We’ve all been there – those days when the to-do list feels impossible and even the smallest task feels like climbing a mountain. You know you’ve got things to do, goals to reach, people relying on you… but the drive just isn’t there.
It’s a common experience, especially for women running businesses while juggling family life, health, and everything else that comes with showing up day after day.
Losing motivation doesn’t mean losing direction. Sometimes, it’s your brain and body’s way of asking for something different — not necessarily rest, but a reset.
Over the past few months, we’ve been talking a lot within the Mums At Work community about how to work with your energy, not against it. One of the most helpful reframes has been this: when you’re feeling demotivated, focus on productive actions that feel light. Not the pressure to “catch up” or push through. Just small, manageable wins that give you a sense of movement again.
It could be something simple, like tidying a drawer, going for a short walk, or refreshing the ‘About’ page on your website. These little acts aren’t just busywork – they help you feel back in control. They clear mental clutter, spark new ideas, and remind you that progress doesn’t always have to be dramatic to be meaningful.
What’s worked for some women in our network is switching their focus from outcomes to inputs. In other words, instead of forcing yourself to finish a big project, just start by doing something useful – even if it’s just 10 minutes of planning, unsubscribing from spam emails, or organising your digital files. These actions create momentum. And momentum builds motivation.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve pulled together a free resource that’s been getting great feedback. It’s called 30 Productive Things to Do When You’re Feeling Demotivated, and it’s full of practical, no-pressure ideas you can pick from when your usual spark is missing. Each suggestion is designed to either gently lift your energy or make space for fresh thinking – without overwhelming you.
Think of it as a toolkit for those fuzzy days when you can’t quite find your footing but still want to feel like you’ve done something that moves you forward.
For more tips like this – and to find your next small win – download the guide HERE
And if you’re craving connection or just want to be in a room (or Zoom!) with people who get it, our Mums At Work networking events are always open. You don’t have to do this alone.
