Latest / Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor / How can I maintain motivation when progress is slow?

Transcript

How can I maintain motivation when progress is slow? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Losing motivation when progress feels slow is a really common experience, especially in career situations where change takes longer than you'd like.
• 0:09
  SPEAKER_00: It's not that you're doing something wrong, it usually just means a gap between the effort you're putting in and the visible results has started to feel discouraging.
• 0:18
  SPEAKER_00: Now one shift that can help is measuring progress by what you're doing rather than only by outcomes you can't fully control.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: If you're applying for roles, building a new skill or trying to shift direction, focusing on whether you show up and did the work that day rather than whether the result has arrived yet tends to keep motivation steadier and allows you to keep going.
• 0:40
  SPEAKER_00: It also helps to reconnect with why you started this in the first place.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: So when progress is slow, it's easy to lose sight of the original reason behind the goal.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_00: So just take a moment to remind yourself what matters to you about this direction can help bring back some of that energy that you got initially.
• 0:56
  SPEAKER_00: Also, noticing the small wins matters as well.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: A completed application, a new skill practice, a difficult conversation had, these count as progress even when nothing dramatic has changed yet.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: And naming them even briefly can help your brain register that movement is happening, which makes it easier to keep going.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: Now, practical ways to support yourself with this might be to simply keep a record of what you've done each week.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: Even short notes work as well.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: As looking back at these over time makes progress easier to see than trying to judge it day to day.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_00: Building in one small learning activity a week, whether that's a course, an article, or a conversation with someone further along, can also help keep momentum going without added pressure.
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_00: It's worth telling someone you trust as well what you're working on, whether that's a friend, manager or mentor, as having someone checking with you occasionally can help you stay accountable when motivation naturally dips.
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_00: Now, with slow progress is starting to affect your confidence more broadly, or if you notice persistent low mood, hopelessness, or you're finding it hard to function day to day, it's worth speaking to your GP or a therapist.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: And also a career coach can also help if you feel stuck specifically around directional next steps.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: And you can head back into the app anytime for more support and resources on career uncertainty and change.
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking about harming yourself and feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.