Draining

[Meow I'm a Cat]

Does anyone else get that absolutely draining feeling when you're forced to do something you don't want to do? That complete lack of motivation as soon as you feel pressure to do something. There's this project I really don't want to do, and every time my mom or teacher says something like "You have to get it done, time is running out" I just feel even less motivated to do it. Please say this relates to you.

[xcriteria]

Yeah, I know that feeling. I think part of it comes from a sense of having no control, and not understanding the purpose behind a task. If I understand the purpose of something, even if it's a benefit to another person, that helps.

But, when it's just forced for no understandable reason, I know that draining sensation. I usually find energy by beginning to ask why, and think about how to address the "why" using some other approach. For example, if it's supposed to teach a lesson, maybe there's another way to learn that lesson that makes more sense.

What's the project?

[Ky]

That's how I feel interacting with people.

[brainiac3397]

Usually I feel the drain when the sloth in me awakes. At that point I just want to watch films or TV shows on my PC/Phone and barely want to hold the phone while watching. Usually a nice hot large meal replenishes my energy...

[Meow I'm a Cat]

I have to read a biography (I hate biographies) and answer certain questions about it in a presentation. It's really easy and simple, but I just don't have the energy to do it. Everyday after school I want to eat, go on the computer, sleep and nothing else. But nooo I can't do that.

[James Comey]

I know exactly what you're feeling. Feel sloppy, slouchy, drowsy, can't speak clear, been there done that. I never feel motivated to do these particular assignments, I get bored by them and do something else far more enjoyable.

[154bmag]

I call it "Zombie mode"

[Christian Hellhound]

I feel this every time I have to go to school. ):

[xcriteria]

I realized at various points when I was feeling that way (usually due to school), that it's better to find sources of inspiration rather than getting weighed down by that draining feeling and doing nothing.

It can help to read and write about something interesting instead. If you can, alternate between the tasks... do something you find energizing, then spend a some time on the other task.

Can you use any biography? If so, maybe there's one that you might find interesting? Find a bio about someone who is dealing with what you are with forced homework, or something.

In general... there are sometimes ways to make the most of an assignment, or even negotiate doing it differently. Turn it around and critique school or do something else you find interesting. I wrote one college paper about my motivational conflict about writing the paper and the fact that I was learning more outside of school than in it.

Then I dropped out... but I did get the paper done.

But yeah... find things that do motivate and energize you. Learning to make presentations can be a good skill... there are lots of ways to use them to make points you want to make. Getting anyone to pay attention is another story, but why not start with something?

[brainiac3397]

My zombie mode is often just "detaching" from the environment around me and getting real sucked into my own thoughts. I basically dedicate more focus to my thoughts, and my body is run by my involuntarily controlled mechanisms