10 Habits Of People Who Have Quietly Lost Their Motivation In Life, According To Psychology

Ever had one of those days where the motivation just isn’t there? One significant realization over the years of running my business through ups and downs was the vital importance of energy maintenance and motivation. Research has identified that energy maintenance — aka how to find motivation — includes nurturing basics like sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being.

Not skill, not talent, not ideas or connections. Energy. It took self-awareness to see that even subtle things can block off energy. Now, I actively avoid some habits to keep my energy and motivation high.

Here are ten habits of people who have quietly lost their motivation in life, according to psychology:

1. Criticizing others constantly

man who has lost motivation in life criticizing others pics five / Shutterstock

Criticizing others hurts you. Because we’re all connected — you didn’t get the memo? Chill on bringing others down, and your energy and motivation will return like a Tesla battery.

Research has found that individuals who feel threatened by the achievements of others might resort to criticism as a way to boost their self-esteem. This could be related to a lack of motivation, as they might be more focused on external validation by tearing other people down rather than actually working on themselves.

2. Buying into their inner critic

woman who has quietly lost motivation taking unhealthy thoughts seriously fizkes / Shutterstock

Thoughts come and go like tides. You can’t escape them, but you don’t need to jump in because you’ll get pulled out to sea. Learn to let go of those thoughts that make you feel bad. They never help.

3. Neglecting outdoor time

woman who has quietly lost her motivation not getting enough sunlight Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock

Fear-mongering about getting in the sun was misguided. Most don’t get enough sun. It’s the giver of life — literally. The sun will gift you energy as it does for plants and happy raccoons. Get your face in that stuff. Research has even concluded that not getting enough sunlight can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which can lead to fatigue and a lack of motivation.

4. Relying on outside opinions to feel okay

woman who has quietly lost her motivation relying on approval outside of yourself fizkes / Shutterstock

The moment you look for someone else to make you feel good about yourself is the moment you lose all internally generated power. Forget approval. Do it for you regardless of what others say or do.

5. Chasing feel-good fixes that don't last

woman who has quietly lost motivation dopamine smashing Tero Vesalainen / Shutterstock

Many things give us dopamine — the "motivation chemical" — including a good laugh and being chased by a crazed monster in a video game. The trouble is raising dopamine levels artificially for sustained blasts. Sure, enjoy a quick feel-good YouTube cat video. But if you binge and burn out your receptors, you’ll become numb to true dopamine sources. That’s why you lack energy sometimes.

6. Staying sedentary for way too long

woman who has quietly lost motivation staying sedentary fizkes / Shutterstock

The body was not made to sit about like a bored manatee. If you can, weave walking and stretching into your creative framework. Take rests, and break it up too. Some research suggests that mentally passive sedentary behaviors, like watching TV, are more strongly linked to depression risk than mentally active ones, like reading.

7. Losing sight of their larger purpose

woman who has lost motivation and lost sight of larger purpose Gladskikh Tatiana / Shutterstock

We can only extract so much energy from tending to our immediate, more selfish concerns. This is why identifying a bigger why will fuel you, because you become the hero in your movie. What’s your big why?

8. Loading up on blood sugar-spiking foods

woman who has quietly lost motivation eating insulin spikers Nicoleta Ionescu / Shutterstock

Foods that spike your blood sugar, and therefore insulin, always lead to an energy crash. That’s why you’re sleepy after a pasta or white rice lunch. Stick to higher protein and avoid high-carb foods before you need a clear head. This energy crash can lead to fatigue, irritability, and eventual cravings for more sugar. Research cautioned that the inability to focus can also be a consequence of blood sugar fluctuations.

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9. Fixating on doing everything perfectly

man who has lost motivation trying to be perfect Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

Aiming for quality is important. But trying to avoid mistakes in your process is inherently stressful. You tighten up like a tin toy truck, and your creativity goes out the window. Be okay with imperfection and move on.

10. Obsessing over every thought and feeling

man who has quietly lost motivation constantly thinking about himself TetianaKtv / Shutterstock

Self-conscious thinking is an energy suck. Instead, focus on helping others and place your mind on your goals, systems, and dreams. Your attention is off you, which is like receiving a free energy pump.

Alex Mathers is a writer and coach who helps you build a money-making personal brand with your knowledge and skills while staying mentally resilient. He's the author of the Mastery Den newsletter, which helps people triple their productivity.