The Art of Showing Up: Staying Inspired When You’d Rather Quit

We all hit that wall where the excitement we once had for a project, goal, or idea starts to fade. The momentum slows, and suddenly, everything feels harder than it should. I’ve been there more times than I can count. Over time, I’ve realized something important: staying inspired isn't about always feeling motivated. It’s about learning how to keep moving, especially when that spark is missing.

Here are a few simple, real-life strategies that help me stay inspired when enthusiasm dips:

1. Reconnect with Your “Why”

When I start feeling disconnected from my work, I pause and ask myself: Why did I start this in the first place? Was it to grow? To express something important? To make a difference, even a small one? That reminder helps me shift focus away from the temporary struggle and back to the deeper purpose that initially lit the fire.

2. Create, Even When It’s Messy

There was a time when I waited for the “perfect mood” to start writing, designing, or brainstorming. But I’ve learned that waiting for inspiration is often a trap. Instead, just starting—writing a messy paragraph, sketching a rough idea, jotting thoughts in a notebook—can be what brings inspiration back. Action creates momentum.

3. Change the Scenery

Inspiration often strikes when we’re not staring at the same screen in the same room day after day. A walk outside, moving to a different workspace, even spending time in nature or a busy café can reset my brain. A small change in environment can make a big difference in energy and perspective.

4. Consume to Create

One of the best ways I refill my creative tank is by consuming content that challenges or excites me. A thoughtful podcast, a great book, a documentary, or even a conversation can spark new ideas. But I try to consume mindfully—not to escape, but to engage. I ask myself: What can I take from this? What can I add to the conversation?

5. Lower the Bar—Just for Today

Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to shrink the goal. Instead of writing 1,000 words, I aim for 100. Instead of solving the big problem, I tackle one small piece of it.On hard days, progress doesn’t have to be impressive—it just has to exist. And small steps still count.

Final Thought: Motivation is fleeting, and that’s okay. What matters more is showing up—with curiosity, with patience, and with kindness toward yourself. Inspiration isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes, it’s quiet and steady. It shows up when you do.

Your turn: What’s something that keeps you inspired on low-motivation days?

References:

4 things you should do when you feel like you’ve hit a wall. BusinessCollective. (2016, November 23). https://businesscollective.com/4-things-you-should-do-when-you-feel-like-youve-hit-a-wall/index.html

Check-In, S. S. J. (2021, May 18). Reminding yourself who you are: When your hitting a brick wall. Medium. https://naomi79.medium.com/reminding-yourself-who-you-are-when-your-hitting-a-brick-wall-3b7da8b69ada

Free Sunset Cliff View Image | Download at stockcake. (n.d.-b). https://stockcake.com/i/sunset-cliff-view_834111_851518