I tend to get more excited this time of year. It reminds me of happy times as a child looking forward to Christmas day. I still remember a tea set I got one year and the countless hours I spent having tea parties with my doll.
That feeling of joy and anticipation is one you can recreate at any time, there’s so much in this world to get excited about. Sometimes though, something happens. Call it growing up or facing the realities of life, you lose your way. You get knocked back time after time, you go through a disappointment, slowly that zest for life you used to have, seeps away. Those big dreams of the future you had back then no longer seem within your reach and you feel like you’ve lost your mojo.
So how do you get that excitement back? How do you muster up the energy and enthusiasm to keep going? How can you find something to look forward to and strive for?
If you feel like a hamster on a wheel going nowhere then what you probably need is a little inspiration. More importantly, you’re not going to sit back and wait for it to happen, you’re going kickstart it yourself. It’s time to get your mojo back, maybe even fall in love with life again and here’s how.
1. Shake things up
One of the easiest ways to create a spark is by simply changing your routine. That could be changing your route to work or trying a new dish. Perhaps it’s picking up a magazine that isn’t your normal fare or listening to different music. It may even be changing your schedule. The point is to allow yourself to experience something outside your norm to get those juices flowing. Start small by doing it for a day or maybe a few hours each week and see what happens.
2. Change your surroundings
If you want to shake things up even more consider changing your environment. Get out in nature, go to the park or visit a new city. Change can happen closer to home too. You can make simple changes at home by redecorating a room or moving the furniture around. Bring nature indoors with potted plants and pretty flowers or create a small garden at home. Immerse yourself in something different and let your surroundings inspire you.
3. Get up close and personal (with yourself)
I read somewhere that reflection is the mother of wisdom and how important it is to take time to disconnect and reflect. If you’re feeling uninspired it probably means you’ve lost touch with your deepest desires. You need to take the time to get back in touch with your vision of the future or create a new more exciting one. Maybe allow yourself a day to do nothing but relax and recover. Try journaling or meditating and reflect on your achievements and successes.
4. Tap into the possibilities
Once you’ve reflected on all your gains it’s time to look forward. What do you want? Write a list of all the things you’d like to do or experience. The sky’s the limit so set your imagination free and get into exploration mode.
Express them creatively perhaps with a vision board. Craft a compelling picture that will pull you forward and get you motivated to take action. If you’re still not sure what step to take then it’s time to venture outside your comfort zone. Try something you’ve always secretly wanted but thought you weren’t capable of. Learn a new skill or teach something you know. Take action on something interesting, anything.
5. Connect with others
We’ve learned that social connections are key to helping us navigate successfully through challenges. They instil a sense of positivity and protect us against the long-term negative effects of stress and worry. It’s important therefore that you don’t withdraw from those around you. Instead, reach out.
Join a group with similar interests or explore new hobbies. Volunteer with a charity or simply take the time to help someone. Commit to connect more often with friends and start to widen your social network. Perhaps even connect with those you admire, social media makes that much easier today. Don’t suffer in silence.
Start to feel excited again
‘Inspiration exists but it has to find you working.’ Pablo Picasso
You may be going through a slump and think you’ll never break free. Sometimes all you need is a little nudge to get moving again. Other times you need a swift kick up the backside to get past the inertia. The good news is how you feel right now is only temporary and you have the tools to dig yourself out. It will take a little effort on your part but you can feel alive and excited again. Take action now and look around you. What could you be inspired by today?
Now over to you.
Are you in a rut and struggling to get excited about anything?
Could any of these tips help you to get going again?
Let me know in the comments.