Whenever a holiday season approaches, many of us feel a tension between the joy of the season and a lingering sense of fatigue. Motivation, that spark that keeps us moving toward our goals, often feels elusive at this time of year.
Whether it’s the weight of past losses, the exhaustion of burnout, or the strain of overcommitment, finding the drive to move forward can be challenging. And no amount of money can change how we feel.
Immanuel Kant once wrote, "Among all the prospects which man can have, the most comforting is, on the basis of his present moral condition, to look forward to something permanent and to further progress toward a still better prospect."
This profound insight reminds us that motivation is often tied not just to action but to the hope of progress—of moving toward something meaningful, even when the path feels uncertain.
Researchers studying motivation, frequently find that many attempts to spark it—whether in ourselves or others—fall short. The strategies that feel easy or immediate rarely lead to lasting results. Instead, it’s often the deeper, less obvious factors that hold the key to rekindling our drive.
Here are a few common reasons why motivation wanes and what they reveal about our inner world:
Past hurts or losses
Emotional setbacks, whether from personal or professional experiences, can cast long shadows over our motivation. When past failures or disappointments remain unresolved, they can make us hesitant to strive for new goals, fearing history will repeat itself. These feelings aren’t just roadblocks; they’re opportunities for reflection. Acknowledging and learning from these moments can help us reframe the narrative and find courage in growth.
Burnout
In a highly-competitive world that glorifies busyness, it’s no surprise that burnout is a significant barrier to motivation. The constant drive to achieve can leave us emotionally and physically depleted, making even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. Recovering from burnout requires stepping back, reassessing priorities, and giving ourselves permission to rest and recharge.
Overcommitment
During the holidays especially, the desire to meet expectations—whether our own or others'—can lead to overcommitment. When we spread ourselves too thin, motivation is often the first casualty. Whether it’s in our attempt to boost sales, cram in another project or make it to another school concert, simplifying commitments and focusing on what truly matters can help us reclaim our energy and focus.
True motivation isn’t about forcing ourselves into action; it’s about finding alignment between our values and our goals.
This season, instead of focusing on what you should be doing, take a moment to reflect on what genuinely matters to you. What gives you a sense of purpose? What brings you joy, even in small doses?
Motivation often arises not from grand gestures but from small, intentional steps. Start with one meaningful action—perhaps reconnecting with a loved one, revisiting a hobby, or simply taking a moment to pause and breathe. These moments of alignment create momentum, leading to further progress toward a still better prospect.
At Bespoke Financial Services, we believe in aligning your financial strategies with your life’s deeper purpose, ensuring that your wealth supports not just your goals but the values and aspirations that drive them. This holiday season, let’s focus not just on what needs to be done but on what inspires you to move forward.
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If you’re ready to rediscover your motivation and craft a plan that supports your life’s vision, we’re here to guide you. Together, we can turn the challenges of today into the building blocks of a brighter tomorrow.
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