When things are going our way, we feel motivated.

We fulfill our objectives and we feel satisfied. It makes us feel happy and content, and in many ways, full. I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a pretty beautiful feeling.

But what about when things don’t go our way? 

When that motivation just disappears? When those objectives no longer feel worthwhile, and we aren’t satisfied and we aren’t driven and we no longer feel full?

Well, excuse my language, but it’s shit. I’ve felt that a lot over the past couple of weeks. My morale has been low and I’ve been feeling pretty down. It’s not nice! However, while wallowing and hiding from the world sounds like the obvious solution, at some point you need to pick yourself up and get back on track. 

So, if things are looking grey and you’re struggling to see the bright side, here are a few ways to stay positive even when things aren’t perfect. The good news is, it’s not as difficult as you might think…

1) Pinpoint the imperfection

Sometimes we feel sad and demotivated because something heartbreaking has happened. Sometimes it’s because things aren’t going the way we’d planned, or sometimes it’s just because we’re down in the dumps. Whatever it is, there’s always a root cause. 

To stay positive, you need to figure out exactly what’s getting you down. That way, you can find a way to take action, overcome it and get back on track. Of course, it’ll take time, but at least you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with.

2) Confide in someone

Don’t they say that a problem shared is a problem halved? Bottling things up never achieves anything. Share how you’re feeling with someone else. Explain to them why you’re unhappy, what you’re thinking and how it’s affecting you. They’ll probably have a ton of ideas to help you get out of your rut, which will make you feel so much better & help you find the light at the end of the tunnel. 

3) Take a break 

For the past couple of weeks, i’ve been following every tip in this post, except this one. Since losing my grandad, i’ve felt so demotivated, lost and unfocused. I thought that the solution was to jump back into work and just get on with things. Actually, it doesn’t go like that. By doing that, my work has actually suffered.

You need to step back and take an actual break. Forget about emails and your to-do list and just do something that you enjoy. For me, that involved switching off my phone, spending a few hours cooking and enjoying countless crappy, but oh-so-brilliant episodes of Hollyoaks. And I feel SO much better for it. That time to do ‘you’ is crucial, so don’t deny yourself of it. 

4) Find the silver lining

Yes, it’s cliché, but there is always a silver lining. I got to see my family & best friends back home for the first time in almost a year. Of course, it wasn’t under the most positive of circumstances. However, I didn’t want my trip to be all-consumed with sadness and heartbreak. I wanted to create some positive memories too. The silver lining might be something significant, or it might be something small. But there is something positive to be found in any situation. You just need to look for it.

5) Make a plan 

Yes, you’re not feeling great. Yes, things aren’t perfect. But that won’t last forever! Now’s your opportunity to turn things around and make those small yet crucial steps towards feeling positive again. Tidy up, put on some good music and make a plan. Focus on one issue at a time (baby steps, remember) and brainstorm some solutions. A plan will always give you that direction you need to get yourself back on the road to positivity. 

When you come out of the other side, you’ll feel driven and armed to take on the world. Even if things aren’t perfect right now, remember, it’s only temporary. Smile, keep your chin up & have faith that you’ll come out of this. You’ll feel better in no time 🙂