Feb 264 min read

Managing motivation through change

A professional woman standing next to a board that reads "my change, my motivation"

It's fairly well established that change is a constant in life, yet it often brings with it a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and uncertainties. Whether it's a new job, a move to a different city, a shift in relationships, or a global event reshaping our world, navigating change can be both exhilarating and daunting. One of the key factors that determine how well we adapt to change is our motivation. Maintaining motivation through change is crucial for our well-being and success.

Strategies for Managing Motivation through Change

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Change can trigger a range of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to fear and anxiety. It's essential to recognise and accept these feelings. By acknowledging how you feel, you can better understand the source of your emotions and address them constructively.

Change brings pressure and often we can act out of a place of stress, only to look back on a situation that didn't go well and find it difficult to unpack. Try to remember that we respond to our environment, and when that environment is changing it puts pressure on our ability to respond well.

2. Set Clear Goals: During times of change, it's easy to feel adrift without a sense of purpose. Setting clear, achievable goals can provide direction and motivation. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain momentum and track progress. Celebrate your accomplishments along the way to stay motivated.

3. Focus on What You Can Control: Change often comes with elements that are beyond our control. Instead of dwelling on things you can't change, focus on what you can control. Redirect your energy toward actions that move you closer to your goals and empower yourself to make positive choices in the face of uncertainty.

For example, you might not feel competent yet in your new job because that takes time to achieve. But what you can do is focus on completing your onboarding courses, and set up meetings to get to know your colleagues.

4. Find Meaning and Purpose: Reflect on the deeper meaning behind the changes you're experiencing. How does this transition align with your values and aspirations? Finding purpose in the midst of change can fuel your motivation and give you a sense of direction. Consider how you can grow and learn from this experience, even if it feels challenging in the moment.

In cases where your own values and aspirations don't align with the change you're experiencing, then you have another challenge that can provide meaning, depending how you approach it. You might see your challenge as remaining open-minded and agreeing to disagree while still doing what's required to navigate the change in your life.

For example, many years ago I looked for part time work just after having given birth to my son. I wanted something interesting and easy that got me out of the house and let me have a break. I was offered work at a friends' family business. After induction, I found the business to be somewhat haphazard, disorganised and inefficient. But my role was not to sort out the business model, so I took my challenge to be that I was working in a family business and I needed to work at it as if it was my family business. This gave me meaning and purpose and helped me to look past the discomfort of working in chaos.

5. Cultivate Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to adversity. Cultivate resilience by nurturing a positive mindset, practicing self-care, and seeking support from friends, family, or a mentor. Remember that setbacks are temporary and can provide valuable lessons for personal growth.

Agencia Change offers an excellent and thorough online program on resilience. For more information, have a look at Beating the Beat Up. At the time of writing, this online program is still on Welcome Offer at half price.

6. Create a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you during times of change. Share your goals and challenges with trusted friends or colleagues who can offer guidance and support. Having a strong support network can bolster your motivation and provide valuable perspective.

Motivation isn't an exercise in perfect execution, its really about not ceasing to move towards the goal. One day that might be an inch, the next day you might get a step closer. Travelling alongside someone else, you'll be able to go further and move for longer.

7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: It's important to acknowledge that navigating change is a journey, and it's okay to stumble along the way. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and embrace the learning opportunities that come with setbacks. Perfection is not the goal; progress is.

This brings us back to staying present and mindful to our own individual journey. The change that's occurring is ours to integrate into our lives. The process of integrating the change fully will occur over time, not in one big-bang at the end of being 'ready'.

8. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of change. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges. Acknowledge your efforts and forgive yourself for any perceived shortcomings.

A mental shift may help here. Challenge yourself to see self-care not as part of your routine, but your core job. What would you do differently if staying on top of self-care was your job? How would you manage self-care if you needed a focussed plan with self-care goals and actions?