Getting Back on Track After One Too Many Bad Days

First of all, having a bad day (or days) are part of life for everyone. A bad day can mean falling off track of a good habit you’ve been working on creating, feeling unmotivated, sad, resorting to using unhelpful coping skills, feeling melancholic, not feeling like yourself, moodiness, anger… or whatever else it is for you.
 
But, it’s important to know the difference between intentionally giving yourself a break (understanding that it’s ok to not be ok) and unintentionally being pulled into identifying with your feelings day after day, to the point where you are struggling to get out of the cycle and back on track .
 
If your bad day is tied to a specific event or non-event (something that should have happened but didn’t), having an easy strategy will help you not get sucked into the negative thoughts and feelings that will further fuel your fear, feelings of failure, disappointment, and self-judgment.
 
When you can’t access the motivation from within, the key is to find it outside of yourself!
 
First, check in with yourself: what do I need the most right now?

• Is it inspiration, validation, a new skill, a piece of information, support, clarity, a little push, etc.?

 
Second, what is the best way to go about getting that?

• Is it talking to a specific person, listening to your favorite podcast (or episode), reading your favorite passage of a book, taking a solo walk, being in nature, watching motivational YouTube videos, writing affirmations, etc.?

 
Third, thinking ahead will be crucial for successfully implementing the first two steps.

• Don’t wait until you are in the depths of your feelings.
• When you feel motivated and inspired, write a note to yourself for when you’re feeling down.
• Make a list of things, people, & places that make you feel good and that have the power to propel you forward.
• Notice when you’re starting to feel overwhelmed… Take an intentional break before you are forced to take one.
• Pace yourself… Is what you’re doing and how you are living sustainable long-term or is it just a quick fix for the moment?
• Don’t buy into “I’m not motivated,” unless you learn how to motivate yourself, as motivation will not just come knocking on your door!

 
Take it easy on yourself, don’t throw away the good days and progress you made for a few shitty days. Embrace them, make space for them in a way that feels right to you and then notice when it’s time to leave them behind.

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