So you're unmotivated? Me too. I get it.

In a productivity-dominated world, we often feel like we have to be motivated all of the time. We need a goal that we can work towards every single day.

Doesn't that get tiring? I know it does for me. If it does, don't brush it off and keep pushing yourself. Take a breath. Sit there for a second and don't do anything. It's crazy how that helps a lot.

Don't let it get to the point of serious depression. If you can't figure out when to stop, it's probably time to stop for a little bit.

Instead of pushing through it and making yourself miserable, consider this.

I learned in a class the other day that there are two aspects of motivation: value and expectancy. In order to be motivated, you need to value what you are learning or doing, and you have to expect to succeed. So, if you have a course that's really making you upset and you find yourself losing motivation, one of those factors is probably lacking.

I know when I don't care about material I'm learning in class (ahem, physics) I feel very unmotivated. After taking a break (and not forcing productivity out of nothing), try to think about how it can apply to your life. Make it relevant. For example, fluids are important for my future as a doctor.

Do you expect to fail? Are deadlines just piling up? They are for me right now, I know that. I tell myself in these moments that expecting to fail won't help. You need to expect success. Mindset really can help in these moments.

If all else fails, you are most likely depressed or burned out. You can't always make the motivation come back. You are in control of some aspects of your life, like your health.

I've neglected my mental health for so long and I can't do that anymore. So next time I feel unmotivated, I won't brush it off. I dare you to work with it. I will too.

We can do this.