Hi bpcyclist. Motivation issues have been ones I've dealt with a lot, in the past. I have learned a few strategies that help.

* Creating "To Do" lists. However, the best way to approach this, for me, is to mark the items that are "minimum" and "ideal". When I write "minimum", I mean something truly doable. Very often I accomplish more than that minimum, and so I let myself celebrate that. I don't put myself down for not doing anything more than minimum. If I do less, that's still OK. If possible, it's good to have someone you can send updates to. In my case, during those rough times, I'd send emails to my husband saying "I unloaded the dishwasher and put a load of clothes in the washer." As the good hubby he is, he'd give me kudos and cheer me on. I'd send more updates, as applicable. Real motivator. If you don't have such a person, there's always us here at PC. I think there even used to be a thread for this.

* One of my old therapists used to tell me to put tasks into perspective. For example, she'd ask me "How long, at the longest, does it REALLY take you to unload the dishwasher?" I'd think, and realize it only takes about 5 mins. That fact can motivate me because the task then looks less intimidating. Also, very often after doing it, I'd load the sucker, wipe the counters, and maybe even do something else. The point is to get the body "into action". Once it is, it's easier than expected to keep it in action. Sometimes combining such tasks with going to the WC would help. I mean, you're already up, right?

* When I'd really tire or dread more tasks, I'd forgive myself if I stopped them. Take a rest. Maybe set an alarm to go off that would have a "snooze". Perhaps after pressing "snooze" five times, I'd actually FINALLY get up and into action.

* Assuming you have loftier goals than ones above, there is always picturing yourself doing something. So you're on the sofa and you say to yourself "I really wish I had the motivation to ride my bike for at least 5 miles. Or 10 miles, as an ideal." So on the sofa, you imagine yourself getting up and getting on the bike and riding your favorite route. Imagine seeing a swan along the way. Or a bald eagle. Smile to yourself. See yourself maybe going the extra mile. See yourself returning home and being happy you rode.

* Treats - We're not literally kids anymore, but there is the kid in us. Umm, you can always tell yourself that if you do X (pay the electric bill) or Y (scrub the floor), you'll allow yourself to go get ice cream and not regret it. I'd pick rum raisin or pistachio. Or go whole hog and get chocolate with Reese's peanut butter cup blend-in. Mmm!

* Countdown - I'm going to do it! I'm going to get up. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 LIFT OFF!!!!!!

* Music and singing - Here's a really cheesy sucker straight from a frat house during my freshman year at college (Technotronic's "Pump Up The Jam"). "Get the party goin' on the dance floor! Make My Day!"


Do the dancing above, but while doing so, imagine yourself tripping the light fantastic with your favorite hot actress/singer. Jennifer Lawrence? Beyonce? Jennifer Lopez? They're great dancers! Whoever you like!