How to Get Motivated by Practicing Gratitude

The other day, I had a conversation with my 6th grader about something we’ve all faced: resistance. You know, that feeling when you just don’t want to do something, even if it’s important to your goals or well-being. It’s the kind of resistance that makes daily tasks feel like climbing a mountain—and sometimes, it feels impossible to overcome.

Here’s the good news: that resistance is normal, and it often serves as a signal. Sometimes, it’s your intuition telling you to rest or reevaluate. Other times, it’s simply a lack of motivation. But what if you could shift that resistance into something productive, using a simple yet powerful tool? Let’s explore how practicing gratitude can help you break through and find your momentum.

Identifying Why You Don’t Want to Do Something

There can be a ton of reasons why you’re feeling resistant to working on something. It could be that you’re distracted with better things to do or that you’re overwhelmed with everything on your plate. Maybe you’re focusing on the wrong things or for the wrong reasons. Maybe your body is telling you that you’re exhausted, burned out, or need to rest. Or, it might be that you’re simply not feeling it.

If your intuition is telling you that something is off, then it’s probably time for some self-care. But if it’s just a case of the “I don’t wannas!” then maybe it’s time to think about why you’re feeling such resistance and explore how you can break through.

For example, are you…

• Unable to progress forward because you’re afraid of the outcome?

• Overwhelmed, burned out, or in need of rest?

• Getting bogged down in the details? Is it time to step back and look at the big picture?

• Only seeing the negative aspects around you, and unable (or unwilling) to see the positive?

If any of the above resonates with you, you might be experiencing resistance.

The Key to Overcoming Resistance

Resistance happens to all of us. It’s hard to start something up (or keep going) when we simply don’t feel like it.

And honestly, that’s a significant reason why I love my slow-living businesses. The variety of things that fill me up, light me up, and fulfill my purpose keeps me going even on the days when all I’d instead do is watch Netflix play World of Warcraft.*

But it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to learn a few tricks to keep moving forward, especially on those days when I. just. don’t. want. to. 

I’ve learned to set mini schedules that prioritize what I want to do, not what I have to do. I've learned how to prioritize self-care as part of my regular business activities. I’ve learned a system for setting goals and sticking to them. And I’ve learned the number one trick to overcoming resistance, which is:

Practicing gratitude.

So, when I start to resist something, I try to reframe it as an opportunity to practice gratitude instead.

Using Gratitude as a Tool for Moving Forward

Reframing resistance into gratitude becomes doubly powerful when you can link your gratitude to a long-term goal.

For example…

When I’m resisting doing my daily workout because it’s physically overwhelming, I remember how grateful I am that I’ve regained so much of my strength since my chemo treatments 4 years ago, and I focus on my long-term distance goals for walking.

When I’m resisting working on a new project, I remember how grateful I am for the opportunity to share my knowledge to help others, and I focus on my long-term goals for my business.

It’s all about reframing the resistance in the spirit of gratitude and self-empowerment.

When you’re able to link gratitude in the present to a positive goal for the future, it can stimulate movement… moving beyond resistance, even in very small ways, to make progress toward your goals.

Here are some ways I practice gratitude as a part of my business routine.

Instead of resisting the work I need to do, I focus on the present moment and all I have to be grateful for. I’m talking amazing things like…

• Getting some awesome emails last week as a result of my “Ask Me Anything” event, which led to making some inspiring new friendships and connections.

• Meeting a new colleague via a networking event, which helped me to promote my business in new, fun ways.

• Making headway on an important project because I’ve finally learned to let go of the outcome. Instead, I'm focusing on how grateful I am to use my expertise to help others.

• And, of course, I'm grateful for you. Having this blog as a means to connect with my readers and clients feels like a fantastic gift.

I love it so much. Seriously. So, consider this a personal thank you from me to you. I’m so grateful to have you in my world.

I really love helping women like you discover their purpose and create slow-living lifestyles. And I love having you here with me while I do it.

Wanna know another thing I love? Making new connections. If you’d like to learn more about me and join me on this journey of self-love and building a slow-living lifestyle, sign up for my free 7-Day Slow Living Challenge to get started today!

*For the Horde!