Struggling with Motivation and Accomplishment

I make task lists and try to accomplish them even if I check off one thing I feel better.

Step one for me is to get myself into the shower, or to otherwise just wash my face. I find that by the end of the shower especially, I feel a lot more energized. Even if that's comparatively still very low energy, it's almost always better than beforehand. Step two is to find ways to bribe yourself for accomplishing basic tasks. Like, whenever I force myself to work our, I reward myself with a smoothie afterwards. I'm not "allowed" to have smoothies unless I've done something to earn them. If I have to go run errands that I really don't want to do, I'll try to motivate myself by thinking, "Well, if I go out and do these errands, I can also get myself an iced coffee from Dunkin or a Pink Drink from Starbucks." It also helps a lot to break bigger tasks down into smaller, bite-sized tasks. Instead of, "I have to clean the kitchen today", which is a huge, time-consuming, overwhelming task, just start with, "let's gather up all the dirty dishes." Then, "Let's wipe down the counters." You can even space them out if you have to. Even if it takes all day just to get the kitchen clean and the dishes done, you still managed to get it done, you know? It's still something that you can check off of your mental load and feel good about.

Typically when I have this feeling I ask myself if I need to use the restroom. I know it's silly, but once you get up to use the restroom, run a shower, wash your face, use mouthwash, etc. It's like a jumpstart because you took care of yourself. However, it won't necessarily help for everyone. If I notice I'm disassociating really bad ill watch a bunch of tik toks and let myself have a rest day. Another day being here is a very big accomplishment even when it doesn't feel like it. 🤗

I struggle with motivation so much as well. Once I’m laying down, that’s it. It’s hard to get back up.