When I graduated from college in 2009 I had a decent job in my hand, a freelance gig and the New York City energy to keep me motivated and excited about the next phase in my life. Then a few months later it all ended. After being laid off, breaking up with my boyfriend, moving into a new apartment I could only afford with my new job, and no prospects for future employment, needless to say life really sucked.
I know for many of you struggling in this economy trying to beat the downfall of this job market, hang on to your houses and adjust to a new way of living, things can get pretty tough. I never thought I’d be heading back home to Seattle to re-group. Never thought I’d be freelancing as a regular source of income and I never would have expected that even after doing the college thing and earning my degree, I’d still be competing for jobs alongside my mom’s friends who are under employed.
Looking at things as they are, it can be easy to be distracted and discouraged. But I choose not to be. Sometimes we have to speak things into existence and give life to our situations even when everything around us – our family, finances, careers, etc – seems to be decimated and destroyed.
How do you choose to stay motivated? To live your passion and fulfill your purpose? Even in the midst of many obstacles how do you continue to press forward?
I’ve come to find peace and motivation in the following ways:
Working out – There’s something about a near death experience that keeps my mind focused on all of the things that I am able to do. Whether I’m hitting that mile on my morning run, trying to get through my squats or simply survive through a rigorous personal training session, I’m focused on the end result and not all the clutter in between. Not to mention that maintaining a regular routine also helps to reduce stress!
Prayer – Prayer is powerful ladies I promise. My girls and I get on our prayer conference line (courtesy of freeconferenceline.com) and spend 15 minutes every weekday morning praying together, praying for each other and seeking miracles to happen in our life. Open your communication with God and I guarantee He will do you a solid!
Brushing the dirt off your shoulders – Jay-Z was a genius when he told the entire world to “get that dirt off your shoulders”. There is nothing in this world worth giving in to. We all have our storms but when you stand up, dust yourself off and move forward you have to know that these rough times are building your character.
Doing nothing – Sometimes, in order to get motivated I have to spend a day or two doing nothing. I get my nap on, eat ice cream, catch up on Desperate Housewives on Hulu and spend my entire day not being productive at all. Giving my brain, body and spirit a rest I am able to rejuvenate and kick my motivation back into gear the next day.
All in all I’m simply stating that you have to stay encouraged even when the situation looks like there is no way out.
What do you do to stay motivated?
Sherrell Dorsey is a natural beauty expert, writer, speaker and advocate of health, wellness and sustainability in communities of color. In addition to creating OrganicBeautyVixen.com, Sherrell writes beauty articles for Tyra Banks’s beauty and fashion site TypeF.com, Jones Magazine, MySalonScoop.com and Posh Beauty. Follow Sherrell on twitter at www.twitter.com/organicvixen and connect with her on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/
This post was in perfect timing for me. Living the last few months unemployed, broke, and in a new city living with family is leaving me feeling a little depressed, today. These are all great ways of coping and I'm glad to have read them. Thx
I spend time with families and friend that helps me relax and enjoy. At work one thing keeps me motivated it is when allowing us employees to visit unrelated to work activities. I often use computer at work and playing games and visiting social media keeps me motivated. However, the company constantly monitor us employees using these tools that allows the company to know how we use computers at work they also implemented an internet usage policy. We can only use computer during break time, before and after work. We employees are also thankful that we are being trusted by the company and we also don't want to lose their trust on us.
AWESOME and right on TIME! Thank YOU! <3
This is right on time! I have been hit with negatives left and right, not to mention that I am on pins & needles waiting to hear if I have been selected for a new job. Although I've been going through with family,school, work, and finances it's not in me to give up so I do ALOT of praying and brushing my shoulders off! I may need to take a day and do nothing, that sounds sooo good right about now! I may replace the ice cream with lemon cake though! Thank you Sherrell for your encouraging words
what a great and encouraging post, miss sherrell! i just love that you've touched every phase of our daily lives. physical, spiritual, affirming and renewal. all things working together. i love to surround myself with like minded spirits that believe in giving and receiving heart felt encouragement and plain old sister love. that and a good project that gets the creative juices following always help me to focus on what's before me instead of what's behind me. there's something about taking a thought and moving it to physical manifestation that reminds me of how powerful we really are as children of the Creator. thanks for this post. it helped to remind me of my own power today!
Thank you. I so needed to hear this today.
Sorry, I forgot to post my tips. I indulge in every tip posted in the article, but I generally go easy on the ice cream.
I always say, that no matter what life brings you, as long as you are above ground, there is hope…there is no hope in the grave. There is an answer/solution to everything in life…just don't continue to waddle in the muck and mire…yes, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Failures, hard knocks, and losses are a way of life. Succeeding is a way of life too, but we need those failures, hard knocks and setbacks to make us strive, strive, and strive some more! There is nothing new under the sun, and if you are going through it, someone else has already done so, and have paved the way to let others know that it can be accomplished, there is always hope, and after being tried in the fire, you will come out as pure gold. In life we must always keep the faith and keep our heads ups. After all that our ancestors have gone through, and they made it, I know that we can make it with these small sufferings and setbacks. After hitting rock bottom, the only other direction is up. To easier, calmer, and better days. Take care.
i like these tips. Especially the whole day of doing nothing…my do you feel refreshed right after!
I pray!
I exercise!
I set my own pace and focus on myself now not the wallow in self pity kind of focus but appreciating where I've been, where I am, and where Im going!
I take breaks!
I avoid aggressive and negative people!
I make plans to look forward to!
I try my hardest not to overshare which is a common and unfortunate thing in society today!