My Secrets on How to Get Motivated When You Are Stuck and Feeling Powerless

Hi, today I’m an entrepreneur, motivational coach, and someone who understands the challenges of feeling stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed by life’s demands. My personal and professional transformation didn’t result from luck—it came from setting good intentions, building resilience, while shifting my perspective. Whether you’re wondering, “How do I get motivated to work?”, “How to get motivated to clean when overwhelmed by mess?” or even “How to get motivated to study?”, I’ve been there. I’ve had to pull myself out of those trenches.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed like there’s no way forward, know this—you can change your life. You can climb the steepest hill. I’ve made it my mission to help others overcome adversity because I’ve been through it, too. Below, I’m sharing my unusual but proven ways to break free from inertia and rediscover your motivation.

My Journey from Rock Bottom to Resilience

Life wasn’t always smooth for me. At just 5 years old, I lost my sister, plunging my family into chaos. My mom turned to substances, and our home was filled with destructive relationships. At one point, she was nearly killed—stabbed and later shot. Growing up in that environment, I made countless mistakes and became deeply involved in crime. By 17, I found myself pronounced dead at a crime scene.

But here’s the turning point—a judge gave me one final chance. I chose to fight for my future. Despite having only a seventh-grade education, I defied the odds, becoming a successful entrepreneur and founder of We Level Up behavioral health treatment centers. This business helps thousands overcome challenges just like I did.

I understand the struggle to stay motivated, even in the most minor aspects of life. Whether it’s figuring out how to get motivated to workout, clean, or even study, these moments of inertia can feel insurmountable. But trust me, there’s a way to shift.

The Truth About Motivation

Here’s what they don’t tell you about motivation—it doesn’t always come first. Sometimes, action sparks motivation. And most importantly, your strategies don’t have to be conventional. Below are some of my favorite techniques, designed to meet you wherever you are on your growth path.

My 10 Secret Unique Ways to Get Motivated Fast (and Stay Motivated)

1. Leverage the Power of Pain

Most people run from pain. I embrace it. Why? Because pain is a powerful motivator. I remind myself where I came from, my struggles, and what happens if I stop pushing forward. I use my past struggles as fuel. Instead of fearing failure, I ask: What’s the cost of not taking action? That question alone has kept me on track when my energy was low.

2. Create Small Wins Daily

Massive goals can feel overwhelming. That’s why I focus on momentum. Motivation comes from action, not the other way around. I set small, achievable goals every morning that move the needle forward. Completing these small tasks gives me a dopamine boost, and that momentum keeps me going. It’s about stacking wins until success becomes a habit.

3. Do Something Different

Ever notice how your best ideas come in the shower? Routine tasks ease external stimuli, letting your brain wander freely. When I’m stuck—whether on a work task or even just figuring out how to get motivated to clean—I step away and do something mundane, like organizing my desk or taking a mindful walk. These small, “unproductive” actions often lead to brilliant breakthroughs.

4. Surround Yourself with Energy, Not Excuses

Your environment either fuels your fire or puts it out. I ensure I’m surrounded by people who challenge, inspire, and push me to level up. I cut out negativity and excuses. Who you spend time with matters—because their energy rubs off on you. Audit your circle and ask: Are these people pushing me forward or holding me back?

5. Take a break and do absolutely nothing.

When you feel overwhelmed by mess or responsibilities, try doing nothing. For 5-10 minutes, focus on mindful breathing or meditation. This quiet time gives your brain space to recalibrate. While it might feel counterintuitive, often, stepping back can ignite clarity. Studies even show mindful breathing enhances rational decision-making and creativity.

6. Make a Promise You Can’t Break

I treat my commitments like life-or-death agreements. If I say I will do something, I do it—no negotiations, no backing out. I create public accountability, I tell my mentors and my team, and I make it impossible to quit. Success is about self-integrity—keeping your promises to yourself, no matter what.

7. Leave some tasks undone

The Zeigarnik Effect explains why we can’t stop thinking about unfinished tasks—it’s the same reason TV cliffhangers keep you coming back. If you’re wondering, “How to get motivated to do assignments?” leave a project midway through when you’re still engaged. When it’s time to pick it back up, you’ll start with enthusiasm and finish strong.

8. Work for Just 5 Minutes

When I dread starting something—answering emails, hitting the gym, or cleaning—I commit to just 5 minutes. It doesn’t feel overwhelming, and more often than not, I keep going! Creating momentum is half the battle. And if it’s a task you genuinely dislike? Five consistent minutes daily will eventually get it done.

9. Turn Setbacks Into a Challenge

I don’t see obstacles as roadblocks—I see them as tests. Every challenge is an opportunity to prove that I can handle more. When life knocks me down, I ask: What’s the lesson? How can I grow from this? The bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward on the other side. If you shift your mindset, setbacks become fuel, not excuses.

10. Do Less to Do More

When life feels overwhelming, the temptation is to overcommit. Instead, scale back. I narrow my focus to just three essential tasks each day. This approach helps me prioritize and fosters a sense of accomplishment, which fuels further motivation.

Three more bonus how to get motivated tips

Here are three more bonus tips on how to get motivated to workout, when depressed, to learn, lose weight, to work, or to do school work:

1. Start with the Fun Stuff

Joss Whedon famously encouraged starting with the fun tasks first. Whether it’s work, cleaning, or goal-setting, begin with something enjoyable to build positive energy that spills into more tedious tasks. When overwhelmed, I weave something I love (like brainstorming exciting projects) into my daily to-do list.

2. Work for Just 5 Minutes

When I dread starting something—answering emails, hitting the gym, or cleaning—I commit to just five minutes. It doesn’t feel overwhelming, and more often than not, I keep going! Creating momentum is half the battle. And if it’s a task you truly dislike, five consistent minutes daily will eventually get it done.

2. Search Social Media With Purpose to find your passions

Try this when asking yourself, “How can I get motivated to study?” or needing a quick energy reset. Social media, if managed well, can boost productivity. I use it intentionally—scrolling through inspiring accounts, connecting with like-minded people, or laughing at funny content. Setting time limits (thanks to tools like Focus Keeper) gives me a quick mood boost without spiraling into endless distractions.

Looking for Motivation? Start Small. Start Now.

Whether you’re asking yourself “How to motivate yourself to get out of bed”, “How to get motivated to work”, or simply “How to stay consistent when hope feels thin,” know this—you have the power to change. Something as simple as mindful breathing or committing to 5 minutes a day can be life-altering.

And if I could turn my life around from rock bottom, so can you.

You’ll find that motivation isn’t just about forcing yourself into action. It’s about creating the right environment, forgiving yourself on tough days, and learning what sparks your energy. If you’re still searching for direction, I’m here to help. My programs and coaching are designed to unlock potential and create lasting change.

How to get motivated resources

Here are 12 related resources from ryanzofay.com for the post “My Secrets on How to Get Motivated When You Are Stuck and Feeling Powerless”:

1. How do you find your passion to change your life?
2. Dreaming the American Dream: Zero to Hero Multimillionaire
3. How to Become a Millionaire? Adopting a 9-Figure Mindset
4. Real Life Success Guide to What Should I Do With My Life?
5. Transformative Leadership Inspires Change
6. Blog Archives – Stories of Resilience and Motivation
7. News – Inspirational Speakers That Change Lives
8. Goal Setting Strategies for Success
9. Personal Development Plans to Unlock Your Potential
10. Overcoming Adversity: Lessons from My Journey
11. Mindfulness Practices for Regular Motivation and Focus
12. Cultivating a Success Mindset: Ryan Zofay’s Approach

Here’s My Challenge for You

Motivation isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create. The difference between success and failure isn’t talent, luck, or intelligence. It’s the ability to stay driven when most people give up. So don’t just read this—live it. Find your bigger purpose, stack daily wins, and refuse to let setbacks define you.

Choose one tip today. Implement it. Whether you take that small mindful moment, check off one “fun” task, or permit yourself to pause, I want to see you move forward.

We can rewrite your story together—one small win at a time. This is your time. Let’s get after it.

Warmly,

Ryan Zofay

Entrepreneur | Motivational Speaker | Resilience Advocate