I go through phases.

During some phases, I’m motivated and productive and crushing every day. During other phases, I’m barely able to work 2 hours/day.

These phases usually go for a few weeks, sometimes months. But usually no longer.

The worst thing I can do is try to force myself out of a phase. Instead, it’s better for me to accept the phase for what it is.

For example, in the past few weeks, I have not been as motivated to work on my business. The irrational side of me thinks “Everything is over, I’ll never be motivated again, my business will fall apart because I’m being a careless piece of shit.” 

But if I take one step out of myself, I remember that it’s summer. It’s normal to relax a bit in the summer. And my relaxedness is probably just a result of my environment.

I know that by December, I will be in a crazy-focused work mode. This actually happens every year, but I always forget.

That brings me to my next point: No phase lasts forever. 

An unmotivated phase will ALWAYS come to an end. And on the flip side, a super-motivated phase will also ALWAYS come to an end.

One of the worst things I do is force too much change as the result of a phase. 

Examples: Leaving everything to travel the world, changing careers, moving to a new city, starting a new business, and ending relationships.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t do these things, but I try to remember how dangerous they can be. Just important to be careful.

The best changes I can make are internal. Changes in mindset. Changes in perspective. Humbling myself a bit. Changes in my environment. Diet & exercise. Spending time with people I love.

(phases don’t just apply to motivation about work, it can be about anything in our lives)