Want To Feel Motivated? Create a Routine!

Neurodivergent young adults often have plans for their future but are waiting to feel “motivated” before moving forward. There is a common belief that someone or something can get a person motivated, and if that one elusive thing can be found, then motivation will magically occur. Alas, if only that were true!

There are certainly some people who wake up each morning raring to start their day. But the vast majority of us wake up decidedly unmotivated. But yet we get out of bed, shower, brush our teeth, and get on with the day. So what is it that gets us out of bed each morning when we aren’t feeling motivated? The answer is having a routine.

Research shows that routines can play an important role in productivity. One study also found that routines help people better manage stress and anxiety. Having a regular routine can help you form good daily habits, feel more focused and more productive. A daily routine can also create healthy behaviors like exercise and healthy eating habits, as well as provide time for fun, friendship, and hobbies. And a daily routine can help people to feel in control of their life and able to face the challenges daily life can bring.

There are three distinct stages of creating a routine.The first stage is contemplation. This is when you know you should be doing something but you haven’t taken any steps toward what it is that you want to do. The second phase is adoption which means you have actually started your new routine. This is often considered the honeymoon phase as you may feel excited about your new routine as it feels fresh and new. And the third, and final stage is maintenance. This is when the novelty of your routine has worn off but you continue with your routine as it brings you a sense of comfort and stability, and you can see your hard work paying off.

Maintaining positive routines can be the key to a happy life. And a well established routine can replace the search for motivation. The feeling of wishfulness for a certain outcome is driven by the elusive yearning to feel motivated. But having consistent routines lead to the behavior changes that you need to achieve the outcomes you want in your life.

Everyone has those days when we don’t feel like working, or exercising, or making healthy food choices. But that is when a consistent routine becomes the force that gets you out of bed and on with the day. And once you can see the success you have achieved due to following your routines, you will have the happy knowledge that your routines are truly worth it.

Our Advance LA Life Skills Coaches are able to teach their clients how to create  – and maintain – healthy routines. The result is our clients are able to achieve goals and live the life they want to lead.