Motivation help

[Turkey62]

Hi. I'm new to this forum. Wonder if any one has tips on the following on how to manage with lack of motivation. It's been a year since my accident and la k of motivation is getting worse. Thanks

[Owl51]

I still struggle with motivation, but I have some strategies. It doesn’t always work! Sometimes I get nothing of any use done in a day, and that’s just part of life for me at the moment.

Make lists. Break your goals down into smaller bits, if you can do them over the course of a day or a week. Prioritise, if you can - not everything needs to be done.

Think about the things you really like - how can you do more of those things? Can you get someone to help you? I can empathise though, sometimes even the things I really enjoy I can’t be bothered to even start.

I sometimes set a timer for 20 minutes and see how much of a task I can do in that 20 minutes, and if I want to give up/go on a wander/sleep after that, then that’s fine, but I bargain with myself - 20 minutes. Or it could be 15, or 5.

Feel free to tell me these are all rubbish - even now I’m not sure I’ve answered your question...

[Turkey62 in reply to Owl51]

Thank you I will give these tips a go. I thought it was me been lazy it's nice to be able to talk to others in the same situation and who understands. X

[cat3]

Motivation seems a big problem after brain injury. I think it's due to the complexity and delicacy of the brain and the fact it can't heal & function as before like other organs, even the heart.

It's always struck me as a bit of a catch22 that we're trying to motivate a dodgy brain with a dodgy brain. Firstly, it can take 2-3 years to reach an equilibrium at which point we have a clearer idea of our new capabilities and limits.

Meanwhile it's a matter of doing whatever's necessary to get through each day whilst eating healthily, ensuring good fluid intake and taking regular exercise to maximise brain health and general stamina.

I'm coming up to 8years post Bi and still have 'down' days where I want to see no one and do nothing. But then, like today, such a simple job as clearing masses of leaves and looking out to a neat garden can create a feeling of accomplishment and normality. And it can have a knock-on effect of wellbeing.

It's a weird business struggling to override the instincts of one's brain...……...with that same brain as our only 'tool' and, though it's not everyone's choice, I use medication to kick-start positive thoughts and take it from there. Some days are better than others, but at least the good ones outnumber the not so good.

Maybe lower your expectations of what you think you should achieve and concentrate on finding satisfaction in small things (crosswords/nature/baking/whatever...…) I found boredom was a handy trigger for motivation ……….but only after a long period of healing and acceptance. 😏

Cat x

[Turkey62 in reply to cat3]

Thank you it can get so frustrating and the out side world don't understand x

[ELVS]

I am answering this on behalf of my husbsnd. He is 2 years post TBI and has improved in his motivation over the last 6 months significantly. The neurologist prescribed him medication and it's made a big difference. Not for everyone, I know but he is like different man

[Turkey62 in reply to ELVS]

Thank you. X

[FlowerPower62]

Thank you Turkey 62 for bringing this up. My husband definitely is lacking in motivation, and I've not seen this asked before, so I too appreciate the replies. He seemed better before, as he managed to make a few things for our daughter's wedding, such as stands etc, but now...I can't remember the last time he did anything off his own bat. Everything he does is prompted by me, and while it's good he agrees to do them, I wish he would do stuff of his own choosing. All the very best to you. x