Finding Motivation as a Woman

Tuesday January 28, 2025

Finding Motivation as a Woman
We’ve all been there—the days when motivation feels so elusive, slipping through our fingers just when we need it most. As women, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, staying motivated can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Whether you’re balancing a career, managing a household, or chasing personal dreams, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But here's the thing: motivation isn't something you need to wait for—it’s something you can cultivate, harness, and grow from.
Here are some ways you can get and stay motivated:

1. Start with Your Creator
   Before you dive into your daily to-do list, take time to acknowledge God’s presence in your life. Begin your day with prayer. Prayer (simply talking to God) can happen before our feet hit the ground running. Spend time in His Word. This is an offering, a first fruit to begin a new day. Remembering and acknowledging our Creator is a simple way to reorient ourselves to Him and away from our self-centeredness.              
2. Remember Your Why
   Remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. Whether it’s taking care of your family, your job, personal goals, or the passions you’re chasing, reconnecting with your purpose can ignite that inner fire. Ask yourself:

• Why is this important to me?
• Will this advance God’s kingdom?
• How does this align with my biblical and personal values, and my vision for life?
• What do I hope to achieve? Is this my idea, or God’s? Or do I want Him to bless my ideas?

Your "why" is the foundation that will keep you grounded when challenges arise. Every step forward, no matter how small, will feel more meaningful when you're connected to your deeper purpose.

3. Break Big Goals into Small, Manageable Tasks
   Motivation can quickly fade when a goal feels overwhelming. Instead of focusing on the bigger picture, break things down into bite-sized chunks. For example:
   Instead of: "I want to write a book."
   Focus on: "Today, I will write 500 words."
   By focusing on small tasks, you’ll create a sense of achievement and momentum. Plus, you’re less likely to feel paralyzed by the enormity of the task. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.                                                              
4. Create a Routine That Nourishes You
   Motivation thrives in structure. Establishing a routine that supports your mental, physical, and emotional health can make a world of difference. This doesn’t mean you need to follow a rigid schedule, but rather find a rhythm that works for you. It might include:

• Morning rituals: Time in prayer, Bible reading, journaling, stretching, or a healthy breakfast.
• Work habits: A clear workspace, set work times, and breaks to recharge.
• Evening practices: Unwinding with a book, spending time with like-minded friends, or a hot bath.

When you have a routine that nourishes you, it’s easier to stay motivated throughout the day. Plus, you’ll feel more balanced and energized to face whatever comes your way.

5. Surround Yourself with Support
   Motivation often thrives when we’re surrounded by people who uplift, inspire, and hold us accountable. Whether it's a supportive friend, mentor, or community of faith (find a local CWBO group, or start a group near you), having people who believe in you can make all the difference. Find your cheerleaders—those who encourage you when you feel doubtful and celebrate your wins with you. Find friends who will sit and listen, and weep if necessary when you weep.
   It’s also helpful to distance yourself from negativity. Positive people produce positive experiences.                                                                                            
6. Celebrate Your Wins—Big and Small
   It’s easy to get caught up in the next goal, but don't forget to celebrate where you are now. Every accomplishment, whether it’s finishing a big project or taking time to re-energize, deserves recognition. Celebrating your successes, no matter how small, helps build momentum and reinforces the belief that you are capable of achieving even more.
   Reward yourself! Whether it's a cup of your favorite tea, a few hours of alone time, or a mini getaway—treating yourself reminds you that you’re worth the effort and encourages you to keep going.                                                                              
7. Embrace the Setbacks
   Let’s be honest—no journey is without its setbacks. But here's the secret: failure isn't a sign to quit; it's an opportunity to learn. When things don’t go as planned, take a moment to reflect on what you can do differently next time. Every failure is a stepping stone toward success. Embrace the process, and let it fuel your desire to rise again, stronger than before.                                                                            
8. Practice Self-Compassion
   As women, we often hold ourselves to impossibly high standards. But remember: perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is. When you slip up, don’t be hard on yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer a close friend. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.
   Self-compassion is crucial for staying motivated. When you give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them, you remove the weight of self-criticism and replace it with a mindset of growth and possibility.                                                    
9. Visualize Your Success                                                                                    Take a few moments each day to close your eyes and picture your success. What does it look like? How does it feel? Visualization can be a powerful motivator because it helps make your dreams feel tangible. When you can see your success in your mind, it becomes easier to stay focused and determined to turn it into reality.
   Scripture says, Without a vision, the people perish. Daydreaming isn’t vision; it’s mental wandering, an unfocused fantasy. Vision is a clear, focused, and actionable plan for the future, which can produce a strong drive to make it a reality.                 
10. Gratitude
    Gratitude is one of the most important exercises you can practice. Rehearsing God’s goodness, provision, favor, and connections shifts our focus from what we perceive we lack to how we are already blessed.
    Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
    Gratitude is woven into the process of prayer, reminding us to give thanks even as we bring our needs and concerns to God.                                                               
11. Worship
    Our motivation and focus change when we worship our Creator. Worship puts our minds in the right place. Even in the darkest valleys, we can worship our way back to joy, peace, contentment, and motivation.

Final Thoughts
As women, we often wear many hats, and our motivations can shift depending on the season of life we’re in. But no matter where you are or what you’re facing, you have the power to tap into a wellspring of motivation from within. By nurturing your purpose, breaking your goals into manageable pieces, and practicing praise, you can stay driven, focused, and unstoppable.
So, take a deep breath, believe in your abilities, and keep moving forward. The world is waiting for your unique spark.

Do you have a favorite way to stay motivated? Share it in the comments! We’d love to hear your tips and tricks.