10 Habits Of People Who Have Quietly Lost Their Motivation In Life, Says Psychology

Ever had one of those days where the energy just isn’t there? One big realization over years of ups and downs running my business was how vital energy maintenance was.

Not skill, not talent, not ideas or connections. Energy. It took self-awareness to see that even subtle things can block off energy. Now, I actively avoid some habits to keep my energy high.

Here are 10 seemingly innocent habits that quietly drain your energy:

1. They criticize others constantly

man who has lost motivation in life criticizing others pics five / Shutterstock

Criticizing others hurts you. Because we’re all connected — you didn’t get the memo? Chill on bringing others down, and your energy will return like a Tesla battery.

2. They take unhelpful thoughts seriously

woman who has quietly lost motivation taking unhealthy thoughts seriously fizkes / Shutterstock

Thoughts come and go like tides. You can’t escape them, but you don’t need to jump in because you’ll get pulled out to sea. Learn to let go of those thoughts that make you feel bad. They never help.

While it's not a direct cause-and-effect relationship, taking unhelpful thoughts too seriously can be a symptom of reduced motivation and can contribute to a cycle of negativity and inaction. A 2013 study explained that when someone is struggling with motivation, they may be more prone to dwelling on negative thoughts, which can further decrease their drive and energy.

3. They don't get enough sunlight

woman who has quietly lost her motivation not getting enough sunlight Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock

Fear-mongering about getting in the sun was misguided. Most don’t get enough sun. It’s the giver of life — literally. The sun will gift you energy as it does for plants and happy raccoons. Get your face in that stuff.

4. They rely on approval outside of themselves

woman who has quietly lost her motivation relying on approval outside of yourself fizkes / Shutterstock

The moment you look for someone else to make you feel good about yourself is the moment you lose all internally generated power. Forget approval. Do it for you regardless of what others say or do.

A 2016 study urged that it's important to remember that most people fall somewhere on a continuum between internal and external locus of control, and it is possible to shift towards a more internal locus of control with self-awareness and practice. Building self-awareness and cultivating intrinsic motivation are key to fostering a stronger sense of self and reducing reliance on external validation.

5. They overindulge in fake dopamine

woman who has quietly lost motivation dopamine smashing Tero Vesalainen / Shutterstock

Many things give us dopamine — the "motivation chemical" — including a good laugh and being chased by a crazed monster in a video game. The trouble is raising dopamine levels artificially for sustained blasts.

Sure, enjoy a quick feel-good YouTube video. But if you binge and burn out your receptors, you’ll become numb to true dopamine sources. That’s why you lack energy sometimes.

6. They stay sedentary for more than 45 minutes at a time

woman who has quietly lost motivation staying sedentary fizkes / Shutterstock

The body was not made to sit about like a bored manatee. If you can, weave walking and stretching into your creative framework. Take rests, and break it up too.

While some research suggests that prolonged sedentary behavior can be linked to reduced motivation and mental well-being, it's not accurate to say it's a definitive sign of diminishing motivation. Some research suggests that mentally-passive sedentary behaviors, like watching TV, are more strongly linked to depression risk than mentally-active ones, like reading.

7. They losing sight of a larger purpose

woman who has lost motivation and lost sight of larger purpose Gladskikh Tatiana / Shutterstock

We can only extract so much energy from tending to our immediate, more selfish concerns. This is why identifying a bigger why will fuel you because you become the hero in your own movie. What’s your big why, bro?

8. They eating insulin-spikers

woman who has quietly lost motivation eating insulin spikers Nicoleta Ionescu / Shutterstock

Foods that spike your blood sugar, and therefore insulin, always lead to an energy crash. That’s why you’re sleepy after a pasta or white rice lunch. Stick to higher protein and avoid high-carb foods before you need a clear head.

More for You:

3 Things People Immediately Judge You On When You First Meet Them

5 Immediate Signs Of A Toxic, Passive-Aggressive Person

11 Subtle Signs Of A Woman Who Has Been Through A Lot In Life

How To Build The Relationship You’ve Always Wanted (Without Losing Yourself)

9. They trying hard to be perfect

man who has lost motivation trying to be perfect Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

Aiming for quality is important. But trying to avoid mistakes in your process is inherently stressful. You tighten up like a tin toy truck, and your creativity goes out the window. Be okay with imperfection and move on.

10. They constantly think about themselves

man who has quietly lost motivation constantly thinking about himself TetianaKtv / Shutterstock

Self-conscious thinking is an energy suck. Instead, focus on helping others and place your mind on your goals, systems, and dreams. Your attention is off you, which is like receiving a free energy pump.

Alex Mathers is a writer and coach who helps you build a money-making personal brand with your knowledge and skills while staying mentally resilient. He's the author of the Mastery Den newsletter, which helps people triple their productivity.