend.

TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

Sometimes, we feel stuck in a rut because we’ve simply burned ourselves out. In a society where being busy is glorified, exhaustion is real. If you’ve tapped yourself out of energy, take some time for yourself. Relax, read, do some yoga, take a spa day and forget about that to do list. Let yourself replenish and rest before you get back into the swing of things.