Do you ever get spontaneous bursts of that warm, energized feeling of motivation? I’m not talking about the pointed, specific kind where you feel compelled to complete a particular task. I mean the “big” kind. The type that makes you want to reorganize your entire closet, overhaul your skincare routine, or read every self-help book on the New York Times Best Seller List—even if it’s 2 o'clock in the morning. The kind that paints the future as sunny and brimming with potential.
I adore this feeling.
Lately, though, I’ve been in a bit of a “big motivation” drought and not feeling particularly ~inspired~. Naturally, this got me thinking: Is it even possible to harness this mythical feeling? Or is the beauty of “big motivation” found in its fleetingness?
I spent the last couple of weeks road-tripping through the British Isles with my family. We saw some stunning, awe-inspiring places. The trip was ripe for “big motivation”—or at least, it should have been. But the reality included jetlag, the logistical stress of navigating three new countries and unpacking and repacking for different destinations every two days, and the exhaustion from my constant intake of Dramamine due to my (unfortunate) carsickness on the windy, rural roads.
Don’t get me wrong— I had a fantastic time on my trip. I loved being able to make special memories with my family. But I had also assumed the vacation would completely re-invigorate me with energy and inspiration. I would be made new again!
But that didn’t pan out exactly. I’m learning that “big motivation” isn’t the result of a simple recipe I can concoct at any time. It’s more nuanced.
Reflecting on recent moments when I’ve felt “big motivation”…
Enjoying a leisurely breakfast with my partner, Gabe, on vacation in Florida, chatting and making plans for our future
Laying in bed after watching the US Women’s Gymnastics Team win Olympic gold
Standing mid-hike on an Irish mountainside, overlooking the landscape below
…I’ve arrived at a slightly wiser perspective on “big motivation.”
It’s not a feeling I can conjure out of thin air or will into existence by going on vacation. However, (I believe) I can enable more opportunities for this “limitless” feeling by creating the right circumstances.
For me, this looks like…
Creating intentional time and space for reflection i.e., journaling, checking in with myself. “Big motivation” doesn’t bubble up when I’m all-consumed with work and life stressors.
Being choosey about the content I consume i.e., limiting time on social media or TV that zaps my energy, prioritizing content that inspires me. Nothing kills my motivation like going down a TikTok rabbit hole.
Planning periodic perspective-shifting experiences e.g., traveling, hiking, concert-going. This won’t work 100% of the time, but nothing creates awe like experiencing something much larger than myself.
What does this look like for you? Do you, too, experience the “big motivation” high? Can’t relate?
Either way, thanks for joining me on this super scientific self-case study. Cheers to enjoying more “big motivation” in our lives.
Disclaimer: I’m an early-career product manager. This newsletter doesn’t assert factuality or authority but rather, represents my product-related musings (at the time they were written). I reserve the right to change them as I continue to learn and grow.