WEBVTT 1 00:00:18.625 --> 00:00:20.925 Hey, it's Rachel Cook, your modern mentor. 2 00:00:21.545 --> 00:00:23.445 I'm the founder of Lead Above Noise, 3 00:00:23.445 --> 00:00:26.085 where we help leaders activate performance, lead 4 00:00:26.085 --> 00:00:28.965 through change, and dial burnout all the way down. 5 00:00:29.745 --> 00:00:31.765 If your team or organization is ready 6 00:00:31.765 --> 00:00:33.125 to reignite its motivation 7 00:00:33.125 --> 00:00:34.645 and drive, I'd love to support you. 8 00:00:35.095 --> 00:00:38.525 Shoot me a note at rachel@leadabovenoise.com 9 00:00:38.875 --> 00:00:40.245 anytime, and let's talk. 10 00:00:41.085 --> 00:00:42.865 And hey, before we dive into today's 11 00:00:42.865 --> 00:00:44.265 episode, can I ask a favor? 12 00:00:44.845 --> 00:00:47.305 If you are feeling motivated to share your feedback 13 00:00:47.305 --> 00:00:48.825 or support to the show in any way, 14 00:00:49.315 --> 00:00:51.065 don't forget about the power of a rating 15 00:00:51.085 --> 00:00:52.985 or review in your favorite podcast app. 16 00:00:54.105 --> 00:00:55.315 Okay, that's my plug. 17 00:00:56.185 --> 00:01:00.245 And now speaking of feeling motivated, like are you, 18 00:01:00.245 --> 00:01:04.065 these days in general, it feels like I'm seeing people 19 00:01:04.065 --> 00:01:06.065 around me climb through sludge 20 00:01:06.615 --> 00:01:09.025 like they're just operating at a lower frequency 21 00:01:09.445 --> 00:01:12.105 and it's feeling harder and harder to just lean in 22 00:01:12.285 --> 00:01:14.225 and be productive and do the thing. 23 00:01:14.925 --> 00:01:16.145 Are you feeling this at all 24 00:01:16.325 --> 00:01:19.545 or seeing it around you, this dip in motivation? 25 00:01:20.795 --> 00:01:23.695 If so, let's try to resist the urge just 26 00:01:23.695 --> 00:01:25.335 for today to judge it. 27 00:01:25.915 --> 00:01:29.215 We try to push through it or blame ourselves or our schedule 28 00:01:29.355 --> 00:01:31.095 or our inbox or our willpower. 29 00:01:31.835 --> 00:01:33.775 But what if the dip is actually just trying 30 00:01:33.775 --> 00:01:35.015 to tell us something? 31 00:01:35.565 --> 00:01:38.255 Sometimes a lack of motivation is actually a signal 32 00:01:38.565 --> 00:01:40.055 that something needs our attention. 33 00:01:40.835 --> 00:01:43.815 So today let's talk about ways to decode that signal 34 00:01:44.395 --> 00:01:46.735 to move into curiosity over judgment. 35 00:01:47.505 --> 00:01:48.535 Let's talk about four 36 00:01:48.535 --> 00:01:50.215 of the most common scenarios I'm seeing 37 00:01:50.755 --> 00:01:52.575 and some ways you might combat it. 38 00:01:52.795 --> 00:01:54.895 If one of these feels like I'm talking to you, 39 00:01:56.125 --> 00:01:59.265 the first one is, honestly, I just don't care 40 00:01:59.265 --> 00:02:00.345 that much about this work. 41 00:02:01.445 --> 00:02:04.225 Do you ever have that moment where you're staring at a task 42 00:02:04.285 --> 00:02:06.705 and your brain is like a hard pass? 43 00:02:07.365 --> 00:02:09.305 You're not lazy and you're not broken. 44 00:02:09.965 --> 00:02:13.225 You might just be missing a bleep to give in that moment. 45 00:02:14.205 --> 00:02:16.585 It can happen when the thing you're working on doesn't 46 00:02:16.585 --> 00:02:18.145 naturally connect with anything 47 00:02:18.145 --> 00:02:19.505 that actually matters to you. 48 00:02:20.125 --> 00:02:22.545 It doesn't light you up, it doesn't feel important, 49 00:02:22.965 --> 00:02:25.385 so your brain just gets kind of sleepy. 50 00:02:26.305 --> 00:02:28.445 One approach to take here is to challenge yourself 51 00:02:28.445 --> 00:02:30.005 to find the care in it. 52 00:02:30.555 --> 00:02:32.885 There's almost always a gem of something. 53 00:02:32.885 --> 00:02:35.525 If we look deeply enough, find something in the work 54 00:02:35.525 --> 00:02:37.605 that you value and connect with that. 55 00:02:38.035 --> 00:02:39.445 Like maybe you've been tapped 56 00:02:39.545 --> 00:02:41.205 as the data grabber for your team. 57 00:02:41.555 --> 00:02:43.605 Anytime your boss has to make a presentation 58 00:02:43.665 --> 00:02:45.925 or deliver an update, they're coming to you 59 00:02:45.985 --> 00:02:47.765 to find all the data points they need, 60 00:02:48.305 --> 00:02:51.405 and this responsibility somehow fails to let you up. 61 00:02:51.865 --> 00:02:54.605 But if you take a step back, can you find something 62 00:02:54.605 --> 00:02:56.405 that this data is helping you to learn? 63 00:02:57.105 --> 00:02:58.565 Can you spot an exciting trend 64 00:02:58.565 --> 00:03:00.005 that your boss might find useful? 65 00:03:00.505 --> 00:03:02.965 Can you find other data grabbers in your organization 66 00:03:03.025 --> 00:03:05.205 and try to build a little community amongst them? 67 00:03:05.705 --> 00:03:08.925 Can you practice using the data to tell a bigger story, one 68 00:03:08.925 --> 00:03:11.085 that you find even just a little bit compelling? 69 00:03:11.625 --> 00:03:13.445 The trick here is to connect the dots. 70 00:03:13.745 --> 00:03:15.525 You do not have to love every task, 71 00:03:16.105 --> 00:03:19.205 but finding a thread that links to something that matters 72 00:03:19.265 --> 00:03:22.325 to you will really help you start to reignite your spark. 73 00:03:23.235 --> 00:03:26.175 The next situation I tend to see is, um, 74 00:03:26.615 --> 00:03:28.215 I am just not sure I can do this. 75 00:03:28.805 --> 00:03:31.295 Whether it's imposter syndrome or inexperience 76 00:03:31.315 --> 00:03:32.975 or whatever else might be holding you back, 77 00:03:33.715 --> 00:03:36.335 not thinking we're gonna succeed at something makes us 78 00:03:36.335 --> 00:03:38.255 really hesitant to get started on it. 79 00:03:38.675 --> 00:03:41.015 But here's the thing, motivation doesn't 80 00:03:41.015 --> 00:03:42.295 thrive in a space of doubt. 81 00:03:42.995 --> 00:03:45.215 If your brain doesn't believe you can succeed, 82 00:03:45.605 --> 00:03:47.295 it's not gonna waste energy trying. 83 00:03:48.155 --> 00:03:51.135 So where do you begin? We'll start by reminding yourself 84 00:03:51.135 --> 00:03:53.135 of a time that you did do something hard. 85 00:03:53.505 --> 00:03:56.455 Maybe not the same thing, maybe not even a work thing, 86 00:03:56.915 --> 00:03:58.855 but something that just felt intimidating. 87 00:03:59.475 --> 00:04:00.975 And then remember that you got 88 00:04:00.975 --> 00:04:02.615 through it, you figured it out. 89 00:04:02.905 --> 00:04:05.215 Maybe you asked for help and maybe you failed, 90 00:04:05.315 --> 00:04:07.055 but you adjusted and you tried again, 91 00:04:07.115 --> 00:04:08.495 and eventually you landed it. 92 00:04:08.995 --> 00:04:11.695 Now break your current task into smaller pieces. 93 00:04:12.145 --> 00:04:13.935 Don't think about climbing the whole mountain. 94 00:04:14.085 --> 00:04:16.535 Just take one step and then another. 95 00:04:17.035 --> 00:04:18.975 And listen, if you've been overestimating 96 00:04:19.035 --> 00:04:21.655 how hard this is gonna be, try reframing. 97 00:04:22.435 --> 00:04:24.615 Ask yourself, what is one thing I could do today 98 00:04:24.615 --> 00:04:26.895 that would make this task feel just a little bit easier? 99 00:04:27.545 --> 00:04:29.935 Motivation doesn't come from knowing you'll succeed. 100 00:04:30.075 --> 00:04:32.335 It comes from believing you can try, 101 00:04:32.755 --> 00:04:34.095 and that trying is worth it. 102 00:04:38.005 --> 00:04:40.865 The next one I'm seeing a lot is, uh, 103 00:04:40.925 --> 00:04:44.465 the world is distracting me and this work is feeling small. 104 00:04:45.125 --> 00:04:47.705 So you know the world is like a lot right now. 105 00:04:48.325 --> 00:04:50.865 And even if we're not consciously thinking about it all the 106 00:04:50.865 --> 00:04:52.265 time, our bodies 107 00:04:52.325 --> 00:04:54.385 and our brains are really carrying the weight of it. 108 00:04:54.925 --> 00:04:56.665 If your motivation is taken a dip 109 00:04:56.665 --> 00:04:59.345 because the weight of everything just feels like too much, 110 00:04:59.845 --> 00:05:01.185 you are definitely not alone. 111 00:05:02.025 --> 00:05:04.675 This is what we call a disruptive emotions trap. 112 00:05:05.105 --> 00:05:06.995 It's what happens when our emotional bandwidth 113 00:05:07.055 --> 00:05:08.355 is just maxed out. 114 00:05:09.015 --> 00:05:12.555 You might feel foggy or restless or weirdly apathetic 115 00:05:13.095 --> 00:05:14.595 and you're feeling depleted. 116 00:05:14.975 --> 00:05:17.315 The good news, this confirms your humanity. 117 00:05:18.215 --> 00:05:21.355 The move here is not to force yourself to power through, 118 00:05:21.495 --> 00:05:24.195 but to pause and just name what's going on. 119 00:05:24.655 --> 00:05:28.035 Ask yourself, what have I been absorbing lately from the 120 00:05:28.035 --> 00:05:30.435 news, from my socials, from conversations 121 00:05:30.905 --> 00:05:32.155 that might be weighing me down? 122 00:05:32.775 --> 00:05:35.435 And where am I feeling that heaviness in my body, 123 00:05:35.535 --> 00:05:37.515 in my mood, in my ability to focus? 124 00:05:38.215 --> 00:05:41.075 And what would it look like to give myself grace instead 125 00:05:41.075 --> 00:05:42.755 of feeling guilt for how I feel? 126 00:05:43.365 --> 00:05:46.715 Maybe today, the most productive thing you can do is take a 127 00:05:46.995 --> 00:05:49.475 walk or journal on what's going on for you, 128 00:05:49.935 --> 00:05:53.195 or just give yourself permission to not be your most focused 129 00:05:53.255 --> 00:05:54.435 or energized self. 130 00:05:55.015 --> 00:05:58.245 And if the news has you angry, try reframing. 131 00:05:58.745 --> 00:06:01.645 Ask yourself, is it possible this thing I'm reacting 132 00:06:01.645 --> 00:06:05.885 to comes from ignorance or fear and not cruelty? 133 00:06:06.785 --> 00:06:07.925 Can I do something small? 134 00:06:08.065 --> 00:06:09.805 Can I donate or call 135 00:06:09.805 --> 00:06:12.645 or volunteer something that makes me feel less powerless? 136 00:06:13.725 --> 00:06:15.565 Wherever you land, remember that you're human 137 00:06:16.065 --> 00:06:19.005 and you're tired and your energy will return when you treat 138 00:06:19.245 --> 00:06:21.245 yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend. 139 00:06:21.835 --> 00:06:24.205 Sometimes the strategic pause is the thing 140 00:06:24.225 --> 00:06:25.485 to reignite your motivation. 141 00:06:26.105 --> 00:06:28.205 And when the noise of the world feels overwhelming, 142 00:06:28.515 --> 00:06:31.485 sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just tune into 143 00:06:31.685 --> 00:06:34.245 yourself to listen, to care, 144 00:06:34.545 --> 00:06:36.685 and to start again one step at a time. 145 00:06:37.785 --> 00:06:39.725 The last one I'm seeing a lot is 146 00:06:40.365 --> 00:06:42.005 I just don't know what has me stuck. 147 00:06:42.505 --> 00:06:43.605 And this one is sneaky. 148 00:06:44.025 --> 00:06:45.645 It shows up when you're avoiding something, 149 00:06:45.645 --> 00:06:46.925 but you're not even sure why. 150 00:06:47.575 --> 00:06:49.005 Maybe you grab a sick day 151 00:06:49.005 --> 00:06:51.165 or you keep pushing something to the bottom of your list. 152 00:06:51.745 --> 00:06:53.165 You say, I'm just too busy. 153 00:06:53.265 --> 00:06:55.725 But deep down, you know, something just isn't clicking. 154 00:06:56.545 --> 00:06:58.085 So start with a little curiosity. 155 00:06:58.825 --> 00:07:01.365 Ask yourself what exactly is making this feel 156 00:07:01.365 --> 00:07:02.445 hard or unappealing? 157 00:07:02.865 --> 00:07:04.805 Is it a skill gap, a confidence gap, 158 00:07:05.205 --> 00:07:06.485 a missing piece of information? 159 00:07:07.145 --> 00:07:08.765 Am I blaming something external 160 00:07:09.035 --> 00:07:10.485 that I could actually influence here? 161 00:07:10.995 --> 00:07:13.405 Sometimes all it takes is a better strategy, 162 00:07:14.005 --> 00:07:15.445 a little planning, a little clarity, 163 00:07:15.665 --> 00:07:18.085 or even just talking it through with someone you trust. 164 00:07:18.495 --> 00:07:20.205 Motivation loves a clear path. 165 00:07:20.675 --> 00:07:22.005 When we remove the fog, 166 00:07:22.225 --> 00:07:24.205 the road ahead feels more travel able, 167 00:07:24.745 --> 00:07:26.125 and that's when our energy returns. 168 00:07:26.855 --> 00:07:29.045 Motivation isn't a switch, it's a signal. 169 00:07:29.465 --> 00:07:32.085 And when we listen with care, we can find the way forward. 170 00:07:32.885 --> 00:07:34.945 If you wanna dig deeper or bring this kind of work 171 00:07:34.945 --> 00:07:36.705 to your team, I'd love to help. 172 00:07:36.995 --> 00:07:40.425 Reach out to me anytime at rachel@leadabovenoise.com 173 00:07:40.845 --> 00:07:44.145 or find me at my website, lead above noise.com. 174 00:07:44.825 --> 00:07:46.485 If you're loving the show, don't forget 175 00:07:46.485 --> 00:07:49.205 to follow Modern Mentor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 176 00:07:49.505 --> 00:07:51.205 or wherever you listen to podcasts. 177 00:07:51.665 --> 00:07:54.445 Thanks so much for listening and have a successful week. 178 00:07:54.825 --> 00:07:57.085 Modern Mentor is a quick and Dirty Tips podcast. 179 00:07:57.675 --> 00:07:59.525 It's audio engineered by Dan Far Bend. 180 00:07:59.945 --> 00:08:02.205 Our director of podcasts is Brandon Getches. 181 00:08:02.665 --> 00:08:04.965 Our podcast and advertising operations specialist 182 00:08:04.965 --> 00:08:06.085 is Morgan Christensen. 183 00:08:06.505 --> 00:08:09.165 Our digital operation specialist is Holly Hutchin. 184 00:08:09.505 --> 00:08:12.125 Our marketing and publicity associate is Davina Tomlin, 185 00:08:12.345 --> 00:08:14.445 and our marketing contractor is Nathaniel Hoops.