Motivation and anxiety

[purrfect]

Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting in this forum. 
There’s a few things I’m struggling with at the moment but one that’s constant in my life is a problem with getting motivated and knowing what I want. 
I’ve tried so many things; creative and languages, etc but nothing has really stuck. Mainly because most things involve being around other people which I’m not comfortable with. I can go to parties with my partner and feel confident but when it comes to doing something like swimming or ceramics I really need to force myself every time. My Psychologist says that it takes time and practice but even after multiple times I still dread going. 
Does anyone feel like this and how do you deal with it?

I now feel like I don’t want to do anything and if I can’t motivate or inspire myself to do anything how can I entice friends or my partner to do things together?

[Neverhaveiever]

Hi, 

Staying motivated I think is one of the hardest things to do. When I was at uni, I think I procrastinated way too much. In the end I would have alarms in my phone and work for 30mins and break for 10mins. I found that having shorter times that I had to concentrate really helped. 
Social anxiety sucks, I’ve watched my son struggle so much, but he is now making himself go to events and even overseas because he doesn’t want to look back at life and say “well I didn’t do anything with my life”. I’m so proud he is working on what he wants to do and where he wants to go.
I really hope you can find that bit of happiness for yourself. 😀

[jaz28]

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing. First off, you should be so proud of yourself for going and doing these things to try and help your anxiety - that is really awesome!

It does take time, as your psychologist said, and doing the things that we dread often helps us with our anxiety. Stepping out of your comfort zone is just that - uncomfortable, but that is where the most growth happens. 

It is hard to stay motivated, but what helps me is focussing on the end goal. I study because I will eventually have a successful career, and then I won't need to study as intensely anymore. It then feels rewarding, if i think of it in that way. You are working towards something, and it is hard to stay motivated in the moment, but try to focus on the bigger picture - maybe set some long-term goals for yourself.

I hope this helps,

Jaz xx