I first became really motivated after attending a lecture at 26yo some 44 years ago. Up till then I was defeated and negative, a reflection of my family environment I grew up in. Those early days I knew something was wrong but didnt see the light of the problem until that day. When the motivator that day pounded his fist on his bench yelling "you can do anything with positive thinking"!! my hairs on my back went solid, I was transformed forever.
But, I didnt know I had any mental illness so I couldnt understand why self motivation often didnt work. Those were those times my depression stopped any positive thoughts in their tracks. Years later once diagnosed in 2009 at 53yo, I realised I had major obstacles that weren't my fault. The "black dog" was stubborn and no treat would sway him to be friendly.
Since then I've developed my own strategies to cope better and the most important one is timing, to allow my depression from a bipolar swing to run its course THEN self motivate. Medication has reduced my periods of depression from 2 weeks down to 2 days most of the time so after 2 bad days if I wake up and want to smell the roses a quick walk is the beginning of a motivating period. On that walk something always happens or an observation generates enthusiasm for life. Maybe the Alpacas will come to the fence for a pat, an old person in a park likes a chat or my small dog gets a pat from a stranger. At the end of my walk I know I'm ok and looking forward to the near future.
So study your illness, accept that your depressive period will come to an end and if it doesnt seek out professional medical help. Over a long period this technique will become second nature, you'll know its a few bad days and you will get deflated if you try to motivate yourself during a depressive period so dont try.
Once that morning arrives when you know you are feeling a little better, dive off the dark clouds to immerse yourself into the joys of life, because life can be so wonderful.
TonyWK
