It is not uncommon for a person feeling a lack of motivation from time to time. Most of us will feel this way at some point in our lives. “A lack of motivation often indicates that you need to rest, recharge and re-evaluate how you develop your energy,” explains Aisha R. Shabazz, a licensed therapist and clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders. “Our global society is very goal-oriented, so I think a lot of people struggle to be motivated because they become burned out from constantly striving to do everything, all the time, at 110%. »
If you’re feeling a lack of motivation, the good news is that there are a number of tricks you can try to get back on track. One way is to read a motivational self-help book. “Motivational self-help books can be helpful to some people because they can serve as a starting point for someone who needs inspiration to keep going,” says Shabazz. The key is finding the right book.
To help you sort through all the options, here are the best motivational books recommended by mental health experts.
Final verdict
Ultimately, the best motivational book is the one that talks about you, your personality, and the issues that demotivate you. That’s why Carson Tate’s “Work Simply” is a great book for most readers: it begins by recognizing that people have different productivity styles, before offering targeted tips for becoming productive.
Meanwhile, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear will help you better understand the science behind good habits so you can take small, but meaningful, steps toward positive change.
What to look for in a motivational book
Voice
Do you like the way the author writes? Skim through a few pages and try to determine whether their writing style seems relevant and engaging to you. See if they seem empathetic to the difficulties you are experiencing. If you don’t like the writing style, you won’t want to read the book and might abandon it halfway through.
Author credentials
Ideally, the author should have some expertise on the topic they are writing about. This expertise can be academic or personal, but you will generally want a book written by someone who has the qualifications to write about the psychology of motivation.
“Look for an author who makes you feel empowered,” says Schroeder. “Do a little research. There are self-help books on almost every topic, and it’s essential to find an author who speaks to you.
Some authors will offer free content on their website or have conducted web or podcast interviews. “Research these interviews, because it can give you an idea of who they are,” says Shabazz.
Actionable Tips
Some books will include exercises to help you learn how to implement their motivational tips. This can help you change your habits and outlook.
“You want to make sure you’re encouraged to take small, actionable steps,” says Schroeder. “If your goal is to run a marathon and you’re not currently running, you won’t read this book and suddenly be able to run a marathon. Aim for a book that gives you a process for setting goals.
Frequently asked questions
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How can I motivate myself?To some extent, motivation varies from person to person because, as Shabazz explains, “different things make people feel motivated or unmotivated.” So the first step is often to look at your individual situation and determine what is stopping you from feeling motivated.
For example, “for those who are experiencing intense anxiety, I encourage people to think about what’s at stake if they don’t take action,” says Shabazz. “It’s a modern version of a pros and cons list, but the goal is to get to the bottom of what’s stopping someone from moving forward.”
For others, self-motivation means letting go of societal expectations and focusing on one thing, each day, that makes them happy. “Do what really makes you happy, and that’s when you’ll see motivation increase,” says Schroeder. If you do something that makes you happy first, she continues, you can “fill your cup and the motivation for other tasks will follow.”
The activity that makes you happy doesn’t have to be complicated either: it can be as simple as taking a walk, meeting up with a friend, or taking an hour to practice self-care.
Some people also find motivation by starting the day with a simple task that they can accomplish quickly, like making bed or checking off an easy item on their to-do list, so you feel a sense of accomplishment early in the day. the day.
Others feel motivated by having a clear plan or routine for the day that allows them to track their progress, such as starting with a regular morning routine that increases productivity, for example.
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What are the best ways to stay motivated?Even if we are motivated to do something, it is not always easy to stay motivated over time. Here are some tips you can try to maintain your motivation:
Clearly explain why you are doing something: “For most tasks we want to accomplish, it’s important to determine what value is attached to completing that project,” says Shabazz. Focus on why you are doing something and what you will get out of it when the task is completed.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew: This is especially important if you are starting a new hobby or project. “Break your project into small, achievable steps,” says Schroeder. “If you start to feel overwhelmed by a step in the process, break it into more manageable chunks. Be realistic with yourself and the time you give yourself to achieve these goals.
Surround yourself with supportive or motivated people: People who encourage you to achieve your goals will keep you motivated.
It can also be helpful to be around other people who are ambitious and motivated to pursue their goals, as their passion might inspire you.
Just make sure these people aren’t too competitive or negative. If they are too competitive and unsupportive of your goals, it could cause you to compare yourself or feel less accomplished, which could start to affect your self-esteem and follow through.
Keep learning: This is where self-help books can play a role. Learning new things and new ways to pursue your goals can be extremely motivating.
Give yourself breaks: “Motivation often fluctuates, so it’s important to give yourself grace in times when you don’t have as much,” says Schroeder. “This way you can capitalize on motivation when it’s at its peak. »
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