How to Keep Going When You Feel Stuck, Unmotivated, or Distant from Your Goals

Michelle D
Mar 31
4 min read

We all hit those moments—the ones where motivation disappears, our dreams feel impossibly far away, and everything just feels... stuck. If you're there right now, take a deep breath. You're not alone, and more importantly, you're not failing. Stagnation isn’t the end of your journey—it’s just a pause. And sometimes, pauses hold the most powerful lessons. Let’s unpack how to move through these moments with clarity, grace, and maybe even a little bit of joy.

Acknowledge the Stuckness (And That It’s Normal)

Why do we hit moments of stagnation in our journey?

Feeling stuck? You’re not broken—your brain is simply doing its job, trying to keep you safe. It values efficiency and comfort, so when you pursue big dreams, it might panic a bit (hello, fear and self-doubt). Motivation, that thrilling rush at the beginning, is fueled by dopamine—but when progress seems slow, that dopamine decreases, and suddenly, you’re questioning everything. Burnout? We’re all familiar with that. If you’ve been pushing yourself nonstop, your brain might be signaling for rest. There’s also the subtle fear of failure or success (yes, both can leave you stuck). Sometimes, we lose motivation because our goals seem too distant, or perhaps we’ve simply outgrown them. The good news? Stagnation isn’t the end—it’s a chance to pause, realign, and find a path forward that truly feels right. You’ve got this!

How can we recognize the difference between needing rest and needing to push through?

Sometimes we think we’re just being lazy when in reality, we’re exhausted. So how

do you tell the difference between needing rest and needing to push through?

Ask yourself: Does the idea of taking action feel draining or just uncomfortable? If you’re feeling resistance because it’s hard or outside your comfort zone, you probably need to push through. But if even the thought of doing something makes you want to cry, hide, or curl up in a blanket burrito, your body is likely begging for rest.

Another clue? How’s your energy outside of this goal? If you’re struggling across the board—low patience, brain fog, irritability, or just feeling emotionally done—it’s time to recharge. But if you’re avoiding this one thing while still having energy for other tasks (like binge-watching a show or organizing your kitchen at 11 PM), you might just need a little mindset shift and a gentle nudge forward.

Bottom line: Rest when you’re truly depleted. Push through when you’re just scared or stuck in your head. And sometimes, the real magic happens when you let yourself pause, reset, and come back stronger. You don’t always have to grind to grow. 💛

Reconnect with Your "Why"

When motivation fades, your "why" is what reignites the fire. Ask yourself:

What made you start this journey in the first place?
How does this goal or dream align with your most authentic self?
Can you recall a moment when you felt deeply connected to your purpose?
What does crossing that finish line feel like in your imagination?

Sometimes, we need to stop looking at the long road ahead and instead remember the feeling that made us start. Your "why" is always there—you just have to reconnect with it.

Shift the Perspective: The Power of Small Steps

What if success wasn’t about speed but about consistent movement?

What small, manageable actions can you take today to create momentum?
Have you celebrated your small wins? (If not, why?)

Progress isn’t always flashy, but small steps add up. When you focus on what you can do instead of what feels overwhelming, momentum builds naturally.

Give Yourself Permission to Pause and Regroup

Rest is not quitting. Let that sink in.

How do you know when you need rest versus when you need to keep pushing?
What are the ways you can nurture yourself without abandoning your dreams?
How can grounding practices help you regain clarity and motivation?

Whether it’s a walk outside, deep breathing, journaling, or simply being, giving yourself time to recharge allows you to return with a clearer mind and a fuller heart.

Turning Stagnation into Growth

Instead of seeing stagnation as failure, try asking:

What can you learn from this moment of feeling stuck?
Have you experienced a similar moment before? How did you overcome it?
What would you tell a friend in your position right now?

These pauses often hold hidden wisdom—insights that can reshape how you approach your goals moving forward.

The Road Ahead: Moving Forward with Grace

Now that you’ve checked in with yourself, it’s time to create an environment that

supports your motivation:

What habits or rituals can help you stay connected to your purpose?
What’s one small thing you can do today to get back into flow?

Remember, success isn’t about always feeling motivated—it’s about showing up, in whatever way you can, again and again. Be gentle with yourself, trust your journey, and know that even the pauses have a purpose. You’re still moving forward, even when it doesn’t feel like it. 💛