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  • Mental Health
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Motivation

Living a purposeful and productive life can sometimes feel easier said than done. For many of us, showing up and tackling life’s practical challenges can be a real struggle. We might procrastinate at work or ignore important chores at home. We may even find ourselves dragging and delaying when it comes to pursuing a hobby or passion. 

So how can you get more motivated? Using a little extrinsic motivation (rewards for effort) can be helpful. Surrounding yourself with people who have similar interests and goals works wonders as well. And sometimes you need to reevaluate your goals altogether to see if they are the right ones at this stage in your life.

In some cases, a lack of motivation might stem from an “emotional block” toward the goal you are trying to reach. A therapist can help you unpack this, and help get you on track. Alternatively, it might be a case of undiagnosed ADHD or depression, both of which can make time management and motivation more difficult. Either way, with a little help and ingenuity, it’s possible to get out of your slump, get motivated, and reach your goals.

man underwater
Read More
Published on: 02 Sep 2019
  • 5 minute read

Back To Reality: How To Get On Track After Too Much YOLO

Published on: 02 Sep 2019
  • Written byAshley Laderer
  • Sep 02, 2019
Letting the concept of “YOLO” go to our heads happens to the best of us. It can drive…
woman on the beach on her phone looking away
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Published on: 18 Jun 2019
  • 5 minute read

How to Have a Comparison-Free Summer

Published on: 18 Jun 2019
  • Written byBrittney Saline
  • Jun 18, 2019
Sometimes it feels like my friends are out of my league. Among them are doctors, social workers, professors…
a wall tells you to "punch today in the face"
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Published on: 30 Dec 2018
  • 4 minute read

What is Extrinsic Motivation and How Does it Help Us?

Published on: 30 Dec 2018
  • Written byJessica DuBois-Maahs
  • Dec 30, 2018
If you are driven by the thought of receiving a reward, whether it be praise, money, or public…
A person's arm with a watch
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Published on: 01 Jun 2018
  • 4 minute read

Struggle with Time Management? Here’s What It Says About Your Mental Health…

Published on: 01 Jun 2018
  • Written byJamie Wiebe
  • Jun 01, 2018
Keeping a laundry list of tasks and to-dos in order can be a headache for anyone, but for…
woman sitting at desk with head in hands
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Published on: 06 Sep 2017
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
  • 5 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW

5 Signs Fear of Failure is Holding You Back

Published on: 06 Sep 2017
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
  • Written byKate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
  • Sep 06, 2017
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
Updated on 1/19/2022 Fear of failure, or “atychiphobia,” is when someone has an irrational and persistent fear of…
woman in bed holding head phone on desk
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Published on: 07 Aug 2017
  • 3 minute read

Confession: Sometimes I Use Mental Illness as an Excuse for Flakiness

Published on: 07 Aug 2017
  • Written byAshley Laderer
  • Aug 07, 2017
This story is a part of our Mental Health Confessions series, a collection of stories from people who…
6 Helpful Tips On How to Unleash Your Motivation
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Published on: 08 Jun 2015
  • 3 minute read

6 Helpful Tips On How to Unleash Your Motivation

Published on: 08 Jun 2015
  • Written byMelissa Wildt
  • Jun 08, 2015
“I just have way too much motivation. I don’t know what to do with it all!” said no…
7 TIPS: HOW TO CHASE YOUR DREAM RESPONSIBLY
Read More
Published on: 26 May 2015
  • 3 minute read

7 Tips: How To Chase Your Dream Responsibly

Published on: 26 May 2015
  • Written byClymene Baugher
  • May 26, 2015
It’s no secret that pursuing a dream can be a significant challenge. It takes fierce courage and often…

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