It's Not Just You Ep 12: Lost motivation + Managing anxiety

Welcome back to It’s Not Just You, the unapologetic space where we tackle those burning questions burning questions that have us feeling a bit lost in this chaotic world. I’m here to help you break free from feeling stuck or stifled so you can have a job and a life without burning out.

Today, we’re diving into two hot topics that are hitting hard for so many of us:

1. Why am I no longer motivated to do my dream job?
2. How can I manage my anxiety around things I can't control?

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why We’re Here

This series shines a spotlight on the challenges that can trip us up—especially for those of us socialized as women. Today, we’re talking about the erosion of motivation and the insidious creep of anxiety into paralyzing overwhelm when there are circumstances beyond our control.

Why Am I No Longer Motivated to Do My Dream Job?

First up, let’s unpack this feeling of waning motivation. If you’ve found yourself feeling less than excited about your dream job, you’re definitely not alone. Motivation can be a slippery thing, often stemming from a freeze response in our nervous system. Yep, that’s right—sometimes when we feel paralyzed, it’s because our body is telling us to hit pause.

At 2:21, I dive into how this freeze response can zap your motivation and keep you stuck in the mud.

Here’s the real talk: motivation to do things we're not inherently excited about follows action rather than spurring it. So, if you’re in a funk, start with a micro yes—something so small it feels ridiculous not to do it. Maybe it’s just tossing one piece of trash or clearing that cluttered desk corner. These tiny wins can kickstart your momentum and help you tackle the bigger stuff with confidence!

At 8:10, discover how our socialization sets these unrealistic expectations that can leave us feeling disappointed and fearful about our career choices.

Unpacking Our Socialization

Let’s be real: our upbringing has a MASSIVE impact on how we view our careers. We’re raised on fairy tales, thinking that landing our dream job will magically make us happy and fulfilled. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t always work that way! You might find yourself grappling with feelings of disappointment, fear, or regret, questioning if you took a wrong turn on your career path.

So, to reignite that fire within, grab your journal and let’s unpack these probing questions:

• What are my current thoughts about my job or career?
• What did I initially believe about this job, and how has that changed?
• What fears or doubts do I have about my future in this role?
• What parts of this work genuinely light me up?

By diving into these questions, you’ll uncover what’s really behind that motivation slump.

How can I manage my anxiety around things beyond my control?

Now, let’s switch gears and talk about managing that swirling anxiety around the election, i.e. things beyond our controls as individuals. If you’re feeling anxious, know that you’re in fabulous company. This election cycle is like a pressure cooker of emotions—from anger and frustration to fear and helplessness. It’s like we’re strapped into a rollercoaster of “what ifs” that just won’t stop!

Tune in at 18:17 as we discuss how our socialization influences our anxiety during high-stakes moments like this.

To cope with this anxiety, you need a rock-solid care plan that works for YOU. Here’s how to take charge and reclaim your peace of mind:

1. Develop Your Care Plan: Identify small, medium, and big ways to pamper yourself. Whether it’s treating yourself to that luxe candle you’ve been eyeing or having a go-to stress relief activity, make sure your toolkit is stocked and ready when anxiety strikes. You deserve every ounce of that self-care!
2. Challenge Those Doomsday Thoughts: When you find yourself spiraling into doom and gloom, ask, “Is this thought helping or hindering me?” If it’s only adding fuel to the fire, practice letting it go. Replace it with affirmations like, “I am capable of handling whatever comes my way.”
3. Practice Self-Compassion: It’s perfectly okay to feel rattled. Acknowledge those feelings without judgment. Remind yourself, “I am safe,” or “It’s normal to feel scared right now.” Embrace your emotions as valid and necessary.
4. Stay Engaged: Don’t let feelings of overwhelm paralyze you. Instead, find ways to plug in and take action that aligns with your values. This is your time to shine, babe!

At 22:05, I share actionable tips to empower yourself and navigate the chaos without losing your mind!

Let’s Support Each Other

As we navigate our careers and the anxieties that come with them, remember: you’re not alone. The fight against unmotivation and anxiety is REAL, but with intention and support, we can reclaim our narratives and live unapologetically.

I want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Together, let’s lift each other up because remember, It’s Not Just You!

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