Just Functioning? Get Living.
Have you ever sat down at your desk to work and just find yourself staring blankly at the computer?
Or maybe you’re just looking at the same page in a book or the calendar in front of you but not actually reading anything that it says?
I personally even find myself opening the fridge just to glare inside over and over again without any intention of even grabbing any of it’s contents…
There are countless examples I can give of ways that we humans, You know…
Just kind of, go through the motions.
But what happens when we get stuck in this repetitive loop of unproductivity and self-shame? (because let’s be real, in this society, one usually goes with the other)
As always, there is no one solution to break this cycle, it’s more of a systematic formula including a shift in mindset & physical action.
Awareness (+) A Shift in Mindset (-) distractions (+) routine (x) goals & intentions (-) limitations (+) ACTION & ACCOUNTABILITY with a healthy dose of intentional rest (=) A NEW REALITYSo, what does this actually look like in practice?
First, AWARENESS. You can’t fix a problem if you don’t even realize it exists. Noticing when you’re stuck in autopilot or just going through the motions is the first step to breaking free from it.
Then, A SHIFT IN MINDSET. Instead of shaming yourself for not being “productive enough,” try looking at it differently. Are your mind and body getting what they need? Are you overwhelmed? Burnt out? Lacking motivation? Craving direction> Sometimes, what feels like laziness is actually a sign that you need to RECALIBRATE.
Next, CUTTING OUT DISTRACTIONS. This doesn’t mean you have to eliminate all the fun stuff in life. Now let’s be real—how many times have you picked up your phone just to scroll mindlessly and suddenly you don’t realize how much time has passed. Being intentional about what you allow into your space (and mind) makes a huge difference.
Now, IT’S TIME TO BRING IN ROUTINE, GOALS, & INTENTIONS. Let’s not get lost in this. I’m not talking the “hustle” kind that society glorifies. I’m talking about routines that actually support YOU.—ones that include moments of clarity, movement, nourishment, and a fan favorite— fun.
Goals that make sense for where you are, not just where you think you should be.
And, let’s not forget limitations. Yes, we need boundaries—not just with other people, but with ourselves. But we have to find the balance because excessive limitations lead to excuses that keep us stuck where we are.
It’s easy to overcommit, to focus on things that don’t actually serve us, dive on down the rabbit hole, and then wonder why we feel like we are barely treading water and can’t breathe.
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to focus on.
But, none of this works without ACTION and ACCOUNTABILITY.
This is the test that we face as humans, and I too myself face this battle every day with an unknown fate:
SELF DISCIPLINE.
Whether it be through a good old fashioned to-do list, a supportive community, a strict regimen or a loose itinerary— at some point, you have to take the steps—even if they’re small ones.
Lastly, INTENTIONAL REST. Not the kind where you’re lying on the couch but secretly stressing about everything you “should” be doing. Real REST. The kind that refuels you— this may not even be sleep for you— maybe you just need to take a walk outside, have a deep conversation, or a moment of stillness with yourself.
When all of these elements start working together, that repetitive cycle of stagnation and self-shame starts to break apart. It doesn’t happen overnight, but little by little, you’ll find yourself creating a reality that feels aligned instead of just obligatory.
You deserve more than just going through the motions. You deserve to actually live.
