3 ways I'm *intentionally* getting out of a RUT

when motivation disappears, what keeps you moving? in this video, i talk about how i’ve been rebuilding momentum after a dark season by focusing on meaning instead of mood. when happiness feels elusive and motivation is unreliable, meaning becomes the bridge that carries you forward.

through my own recovery process — including hospitalization and healing — i’ve realized that lowering the bar, checking in with myself, and reframing “i’ll be happy when” into “i can be fulfilled while” are small but powerful shifts that help me feel grounded again.

key takeaways

meaning beats motivation: when happiness fades, anchor to purpose. even small acts of awareness or care can create meaning.

make meaning from struggle: the hardest seasons aren’t wasted — they often expand your gratitude and perspective. ask, “what did this make possible?”

the timer trick: set short intervals (15–60 minutes) to pause, notice what you’re doing, and ask, “is this contributing to my future self’s stability?”

reframe your self-talk: replace “i’ll be happy when” with “i can be fulfilled while.” it shifts focus from outcome to process.

lower the bar to rebuild self-trust: meet yourself where you are. doing a little consistently is more powerful than aiming high and stopping short.
reflection prompts

what’s one small source of meaning you can lean on this week?

how could you make your current routine more fulfilling while you wait for motivation to return?

where might you need to lower the bar so you can prove to yourself you’re still capable?